Would you take basic human rights away?
Current mood: productive
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Dear Friends,

I'd like to think that if I ask this question to anyone in the United States the answer would be a sound and even aggravated NO. Unfortunately, this is not the case. There are in fact thousands that are saying AND voting YES to such a question in the upcoming election in the state of California.

Proposition 8 is an initiative state constitutional amendment on the 2008 California General Election ballot, titled: Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry. As simple as that: "Eliminates rights."

I thought the idea was to move forward. I thought everyone is supposed to be equal under the eyes of the law. But then I remembered that the law is made by human beings, and truth to be told, we have many prejudices clouding our judgment when making decisions.

This is my two cents.

We have no right to impose on others how to live their lives and this is exactly what this proposition does. Many things have been said about this amendment and I have yet to hear a single valid argument to pass it.

I shudder to think that such amendment could be passed. I find it even absurd. But this is the world we live in and we have to push for what is correct despite irrational and unfair views and perspectives. People have a natural tendency to fear change (which is truly ironic since everything in the universe IS change), and the right for any human being to marry another is as basic as the right to live. Otherwise, how can we truly say that we are free?

Those in favor of passing this revision of the law have used many false and misleading tactics to have constituents voting in favor of this amendment. They have gone as low as to suggest that children will be corrupted as a result of voting NO on prop 8. A reminder to those who are not as informed: This is a revision of a law that ALREADY exists, the one that talks about the right to marry and this amendment has nothing to do with the educational system or curriculum.

Others bring up religion. I could mention the separation between church and state, but it is evident that the two are not completely detached from one another. However, it has been refreshing to see that many religious leaders from different faiths across the state have opposed the measure.

We are facing, yet again, another cornerstone in the struggle for "equality and justice for all." We have taken many steps forward and occasionally many back. But we have to continue moving forward nonetheless. I for one wish that the right thing is done is this upcoming election. We are so very capable of doing what is correct, and taking people's rights away is not.

Thank you for reading.

NO on Prop 8.  

**Please repost (especially if you live in CA)**

7:37 AM - 15 Comments - 10 Kudos - Add Comment

Forget 10 steps... become enlightened in ONE step! (Updated with a deeper truth)
Current mood: enlightened
Category: Religion and Philosophy

*** Note: If you already read the first part, you can skip to the bottom. The new segment begins right after the two quotes ***

I might be living in a state of delusion. Well, we probably all do, just in different levels, but I wonder how many people out there have a spiritual practice. That is to say, that they care at least at some level about what goes on with their soul, if they believe they have one.

'Cause I've been doing some thinking (I've made a commitment to do this at least once a week) and it seems to me that what it really comes down to is this thing called 'awareness.'

If you think of spiritual enlightenment as something foreign or unreachable, think again. You may very well already be there you just don't realize it, or mind, and either way is fine. That is to say, it's not something we should be worrying about. A lot of people go about life trying to find 'meaning' to their existences when the meaning is in existing to begin with. The 'answer' is always under our nose.

I think we get confused about the whole thing. We tend to confuse "purpose" with "occupation."

Is your purpose in life to be:

An Architect?
An accountant?
Yoga instructor?
Entrepreneur?
Doctor?
A Shaman?

We are not what we do. We are not our jobs or occupations. We are not the place we were born in. We are not a nationality. We are not what we wear. We are not the music we listen to. We are not… I know, it sort of sounds like a fragment of 'Fight Club,' but he did have a good point though.

I think that to some extent we are kind of aware of this early in life. I feel like this notion was a big part of my life as I was growing up. When I was a child and going into my teenage years not much worried me. All I really focused on was the present time. At some point that changed. I began to worry about the present, the future and later on about the past as well. Too much worrying, if you ask me.

Did I begin to worry because I have more things in my mind?
Maybe because of the influences of society?
Can I blame the media?

I guess there is no right or wrong answer. Our experiences in life are a result of the combination of all the elements that take place in it. And there is a lot of stuff going on. I guess all I'm trying to say is that the important thing in life is, well, life itself!

So, the one and only step to become enlightened is... be. I'm afraid that's all there is to it. I don't care who gets upset because it took them10 years of constant fasting and meditation to 'feel' enlightened, but the truth is that's all it takes.

It is not necessary to go to the tallest Tibetan mountain in our quest for spiritual enlightenment. Why would we? Our spirit is within not in some "special" magical place. Although I will concede wholeheartedly that there are some spaces that lend themselves to peaceful meditations or moments of clarity, all the answers lie within.

