I was standing on a playground near Rock Creek Park, nestled up against the woods. It was mid-day, and the sun was bright, casting yellow light on bright green leaves everywhere. I slowly turned to my left, and standing nearby in a copse of leafy trees was an imposing horned figure, his face in shadow. His horns or antlers arched high above his head, and he was draped in a blood-red robe of come kind. Seeing him, there was a half-second of hang time, of total silence, and then his presence pushed so powerfully on me that it shoved me out of my dream and into wakefulness. It was like a psychic hand-grenade went off when I looked at him.

Who was he? Pan? Cernunnos? Herne? Some other horned god? What does he want from me? Why did he show himself to me?

I am sure many of you have heard of silent retreats. Often buddhist meditation (Vipassana) and Zen meditation is done in silent retreats. You can gain many interesting insights during a silent retreat. Here are some experiences from people who has done such retreats:

10 Days of Silence (A silent Meditation Retreat)

Unplugged: My experience at a silent retreat

I will definitely be doing a silent retreat in the near future.

Some time ago I started thinking that it would be interesting to do practices which involves not seeing. I have done some ashtanga yoga while wearing ear plugs  and being blind folded and this is an interesting experience. I started thinking about what it would be like to do a meditation reatreat in complete darkness. Of course I am not the only who had thoughts about this. When I looked it up on the net I found that darkness retreats though not as common as silent retreats are done several places in the world. You can read more about darkness therapy in the article “Darkness Therapy Totally Explained”

Here is a story “Light of Darknes” about a guy who did a several week long darkness retreat.

I will write more about silent and darkness retreats as I learn more about them and try it myself. See you (not)!

Dan Brown has been widely criticised. Some of the criticism has been justified, and a lot of it hasn’t. Whatever one might think of The Lost Symbol, it is, for better or worse, a typical Dan Brown book.

The book is a sequel to Angels and Demons and the wildly successful The Da Vinci Code. Once again, Harvard professor Robert Langdon unwittingly becomes involved in a crisis of international proportions, but this time he doesn’t travel to Europe to uncover secrets within the Catholic church. This time, he discovers some of the potentially world-altering secrets of Freemasonry while dealing with a madman who has kidnapped his friend.

The strong points of this book are the same as in all of Dan Brown’s books. It is a pageturner, fast-paced and with many short chapters that will keep you reading on to find out what happens next. It deals with an organization that many people view as mystical and secretive, while actually trying to view the case from both sides.

The weak points, however, are also the same that unfortunately weigh down all of Dan Brown’s books. The actual language is surprisingly bad for a former English teacher. Things that are obviously just speculations on Brown’s part are presented as fact, more or less. In the first two Langdon books, it was easier to overlook this, because the story itself was actually interesting and – at least to some extent – breaking new ground. At this point, we have read two Langdon books and know what to expect. Also, the Freemasons have been treated so extensively before that there is really not that much new ground for Brown to break.

The thriller parts of the book are exactly what you would expect – no more, no less. What really annoyed me about it, however, was Brown’s apparently superior attitude and his tendency to use the book as an opportunity to preach his own views about religion and the philospophical meaning of the concept of “truth”. In itself an interesting discussion – but not in a work of fiction. Unfortunately this very badly hidden agenda ended up overshadowing the actual story and thus, to a large extent, spoiling my enjoyment of the book. Especially the ending was a big letdown and left me wanting a “real” revelation, rather than the philosophical rant I got.

Of the three Langdon books this is definitely the weakest so far and, like both its predecessors, the story is probably better suited for film than for the written word. Let’s see what Tom Hanks & Co. can do with it. Hollywood leaving out the religious commentary and focusing solely on the action might actually be an improvement.

The Lost Symbol (2009) by Dan Brown. 528 pp. hardcover. Listed for € 14.49 on play.com

This dialogue series, Brother Wayne Teasdale and Ken Wilber discuss the advent of an integral mysticism in the postmodern world. Reflecting on their own spiritual experiences, the relation of science to spirituality, the lives of the great inter-spiritual pioneers, and how youth culture is revitalizing the mystical traditions, Brother Wayne and Ken show how an integral perspective can bring the revelations of mysticism into everyday life. In so doing, we learn to give fullest expression—as parents and professionals, students and seekers—to the Mystic Heart in each of us.

