Knots and Nerds

Interesting that we are socially keeping more to ourselves lately. Becoming a familiar example of the nerd. Caught up in science and searching for answers in databases and yet we find ourselves feeling lonely. We feel more comfortable at a desk living for our work and solving the puzzle of the day. We may not even care what others think as we dress to our own taste and comfort. Most of the time I personally prefer sandals to sneakers except when shooting hoops my favorite past time.

The other day a friend asked me to go to the temple with him. He is a hindu and I always wanted to visit a temple and this was a great opportunity to meet others beside people shopping in the mall. I used to be a regular church goer mostly to be with other people and share a peaceful time of prayer and meditation. Then found myself losing time to work eventually missing sundays to a demanding job, corporate America does not respect quiet time , products must ship if you want to stay employed. It also seems we live to work rather than work to live. After a time felt like just another cog in the wheel a type of abuse.

The typical nerd - I did not even work for the money at times forgetting to cash paychecks for several months until my wife would find them in a drawer. Truly often forgetting to count the first button one side of the collar a little higher than the other noticed after half a day went by. As long as the data was flowing and the end users were happy my day was complete.

So my friend invited me to a temple , a hindu temple which I had never been. Already having an established relationship directly with God through the teachings of Jesus  at least felt comfortable in my faith. After all God was not lost , omniscient in every particle of light and molecular energy - certainly not lost.

So why do people go to the church if not to find the un-lost God that is everywhere we look throughout creation in the visible and unseen. Why would I go to the temple with my friend we both agreed God is everywhere , it was not to find but to unwind. The many knots twisted in our consciousness needed to be unwound. To greater experience the consciousness and light around us these knots had to be dealt with. Whether we became twisted by our own habits or by chance it did not matter. As a nerd it was difficult to even care about knots , I was lucky to tie my own shoes or button a shirt properly.

Deep in my consciousness once I faced off with the primordial self this was written in earlier blog entries. That was a major knot to overcome. The other knots included pre concepts that were taught to me as a child. I was not exposed to meditation practice or a deep concern for life. I ate at fast foods and was not aware of glucose or monosodium or all the things organic. Even unaware of the spiritual world around me. I did not care about non-christians even though they were humans the same as me. There was no real sense of unity with others a sort of oddness.

The knots eventually became untied - I felt peaceful assured - blessed assurance . My circle seemed to expand as did my consciousness. No longer felt odd or indifferent  toward others, though unique as a human learned we are all a part of this reality we call life. We learn to appreciate each other no matter how difficult it may seem.

Anyway the knot I was now facing was not anything so complex actually rather simple. It was the hybrid knot. I had become so attached to technology missed the warmth of the spirit. Found myself habitually going to a search engine or querying a database rather than googling should have sought first the place we call the kingdom of God, or to the buddhist the Pure land. To the hindu Nirvana and to some just a place of inner peace. In terms of awareness the consciousness which seems to reach to the cosmos. Yes - perhaps I could undo that knot at the temple.

I have not gone yet and will let you know how it went in the next post. I am sure many already have found peace out there and a lot of joy - just occasionally deal with the knots.

Peace.

Earl.

The Hybrid Human

Since the beginning of human evolution the storage capacity of the human mind has always been limited. We eventually had to reason a single human brain needed to network with other humans, then eventually with machines. We have evolved to a hybrid society of humans and machine. If we have a question we ask each other and sometimes search archives of computers networked in the web or internet. As we advance even more human interaction and even more machine interaction.

I thought about the pendulum  of interaction switching more in the direction of machines. They seem to become more tolerant of our questions easier to access than other humans. 

Capacity of the brain is limited some are blessed with a greater capacity than others however in all cases it is limited. When we reach the limit of capacity we rely on communication or networking. Before machines or computers we searched a different realm the consciousness. This realm is still being explored for it is limitless. 

There will always be consciousness regardless of how we utilize our brains or extend the network to machinery or computers. We ourselves are just an extension of consciousness - we can communicate verbally or through airwaves or through consciousness. 

One of the principles that I hold similar to some Zen thinkers is that there are no mysteries. Nothing is hidden , and as the apostle Paul had said we see through a glass darkly- he also goes on to say then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Even as also I am known--- What Paul is saying is that he is a part of something greater. He by himself sees darkly when he faces the fact that he is only a part of this greater life force of intelligence things become clear. This is how knowledge is acquired by sharing and the amazing truth is there is what Jesus stated, I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life. He clearly understood the life force and wanted to share this with us. 