If you don't want to take my word for it, I googled "enlightenment" for you and found these two quotes from very reputable (and enlightened!) Philosophers to back up my humble prose:

"There is no enlightenment outside of daily life."
Thich Nhat Hanh

"Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment."
Lao Tzu

For some reason the notion of essence keeps coming back to me. This is why I like meditation so much. This is why I think it's so important for us as individuals to try find some time to be alone in silence away from all external distractions. I really think that this is a fabulous way to get in touch with that part of us that we have neglected so much.

My point was, I guess, that "I" is always there, talk about stating the obvious, and  my friend quoc is right, it has come down to the point in which we "must eventually seek and actualize!" this. 

It's just so interesting to me that what we have to realize in order to be at peace with ourselves is who WE are. It's paradoxical and almost funny if you think about it because: We become who we really are!

Lol.

Thanks for reading!

6:01 PM - 41 Comments - 36 Kudos - Add Comment

New Life
Current mood: ecstatic
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Hi everyone!

I know, I know, I've been unproductive in the blogosphere, but I can assure you there is a perfectly good and valid reason for that. I've been so very busy in the world out here.

A couple of travels (work related), moving to a new apartment (I didn't think it was going to take that much), work load increasing exponentially (I have mixed feelings about this) but more than anything you guys… more than anything, well, check out this song from one of my All-Time favorite bands:

New Life
By Blind Melon

Suddenly everyting is fainting
Falling from a broken ladder's rung
There's a jolt exhilarating from the phone I'm holding
I hear the words of what I'll become

How eager the hands that reach for love

'Cause now there's a new life to behold
And its the biggest part of my life to unfold
'Cause now she's telling me she'll have my baby
And a faithful father I am to be
When I'm looking into the eyes of our own baby
Will it bring new life into me?

Deep inside must defy arrangement
I've been a stumblin' from the startin' blocks 'til now
And I'll always try to justify the way I've been behaving
Should I teach one not to know how?

How to live in a world we live in now

'Cause there's a beautiful life to behold
And its the biggest part of my life to unfold
'Cause now she's telling me she'll have my baby
And a father figure I am to be
When I'm looking into the eyes of our own baby
Will it bring new life into me?

Oh please
Oh please
Oh please

Bring new life
Bring new life
Bring new life into me

Ps. For those of you on the more concrete side of thinking: Yes, I will become a father.

Currently listening : Soup By Blind Melon Release date: 1995-08-15

1:06 AM - 22 Comments - 30 Kudos - Add Comment

Religion Vs God
Current mood: adventurous
Category: Religion and Philosophy

I would like to make a clear distinction between Religion and God. I think it's almost necessary. First off, I would like to say that I reluctantly call this creative force "God" because of the cultural implications and almost intolerable expectations of such a concept. It seems to me that we have to think past our preconceived limited notions into a more inclusive line of thinking if we are to grow as individuals and consequently as a society.

 ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

So, having said this, to me god represents whatever is divine in the universe and our existence. If "divine" sounds too mysterious, let's call it something else. Let's call it marvelous. Because, what do you call that moment in which the first particle of organic matter came to be if not something completely amazing? What about the very moment in which the first cell duplicated itself? What about when the first human ancestors became "aware" and uttered the first words with meaning?

God to me is that which is in everything around and within us. It is that energy that sets all the particles that constitute the cosmos in motion, non-stop and infinite motion. This notion, force, or concept "IS" independently of where we are from, what we are told to believe, or whatever sacred book we read. "God," as we have agreed to call this force, exists, whether we "accept" it or not, and it does so beyond our understanding.

Religion, on the other hand, is to me the dictated way in which a certain culture, sub-culture, organization, tribe, government, or even an individual man wants a specific group of people to believe in whatever god/divinity they advocate.

Call me foolish, but I still have faith in humanity. I believe in the power of the Self, introspection and self-inquiry.

The answers lie within.

11:19 PM - 36 Comments - 21 Kudos - Add Comment

The Flipside of Religion?
Current mood: focused
Category: Religion and Philosophy

I just read that everything a human does is rooted on emotion. Everything. I agree with this to a large extent. There are very few things, if anything, that are not linked in one way or another to an emotion, and thus religion is right up there.

It all comes down to the basics, and I find myself centering in this every time I feel like I am lost in the middle of whatever. We can always go back to the basics and move on from there.

