Home » Archives for November 2013
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Babylon the Harlot, Part 4
Rest in Peace, Sylvia Browne
Read this article by Bryan Farha
http://www.csicop.org/specialarticles/show/rest_in_peace_sylvia
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Happy Turkey Day & Theresa Caputo's Book is Stuffed with Turkey Crap
Monday, November 25, 2013
Dalai Lama: Seek Riches & You'll Never be Satisfied
In a pair of thoughtful, meditative sessions in Louisville, the spiritual leader urged love above all.
The Dalai Lama's second day in Louisville started on a solemn and contemplative note as he began two sessions of teachings at the KFC Yum! Center on Monday morning.
The stage filled with monks and nuns sitting cross-legged in straight-backed postures, their robes of various shades reflecting a diverse group of Buddhist ethnic and spiritual traditions. Tibetan monks chanted Buddhist sacred texts in deep, rhythmic tones, which gradually transitioned to a contemplative solo electric cello performance by Michael Fitzpatrick.
The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists sat cross-legged on a custom-made throne, indicating his status as teacher, beneath a large tapestry illustrating the Buddha and other sacred figures.
Whereas Sunday's gathering at the Yum! Center had more of a celebratory feel and involved a general call for people of all faiths to work toward compassion and peace, Monday's gathering was quieter and had a more specific focus on Buddhism.
The Dalai Lama mixed in laughter and simple lessons along with more in-depth instruction on Buddhist concepts of enlightenment and techniques of meditation. He spoke at times through a translator and at others in his own broken English.
"So, now completed," he said at the end of two long sessions, during which fatigue began to show on some audience members' faces but not on that of the 77-year-old Dalai Lama. "I am hopeful not very tired."
While his direct spiritual authority extends only to Tibetan Buddhism — just one branch among many in the religion — his talk drew many from other ethnic and philosophical traditions. Representatives of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and other branches were on stage.
An estimated 7,000 attended. David Nguyen of California was particularly impressed that a religious leader would be so tolerant of other religions, "how they all get the point across but through different methods."
Magnolia Grove Monastery in Mississippi, home to monks and nuns following in the tradition of Vietnamese Buddhist teacher and author Thich Nhat Hanh, sent a vanload of residents on the seven-hour trip to Louisville.
Abbot Billy Hoang said the Dalai Lama's talk encouraged the group in its goal to "bring mindfulness and peace for everyone."
The title of the Dalai Lama's talk was "Atisha's Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment," a teaching dating back to Tibet.
But before delving into the topic, the Dalai Lama spoke more generally on religion and spirituality, saying people who seek material riches can never be satisfied because they "always want more."
He said any guest to a family's home can sense if there is affection, making it an enjoyable visit even if the family is poor and has little food to offer. And a rich home "cannot produce affection, even if a lot of decoration," he said.
Religions have varying views on such things as whether there is a divine creator, but they share the "same aim, same purpose, to stimulate the practice of love, compassion."
He said he tells audiences in countries that are not traditionally Buddhist that he discourages people from converting to Buddhism, saying it can "create more problems, more confusion. Better to keep one's own tradition."
He said non-Buddhists should take from his talk any lessons that help them grow in compassion, and he urged Buddhists to keep striving in their spiritual practices.
"Through familiarization, gradually it become easier," he said.
He concludes his visit with a talk to students at the Kentucky Center on Tuesday.
See a brief video: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2013/05/20/dalai-lama-louisville/2344393/
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Babylon the Harlot, Part 3
Remembering Psychic-Medium Sylvia Browne
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Gleanings from Jonathan Edwards on the Soul's Experience in Heaven
By Reverend Mark Hunnemann
In October of 1747, at the age of 30 years old, David Brainerd, who was the son-in-law of Jonathan Edwards, died. He was known as an exceptionally godly man, loving pastor, and very fruitful missionary to the Native Americans. Last night I read Edwards funeral sermon for this occassion, and I was so moved by it that I wanted to share some of the main points of his message. Edward's is arguably the most intellectually gifted man ever born in this land, and certainly one of the most godly and annointed of God.