The buddha also explained this life force to his followers the buddha nature is explained to be the fundamental life force in the cosmos. Christ nature is the light of the world , the light of life.

The Hybrid Human is networked through  machinery and technology. Even with all this technology the   hybrid finds themselves depressed and empty. They have lost touch with consciousness  with the life force. Einstein also realized this would happen as did Max Planck father of quantum physics.

"All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force... We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent Mind. This Mind is the matrix of all matter." - Max Planck

We are one -part of something greater than ourselves. 

John 14:20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

This realization is that we are all one and the same , whether we call ourselves christian, buddhist or taoist , jewish or any other religious surname. Whether a scientist , a philosopher , a pagan or gnostic we are one part of a life force of much greater magnitude.

This is peace not division - unity. I loved the way Max Planck expressed this about the Mind being the matrix of all matter. I will state this in the past 40 years in computer technology - certified as an information specialist - trained for decades in storage technology , computing and databases. Developed solutions for many of the fortune 500 companies belong to user groups of members from all over the world China, India, Germany, Brazil, Canada etc, out of all my life experience seek first the kingdom of God, the greater life force. For to me this mind often spoken of as the mind of Christ is far greater more satisfying than the Hybrid we are facing today.

I am not saying the Hybrid is evil or technology is evil - it does not replace the consciousness. It should not be the first place we go - seek first the inner light , the kingdom of God. The mind of Christ , if you are a buddhist the nature of the life force. If you are a scientist the consciousness or a philosopher the Mind matrix. We have to come to the realization there is something greater than ourselves that our minds are connected and we are only a part. Within each part is the code of the whole nothing is hidden there is no mystery. 

Peace

Earl.

Q&A

Some have all the answers - it seems. They have an answer for everything.

In life you will find the most successful  persons are the ones with all the questions.

Socrates was known to answer a question with another question. This made the student think for to him the process of thinking was more important than giving a canned answer.

Questions are really quests - they are an adventure. More likely what if's? or possibilities are far more interesting than the old cliche it is what it is! Pooh that is the lazy answer to most anything. Maybe it is not what it seems is the better answer or things are not as they appear to be!

Q&A is a learning process not the beginning or the end.


Earl.

Cha Cha or Chant

Cha Cha is a phrase I will ping for spiritual dancing. Many religions include dancing as part of their ceremony from American Indians to Hindu or even biblical figures have danced before the Lord. It is an expression of joy and movement. Much more exciting than sitting in a pew for hours or just standing and singing. Dancing has been a part of spiritual revival since the beginning and will often accompany music. We hear a lot about stillness and quiet as with all activity there is a time for everything.

Chant along with meditation chanting is often used in eastern religions. We also see it in American Indian culture. This is something I practice on occasion to loosen the mind - to some it may seem like a loose screw ha ha ! What are some of the chants beside a popular Ommm which starts with a deep breath and rolls vibrantly off the lips. Thinking of the creator omnipotent and omniscient. We have a sense of praise. Hallelujah is a type of chant often used in Christian worship or praise. You can make your own custom chant whatever is pleasant sounding and to your own taste.

Last week trying some custom chanting to see what effect it had. Almost sounded like a sha nah nah or 50's musical however it was where the spirit led me. Whatever your beliefs are try mixing in some chants to spice up worship. How many times have we been on a long car ride and find ourselves singing jingles like row , row , row your boat or Do re mi fa so la to do voice exercises. These are all outlets for the mind much better than taking an aspirin for stress.

Cha Cha or chant mix it up there is a lot of energy in spirituality that needs to be expressed.

Praise and Peace,

Earl

Mad Scientist

 It seems curious that many of the religious icons in the bible were once considered mad.

2COR 5:13 So if we were crazy, it was for God; if we are sane, it is for you. apostle Paul.

and David acted insane in the old testament. We often hear the the term mad scientist  examples being Tesla and Einstein, and in the world of philosophy Socrates the greatest philosopher was once considered mad. Here we have just a few examples one a religious one , one of science and another of philosophy. All of these have one thing in common - the mind. Pushing the boundaries of the mind - can alter reality or produce an altered state. We read about the life of Tesla who was a great thinker often referenced thoughts of universal peace and took a few months of his life to study the bible.