Basic necessities?

• Food, water and shelter.
• Companionship/Reproduction

Or something like this. My point is: if you are a lawyer you need the above. If you are a Doctor, you need the above. If you are a Philosopher, you need the above. After those necessities are met, then we seek intellectual and spiritual growth. See, it's really difficult to think if you are starving and it becomes difficult to reproduce if we don't have a partner. Take something out of the mix and you have an immediate void.

It is obvious to me that religion is filling a void.

People need hope. People need something to "believe in" and this something can be something completely different for everyone.

But imagine someone who has gone trough a lot of stuff. Life has been a constant torment, many bad things happening, life loses meaning and then someone comes along and says something like "Hey, don't worry. It'll be okay. Someone loves you with all the force of the universe. There is something better coming for you. You just have to BELIEVE. And this brings comfort to that wretched soul. That gives him/her hope that things will get better, and then They Do!

How is that person Not going to believe? How is that person who was in such a downward spiral not going to believe when everything became better when they found god? How is that person not going to have faith if when everyone turned their back on them, GOD was there for them! Always believing in them like a supporting father, always willing to listen when everyone else was minding their own business, always there, ever present in all its unconditional goodness.

And how is this person going to react if you try to take this away from them? How is this person going to feel if you tell them that the very cause the found a reason to live is in fact an illusion? How are they going to feel if you tell them right up in their face that they believe in a lie? How are they going to feel if you tell them that there is no paradise waiting for them but a vast ocean of uncertainty?

How?

That we are complicated beings is an understatement. I can see why would someone cling to religion with such devotion. It will be very difficult to have everyone look away from it, especially if we don't have something to offer instead. With religion people have hope, and a purpose. If anyone "takes" that away from them, what are they left with?

Ps. Thanks quoc!

9:27 AM - 60 Comments - 35 Kudos - Add Comment

Here and There
Current mood: animated
Category: Religion and Philosophy

So, I continue to ponder about the essence of the self. My friend and author Charles Sullivan whom I respect a great deal (He wrote the book Top 10 Myths About Evolution be sure to check it out) said that "The problem with trying to understand my nature [my consciousness, self, or personal identity] by going all the way down to the molecular level, is that I don't live on that level. I live on the level of medium-sized bodies. That's the world I inhabit."

He brings up a very valid point. I guess (if anything) that this is but a matter of perception and of course awareness. I don't think we can categorically state that we don't live in the molecular level anymore than we can assert that we don't live in our hearts, or bodies or even brains. It is evident to me that we "live" in all those elements as well, but it is also evident that limiting our core "essence" to them is somewhat of a quandary because, as I said before, these components are in a state of constant change and regeneration, of impermanence, and yet our very core, our identity remains.

This, to me, is remarkable evidence that whatever it is that constitutes our innermost essence exists beyond what we can be readily aware of. We are not aware of all those things because it would probably be too much to handle. It is a way to keep us sane. Can you imagine the information that we would have to process if we were aware of the cells that constitute every single hair we have? Or even our skin? Yet, these too are all part of what we presently "are," but again, they do not constitute our very essence.

I am not suggesting that what goes on in the molecular level and beyond is more or less important than what we are conscious of, but I do think that as an elemental part of our "self" it is important that we become "aware" of it. Maybe, and just maybe this is what it is referred in many cultures as 'Enlightenment,' who knows? One with the universe? Why not? It all comes from the same point somewhere back in time and all that is really happening is that everything is transforming and manifesting in different forms.

What would happen, for instance, if you lost all your memories? Imagine every single thought, experience, idea and memory you ever had was completely wiped away from your brain. Everything. Would you still be you? – And just to be annoying- would your essence be the same?

I think an important part of our identity comes from our experiences, as Charles has so eloquently stated, but how can we deny a "self" that is by all means real, independently of what we see, hear and even live?

This "Self" may be different than the one we are aware of in our everyday as we go about life, but does that makes it any less real just because we are not fully conscious of it at all times?

I think it is a mistake to discount this identity. I think this "identity" is essential (pun intended) in understanding our presence and place in this universe, and this is religious ideals and dogma aside. This is, if you ask me, a very naturalistic approach. I see this as a method that integrates all the different elements of the being, material and non-material, because after all, we are also energy.

Any thoughts?