This had to be at least a two hour sermon and was packed with biblical content--alas, I will not be able to quote most of the verses due to space. His text was 2 Cor.5:8..."We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." In this section Paul is explaining why he was able to press on with such boldness and immovable steadfastness while suffering such relentless opposition and torment. Answer: the glories that await us in heaven the moment we die (as with Brainerd)--if we are in union with Jesus Christ--far outweigh the momentary afflictions of this life. Principally, "the souls of true saints, when they leave their bodies at death, go to be with Christ." (Vol.2, pg 27) The sweetness begins as he explains what that entails.
The believer is instantaneously perfected or glorified as they enter the "third heaven" and are in the presence of the glorified human nature of Christ. He piles up biblical references supporting our conscious existence in heaven. In addition, we are reminded of two states of Christ's church--the church militant (still fighting the good fight), and the church triumphant (resting from their labors)--our mutual union with Christ unites all believers of all ages.
"The souls of true saints, when they leave their bodies at death, go to be with Christ, to dwell in the immediate, full, and constant view of Him." (pg. 28) Though we see through a glass dimly here, in heaven the beatific vision ravishes the soul with pleasures and joy unspeakable. The spirits of just men made perfect (Heb.12:22-24) Jesus Himself spoke of His longing that we would share with Him the exceedingly wondrous glory, joy, and beauty in heaven (John 17:24) The infinite beauty of the Lord Jesus will elicit unending pleasures in us which the greatest pleasures on earth were but dim glimpses.
Please remember all this occurs immediately after death, and is only magnified once we attain our glorified bodies (after Second Coming). The impediments of indwelling sin, temptations, and our frail bodies all tended to dwindle vital communion with Christ here, but upon death our union with Christ will burst forth in full flower.
At conversion we are espoused to Christ, but when we enter heaven's palace, the fullness off marriage intimacy begins. The tenderness, closeness, and sweetness of our constant interaction with Jesus is the essence of heaven. Christ shall be "unbosomed" to us and His infinite endearment shall sweep our affections into ravishing pleasure and joy. "Thus they shall eat and drink abundantly, and swim in the ocean of love, and be eternally swallowed up on the infinitely bright, and infinitely mild and sweet, beams of divine love; eternally receiving that light, eternally full of it, and eternally encompassed round with it, and everlastingly reflecting it back again to its fountain." (pg.29) So close are we to Jesus that we partake with Him in His own enjoyment of the Father--which infinitely magnifies our joys and privileges. The Trinitarian delight and eruptions of sheer joy, are shared with us. The angels shall marvel at us and we shall rule over them.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses..." (Heb. 12:1) The church triumphant observes (with no sorrow) their brothers-in-arms still on earth.We (deceased believers) participate in Christ's current reign over the church and the universe."The saints, when they ascend to heaven, and are made to sit together with Christ in heavenly places, and are partakers of His exaltation,are exalted to reign with Him." (pg.30) As kings and priests we reign with Christ over heaven. and earth, and its all inhabitants--visible and invisible. Our hearts and minds are in perfect union/agreement with Jesus and we truly sit in dominion with Him over all. The text above from Hebrews clearly is speaking of departed saints (hall of fame in ch. 11 symbolizing all believers) observing the welfare of the church militant...partaking with Christ in the joy of the advancement of gospel and kingdom of God.
(It is Edward's observations on the CURRENT reign of deceased believers that I found so edifying and glorious)
"The happiness of the saints in heaven consists very much in beholding the glory of God appearing in the work of redemption..." (pg.30). Departed saints have a vantage point which allows them to see the working together of all things, how Satan is baffled and overthrown, and what seems confusing to us they see the excellencies of divine wisdom. It is because of the intimacy of our union with the Lord Jesus that we shall be privy to the divine plan, which angels long to look into. Listen to these words..."The saints in heaven (are now) as much participating with Christ in reigning over the nations, and in the glory of His dominion"...as we shall after the Second Coming. The departed saints are kings and queens over all creation, as we are co-heirs with Christ. Which is why when Jesus appears to slaughter the anti-Christ, we are by His side (Rev. 19:14)
Of course the highest joy of heaven will be our praise and worship of our Creator and Redeemer.The praise itself shall be of excellent sweetness and ravishing to the soul. Whatever dullness of heart we have in worship here shall be transcended in heaven, and the corporate nature of the praise shall only magnify it's pleasurablness. In Heb.2 we see Jesus as the choirmaster leading His Bride in worship of the Father.