 We as humans benefit from these great thinkers as they expand their consciousness. We have religious thinkers from all faiths that have contributed to humankind. We also have those great philosophical thinkers often at their own expense and demise have made great contributions.

 Then we have the mystic that seems to be alone - yet they are connected to everything. The mystic journey often will bring one to edge of sanity and some will recommend a companion or director to keep them in touch with reality. They deliberately push the mind into altered states to reach certain understanding such as truth or light. This understanding can come at a great price which we are given freely. In Christianity it is said faith reaches for understanding. Just as the scientist reaches for a theory or understanding of the natural world and sometimes the invisible. The philosopher may analyze something for days or even years before reaching a conclusion.

 So though one may appear mad or insane perhaps they are just on a discovery or reaching for the truth.

'the most beautiful and most profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical.  It is the sower of all true science.  He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead.  To know that what is impenetrable to us really exists, manifesting itself as the highest wisdom and the most radiant beauty which our dull faculties can comprehend only in their most primitive forms - this knowledge, this feeling, is at the center of true religiousness.'

Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

 I would consider myself more of  mystic than a traditional christian often trying to explain experience in a way others would understand. To me God is spirit a light that brings understanding and nothing is hidden there is no mystery just lack of understanding.

Peace and Happiness,

Earl.

Expression and Suppression

 We have feelings brought on by inside and outside influence. Feelings are often tied to emotions.

 We need to note there are some days feelings will overtake emotion. Recognize feelings are influenced by inside and outside stigma. That means you need to have something inside to overcome the outside influence. This is being in control of your environment. Learn to suppress feelings when outside influence is not healthy or productive otherwise your credibility is lost.

 When having what seems like a good day learn to turn that into expression. Expression is art , it is creativity, it is musical - energetic and wonderful. Perhaps pick up a guitar or musical instrument. Maybe you have a woodcraft or knit blankets. To some it can even be spiritual.

 Once met a man who believed in bio-rythyms and studied all these charts to find out what days would be good ones and which would be bad ones.  We also hear the gypsy tales about were wolfs that become a wolf when the moon is full. Then there is astrology when there is a certain alignment of stars various events will happen. 

 Our feelings can be controlled by outside influence tied to emotion in many unexpected ways. The key to happiness is to have something inside to be stronger. It is said the kingdom of heaven is within.
We also need to know when to suppress our feelings and when to express them. This is often called anger management which without an inside influence is useless. Management of our feelings and thus emotions takes practice and above all understanding.

 Learn to breath properly by practicing breathing inward and outward at least 20 minutes a day. This is necessary to fight off toxins in the body and other influences. You will learn eventually to calm or suppress your feelings and avoid irrational behavior. This may sound too easy. You say the doctor prescribed a pill - perhaps it cost 5 dollars for each pill when all you actually needed was to practice breathing. Use the money instead to buy a good meal and enjoy it with a friend.

 You have a choice when to express and when to suppress , you also have a choice to keep a little heaven inside for the hard times.

Peace and Joy,

Earl.

Image of Christ

 We often think of the image of Christ as the portrait of the bearded man in the front of the church. In contemplating it would be different for each of us. To the Catholic or Lutheran one of many saints - men and women representing various life lessons and works of faith and charity. To many it could be a mother or father that have been examples of a life well lived. We are all called to be living examples of Christ. Whether you are a Jew, Catholic, Hindu or of any other faith or religion.

 To me Christ is for all not just a few. We all should strive to be more like Jesus or one of the many examples not only in the dead but the living. Realizing the truth is in us does not mean living in fantasy or in a virtual reality. It just means to face reality with a forgiving heart, a kind thought. To make a conscious effort to live a more purposeful life.

 When we speak of the image of Christ - that image is represented in all creation. In all the living not just the dead. We should also look for that image within. Instead of looking for the evil or the weakness. Look for your strength whether it be artistic or athletic. We all have strengths , we all have some ability to glorify Christ.

 There is much more than that portrait of the bearded man than most realize. To someone first visiting a church it may seem counter productive to hear gossip. We should represent that image of Christ as much as anyone that had gone before us. Many times it seems we can fall to our knees and admit failure. Then we must also build on our strengths and get off our knees. If we are able to walk - walk with Christ. All have ability and capability, there is not such thing as disability with Christ. I have a son severely handicapped and still he shows a smile and thank you.

 Often remember it is good to be with others and become a part of something. There is strength in a congregation of believers, there is strength in a common good.

Peace and Love.

Earl.