2:10 PM - 26 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment

My true Self (and yours too)
Current mood: blissful
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Many traditions share a particular mantra that explains our true nature, the very core of our being. This exercise is in it of itself a journey of discovery, should one decide to embark upon it. It goes beyond belief, dogma or doctrines and its sole purpose is to help us become aware of our innermost identity.

This is my version:

I have a body, but I am not my body. My body may find itself in different conditions and states at different points in time. Yet, this has nothing to do with my real self because even though my body changes, I continue to be me in essence.

I behave in different ways, but I am not my behavior. My behavior comes from my thoughts. I sometimes behave inappropriately and sometimes appropriately. In any case, since I am not my behavior this has nothing to do with my true essence. I am beyond behaviors.

I have emotions, but I am not my emotions. My emotions are sometimes negative and sometimes positive. My emotions change as I move in space and time but even though my emotions change, I continue to be me in essence. I Know I am not my emotions. My true nature remains the same despite the different emotions I experience.

I have a mind, but I am not my mind. My mind is a tool for creating my emotions, behavior, and body. My mind processes the information in my immediate surroundings. My mind is powerful, but it is not what I am. My true essence IS beyond my mind and my body.

What am I?

I know all the things I am not. Beyond these multiple aspects is my true self. My body, behavior, emotions and mind may change or evolve, but I still am me in essence. I am a being of pure self-consciousness. I lie ever-present in space and time regardless of all these things, because in reality they are not really me.

My true "I" exists regardless of the different experiences my body goes trough.

I am one with everything around me that can and cannot be seen. I am that which can and cannot be explained. I am that which transcends space and time. I am essence beyond substance. I am with or without the physical manifestations of the self.

I am.

As are You.

5:52 PM - 62 Comments - 18 Kudos - Add Comment

Religion is a Bubble
Current mood: contemplative
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Any discussion/argument/fight about proving which god created the universe will have the same result: No one can provide conclusive evidence that their particular god is the one true god.

No One.

That tells me something. It tells me a couple of things actually.

• We have some innate necessity to connect with a higher truth
• We want to be right.

I'm not sure which one is stronger. It just is blatantly obvious that no god from any religion can be absolute. If it were, everyone from all points in history and from all the corners of the world would be aware of such a god. And this is just not the case.

But, what is it that a person is looking for when they look for God?

I think we look for explanations of that which we don't understand. Whenever something is beyond our comprehension, it is very common to attribute it to a god. It happened in the past as it continues to happen today. When we had no idea where rain came from or how earthquakes came to be: gods. The sun coming up or the moon at night: gods. Reproduction, agriculture, hunting season, war, ocean, love, sky, you name it; there has been gods for everything all around the world.

Relief

I think we look for relief. And this relates to the previous point about getting explanations. What lies beyond our mortal frame is a question that has been asked probably since the first moment we became self-aware. To a certain extent, religion has provided some sort of relief in this regard, but it has come with a price: Judgment.

Judgment

The very idea of a judgment is very ungodly to me. Why in the name of "insert godliness here" would a being that exists in everything that was, is, and will ever be care one bit weather I tell a little white lie or commit a big scale fraud? Why would an all-knowing and ever present creator give a monkey's fart about anyone having issues with mom and dad? Or even better, why would this almighty being request from its creation worshipping and sacrifice? Or else eternal damnation. : /

The Bubble

Yet, many folks around the world will live their whole lives encapsulated in this bubble of belief, never questioning, in fear of damnation, judging and condemning others because we don't see things the way they do, and every once in a while doing an atrocity in the name of their particular god. To what end?

Wouldn't it make sense to stick our heads outside of this bubble and see everything else that is around us? It's very difficult to talk to others from inside a bubble. Sounds are muffled and communication defective from there. It gets even worse if you want to talk to somebody that's inside a different bubble.

One with the universe

We are all connected somehow. We are all sharing the same air, timeframe, existence, and even problems. We have, for the most part, a social responsibility with one another. If anything, we have a moral responsibility with our own family. If you disagree, you have at the very least a responsibility with yourself. Call it whatever you want.

Connecting with a higher being or truth has nothing to do with dogma or doctrines. It has to do with our innermost self. Being one with god, a universal being devoid of creed, has nothing to do with worshipping it in a church, or reading about him in ancient texts. It has to do with truly experiencing it in every action, moment or deed we embark upon. It has to do with living our life.

It has to do with Being.



PS. Thank you Rex.

