The Lessons of Life
If we look at events in our life, we may notice both the consequences of choice or free will plus an element of determinism. That some things happen beyond what we intended. This can lead …
Category: Philosophy
Diet and Liberation
Over on Takuin’s blog, he summarizes the results of a months fast. In the discussion, the question of diet and liberation came up. Many people consider a “pure” lifestyle to be necessary for liberation, with …
Sex and Spirituality
In a discussion on the Self Realization post, one commenter raised the question of celibacy and the spiritual path, suggesting abstinence and many years of continual celibacy were necessary for enlightenment. Until recent times, there …
Stages of Faith
Often on this blog, I’ve spoken of states of consciousness, the evolution of perspective, and the process of awakening. In an apparently unrelated topic, a number of people have written extensively about the nature of …
Understanding the Vedas
In another discussion, I was invited to contribute to an on-line article on Sama Veda. I thought you might find the overview useful. I would not begin to consider myself an expert on Sama Veda. …
The Ramayana
The epic story of Rama has recently come up in several ways. The wise have suggested the story is playing out on the global stage right now. Ravana (ego)(& a certain past president) has captured …
Entitlement
There is a kind of disease that permeates western culture. With our up until recent stretch of prosperity, the disease became almost unchecked. That disease is entitlement. A sense of deserving, simply because of who …
The Spiritual Teacher
In a few posts here, I’ve written about finding a teacher. In his latest newsletter, Nirmala quotes an article on how a spiritual teacher’s role is a little different than a regualr teacher: “In general, …
Forms of Samadhi
First, let’s define what Samadhi means. It is an experience of yoga or union with the Absolute. Oneness. Some definitions use it in terms of practice, but as that is a mental exercise, it cannot …
Nothing Personal
One of the more curious illusions that most people suffer from, literally, is the idea that it’s personal. That anything, or rather everything that happens is about me. Or deserves to be treated on the …
Pearls before Breakfast
An interesting article in the Washington Post on perception, expectation, and context. They took one of the world’s most famous musicians, playing one of the most valuable violins in the world, and had him busk …
Suffer No More
Here’s an Aussie with a little different approach. Went to India but didn’t find a teacher. No tradition and doesn’t pull any punches. “I suffer because I think and because I am true to my …