In speaking directly of his dear son-in-law, Edwards states...
"...how infinitely greater the privilege of being with Christ in heaven, where He sits on the right hand of God, as the King and God of angels, and of the whole universe, shining forth as the great light, the bright sun of that world of glory; there to dwell in the full, constant, and everlasting view of His beauty and brightness; there most freely and intimately to converse with Him, and fully to enjoy His love,as his friends and spouse; there to have fellowship with Him in the infinite pleasure and joy He (Christ) has in the enjoyment of His Father! How transcendent the privilege there to sit with Him on his throne, to reign with Him in the possession of all things, and to partake with Him in the joy and glory of His victory over His enemies, and the advancement of His kingdom in the world, and to join with Him in joyful songs of praise to His Father and their Father, to His God and their God, for ever and ever! Is not such a privilege worth seeking after?"
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Issue 141 – Cycle Numbers of JFK Assassination / Lorraine Warren & Tony Spera Keep Milking 'The Conjuring'
Myself, my wife & some of my team & friends went to the event called Night of the Conjuring with Lorraine Warren. It was $ 149.00 a person. It stated you get all you can eat buffet, Meet & greet with Lorraine, then watch The Conjuring, then Q&A. Here are the facts:
It was very unorganized when you arrived there was no one at the door to greet you let along show you were to sit. It was a free for all. You would figure when you bought your ticket you would be assigned a table. Not scrambling trying to find a seat with a plate of food in your hand.
Then people were in line to meet Lorraine & get photos taken with her. Well it did not last long. As people were still in line they were told to sit down and watch the movie. Many including myself thought that was very rude.
People wanted to get their books personalized after they bought them there. Some were told look inside she already signed them. REAL NICE.
Then it said there would be a Q&A after the movie. That lasted maybe 30 minutes and they ended it. Once again people were still wanting to meet & talk to Lorraine. Some people did not get the chance as not once but twice.
They had enough people at the table sitting with Lorraine who are suppose to be there to help. Yeah they did a great job of doing nothing but rushing everyone who paid out.
Lorraine is a very kind & nice woman and by in no means am I saying anything bad about her at all. But her staff or team was clueless as to how to run that event. Very poorly done. Very disrespectful to the crowd.
I have run events it's not that hard when you plan it all they had to was give the people what they paid for not rush them. How would I have done it. Easy.
Have people at the door greeting people & showing them were to sit
Show the movie during the meal put one screen at each end. Or play the movie as people were waiting to meet Lorraine who was sitting in the back anyway.
That would have left more time for the Q&A. in the end everyone would have left happy felling they got what they paid for. The messages I got from others say. "I could have bought the movie at Walmart for $15.99."
Monday, November 18, 2013
Medical Advice from the Dalai Lama's Doctor
By Jen Christensen, CNN
December 5, 2012
Dr. Tsewang Tamdin, a world-renowned expert in Tibetan medicine, visited Emory University in Atlanta on Monday as part of his effort to reach more American medical practitioners. He wants to develop collaborative projects between the Tibetan medicine system, which is more than 2,500 years old, and Western medicine.
The little girl told Tamdin she suffered from asthma. She wanted to know if there was anything in Tibetan medicine that could help her get better.
Tamdin, who spoke through a translator for the hour long lecture, immediately switched to English. In a gentle, almost too-soft tone, he explained what might help.
Inhalers doctors prescribe for asthmatics works well, he said, and told her to continue using one if she does already. The inhaler, though, treats the symptoms only. Tibetan medical practice, he explained, ultimately aims to get to the root cause of the problem.
"While others might consider the holistic practice of Tibetan medicine 'alternative medicine' or a kind of side practice, I would like for others outside of our system to consider the Tibetan healing system full-fledged healing," Tamdin said. "Tibetan medical knowledge has tremendous potential to add to modern medicine."
Dr. Tsewang Tamdin
Tibetan practice teaches that people get sick when a person's physical, psychological and spiritual well-being are out of balance.