3:56 PM - 7 Comments - 14 Kudos - Add Comment

I don’t believe in God.
Current mood: blissful
Category: Religion and Philosophy

The reason I say that I don't believe in God is because when people talk about God most of the time (at least in America) they refer to the Judeo-Roman god, who is way too inconsistent and faulty to be perfect being it's painted to be. But this would apply also to any regional deity, idol, or holy being which has had claims of omniscience.

I could go on and enumerate a number of passages where the flawed condition of this god (or other deities) is evidenced, but there are plenty people doing that already around the blogosphere (and they do a really good job at it, I must say). So, I'll skip that stuff and just move on to the next step in this "process," which is just as important as coming to the realization that:

Judeo-Roman god ≠ Absolute god

Having said that, perhaps I should clarify and state that I don't believe in that particular interpretation of god. If the Judeo-Roman god is not the "true" or "right" god than who/what is?

The idea that an all-powerful omniscient god would choose a group of people over another is preposterous. If we are to talk about an all-powerful, omniscient god, (or related concept) it is safe to say that this being would embrace all living and non-living beings, since all we see (as well as that which we don't) is its creation, and in consequence part of its identity.

So, I am not denying the notion of a greater consciousness, a living force or energy that is responsible for everything we see, and that IS everything we see, and that as such we are part of it. It's just that it is obvious to me that this living energy is beyond dogma and interpretations of ancient books. This force that is ever present as we unfold in time transcends religion and cultures and is not bounded by man-made doctrines. We are part of this force; we are existing second after second, minute after minute in harmony with everything that IS because we ARE one with everything.

I am not one to preach, but I would like to extend an invitation to consider these ideas with an open mind and an open heart and see what happens in you. Do it for an hour perhaps… maybe for a whole day… try it for a week, just for kicks. I'd really like to know what you think.

I have faith in humanity and our relationship with the universe or with whatever is divine, and I consider myself to have a very rich spiritual life in which I find a deeper connection with my environment, people close to me, people I never see in my life, and where I find divinity and happiness all around. I just don't repent and ask forgiveness for sins I never committed, and I definitely do not need a "personal savior" to redeem myself.

Redemption comes from within and from being true to your Self.

4:59 PM - 59 Comments - 34 Kudos - Add Comment

The 10 Commandments show the Judeo-Roman’s God Imperfection

Let me see…

2 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery;

The there are other verses where he seems to be perfectly fine with the idea of other having slaves, even though he just freed "his" people, also, if he is the all powerful creator of all, weren't the Egyptians also his people?

3 Do not have any other gods before me.

How would people have other gods if he is the only one? He is supposed to be the all-powerful, omniscient and true god. Why weren't the civilizations all over the world aware of his existence? This to me is evidence that this Judeo-Roman "god" was made up by the authorities back then to gain control of conquered villages and societies. Imagine, they walk into a town –an army- and forcing these commandments in the face of the people. I agree that some are basic kindness and respect, but this one? Or the next: 

4 You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

6 but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Again, more Judeo-Roman gobbledygook to keep the conquered people at bay. How can an all powerful omniscient god be jealous? It makes no sense at all. How can he condemn the children for the "sins" of their fathers? That is not justice at all. That is outright tyranny, even cruelty. It seems to me that in reality, the one true "god" (and I say god for lack of a better term, but we could say the universe I guess, or the pure state of "being") is beyond jealousy, or anger, or hate, or condemnation, all this are man-created concepts, truly nor worthy of a god. And if a god can be victim of these petty human faults, then this god is far, very far, from perfect. 

7 You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.

Whatever he means by this… I know what he means, but really, is this necessary?

8 Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it.

There goes the neighborhood, for one time or the other most people (at least in America) has probably broken this "commandment." And I find it somewhat entertaining that "an all powerful and omniscient god would need to "rest" on the seventh day. I wonder if that still goes on? I wonder if god still rests every seventh day from his godly duties? Oh, yeah, and he freed the Jewish people from slavery, but he is OK with them having male or female slaves. At least he has the decency of giving them a day off.

12 Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

I totally agree with honoring our parents, after all, the are the ones  who give us life.

13 You shall not murder.

17 You shall not covet your neighbour's house; you shall not covet your neighbour's wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour.

It seems to me that this few are but common sense and respect for others, he just went ahead and broke it down in categories, but again, the idea of slaves just doesn't quite make much sense to me…

What say you?

7:17 AM - 14 Comments - 12 Kudos - Add Comment