To restore balance, Tamdin recommended diet and exercise changes for the girl. He encouraged her to get proper rest and to get exercise that encouraged deep breathing, such as skipping or cycling.
He also suggested eating three or four white raisins a day. There is a property in the fruit that helps breathing, he said. But perhaps the biggest sacrifice for a child was his advice to avoid cold foods -- particularly, he said, ice cream.
Another patient who came to him with asthma symptoms would get a completely different diagnosis, Tamdin said. Each patient's disease is treated differently from the next. That's in large part because traditional Tibetan medicine is grounded in Buddhist philosophy. In his training to become a physician, Tamdin also studied Buddhist tradition and astrology.
American and Tibetan doctors have some practices in common. If Tamdin were to have a longer consultation with the girl, he said he would perform familiar diagnostic tests. He would examine her urine sample and take her pulse, but he also would ask questions that would be the more familiar terrain of a psychologist. He tries to find out if a person is angry or anxious or if someone is becoming too self-centered.
The Dalai Lama
"Tibetans believe in our interconnectedness," said Geshe Lobsang Negi, a former monk who is now director of the Emory-Tibet partnership. "When we lose that perspective -- that we are a kind of little speck that is infinitely connected with the rest of the world -- when we see ourselves as the solid, fixed, all-important center of the universe, we call that ignorance, and that means we are vulnerable to illness."
This whole person approach to Tibetan medicine is being analyzed by a number of research studies in the United States. An NIH-funded study is examining the impact that compassion meditation can have on alleviating depression.
Compassion meditation is a Tibetan Buddhist mind training that asks a person to examine why they feel a certain way about someone and then to develop feelings of love and empathy for a number of people that will grow with more practice to include even people they normally dislike.
Studies have shown the medical effectiveness of meditation overall. A 2003 study of mindfulness-based meditation showed enhanced antibody production after someone receives a flu vaccine. Another study from that same year found cancer patients who were trained in mindfulness-based stress reduction showed a boost in their immune system.
And a study this year from Carnegie Mellon University showed mindfulness-based meditation has a far-reaching influence on both psychological and physical health. Mindfulness means being present and in the moment, and observing in a nonjudgmental way.
Negi's 2008 study of compassion meditation showed a reduction in stress-induced immune and behavioral responses. Several other studies under way are looking at the impact of Tibetan treatments on certain viral illnesses and on hepatitis.
Tamdin believes ignorance is at the root cause of all illness.
"If you think about this, it makes sense," Negi said. "For instance, if you believe you are the center of the universe and someone has something you want, you may become jealous and believe you deserve what that person has."
"You may become so jealous," he added, "you don't sleep at night and you will be stressed. Medical tests have shown there is a biochemical change in your body created by a release of a stress hormone. In Tibetan medicine, it is important to recognize the role the mind can play on our own physical well-being."
Tamdin said that modern medicine treats symptoms, but said a patient will never get better if they fail to attend to psychological issues.
"If one does not gain this understanding of selflessness, they won't be able to overcome their ignorance," he said. "One way to look at it is to watch the bird and its shadow. It may fly and fly high into the sky, but it continues to leave a shadow on the surface of Earth. As long as you have ignorance within you -- even though you are enjoying good health -- there is always a shadow of sickness falling upon you. From this ignorance arises three mental poisons: attachment, hatred and delusion." All those will affect energy, he said.
In addition to actual medicine and dietary changes, a Tibetan doctor may also prescribe the patient practice more kindness and compassion toward others -- or that they practice more compassion meditation.
Western medicine is reluctant to accept the Tibetan medical idea that some unexplained illnesses may ultimately be caused by someone's karma or even by evil spirits. The language Tibetan doctors use to suggest that good health is based on the balance of bile, phlegm and wind may seem a little too foreign to modern medicine practitioners.
But the holistic approach to a patient's health -- treatments that involve diet, behavior, prescription of medicine and contemplative practices -- may continue to appeal to physicians after they see demonstrated proof that these kind of therapies work.
"The Tibetan tradition has evolved over 2,500 years," Negi said. "It has a rich tradition that has helped the health of people for many many years.
"His holiness the Dalai Lama was the first to say that these things we believe in should be subjected to scientific tools so we could better understand the human condition overall and help us to better deal with the situation of our own well-being."