If, as historian Arnold Toynbee put it, the introduction of Buddhism into the West “may well prove to be the most important event of the 20th century,” we might also argue that the re-discovery of the contemplative roots of Christianity will be equally important. And as we enter the 21st century, it stands to reason that the recognition of a common mystical ground between Buddhism, Christianity, and the other World Religions will be the most important event of all.

At the recent 5-day Integral Institute seminar on Integral Business Leadership, Ken Wilber was asked, by a senior Zen teacher, “What do you think of the Republican convention?”

I tend to find myself agreeing with Nick’s commentary on the nature of God and how to pursue holiness. He left it on today’s David Horowitz Quote of the Day:

2009 November 29

Nick Chagouris permalink

The most challenging of these questions emerge when after one agrees to seek, he considers the Nature of God. Is God an impersonal spirit of “order” in the universe? Or is God more? Is there a God personal to me with Whom I can have a relationship?

Here is where people begin to bristle. You will see it. Many get angry at the mere suggestion. They are lost kids, who think they know.

“We don’t know one millionth of a percent of anything.”
- Thomas Edison

If there is an all knowing God, would he/she/it make it impossible for him/her/it to be known by His/Her creations? That makes little sense.

I submit that all is mere speculation and cannot be proved intellectually. Searching for God with the intellect is like searching for the sun with a flashlight.

God must and can be “experienced” through a 6th sense that He installed in all of us. That sense becomes atrophied due to lack of use just like our others. Therefore, we must exercise – practice.

We know God through INPIRATION only. Inspiration literally means “God Breathed.” In-Spirit-ation. Through our vital 6th sense. We are not whole with merely 5 senses.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

It is through stillness of the mind body and emotions that we are Inspired which is where all true creativity comes – through God.

The mind, body, and emotions CANNOT be still whn they contain certain things, such as lies (dishonesties), selfishness, fear, and anger. This is the problem of ours and every generation. We do not know how to rid ourselves of these things, and in today’s world, some our encourages and celebrated. This is an evil. To encourage blocking of the spirit.

When a person successfully empties these obstructions from his self, there is temporarily no ego (self) that blocks him from union with God.

Ego is the conscious feeling of separation from.

We are not separate, but all connected. We are a part of evrythingness. Our ego insists we are different, unique, and separate.

This is the great lie of the ego.

People wrongly think they must get good to get God, but instead we must get God to do good.

The Truth, which will indeed set us Free, is that we are One with God and the Uni-(One)-verse. There is no separation other than our perception.

Interestingly, from the Anglo word “Hal” these other words are derived”

HALLOW
HALLOWED
HAIL
HEAL
HEALTH
WHOLE
WHOLENESS
HOLY
HOLINESS

May we all find our path that leads us Home.

//

I had been thinking about a post describing the difference between Eastern and Western thinking.  So far, I’ve only managed to touch on it in earlier posts.  Today, after arriving back home I discovered the following post by Fr. Ernesto.  It covers just about everything I thought necessary on the subject. This is a most helpful explanation, and I recommend you share it with others.  Orthocuban is his site and found on my blogroll.

Yesterday I received a note from someone thinking about Orthodoxy. In the note he asked about what it means when so many of us say that in order to become Orthodox you have to be willing to “shift gears” or to “change the way you think” in order to become Orthodox. I must admit that we are often unclear when we speak that way. But, in part, that is because most of us cannot put into words what we mean. No, it is not a mystical concept, but rather that it has to do with the fact that the explanation can get a little technical.

It has to do with an old concept called “worldview.” I suspect that by now many of you are saying, “Oh, no, not another person talking about worldview.” But, this is one of the few times in which it is totally legitimate to invoke “worldview.” What do I mean by that? Frankly, both the terms “worldview” and “paradigm shift” became the catch phrases to explain anything and everything. So, every time someone had a difference with someone else, they simply invoked “worldview” rather than simply trying to logically resolve their differences. Throw in a little post-modernist patter, and one could simply ignore any dissonance from the other person.

But, in the case of conversion to Orthodoxy, there really is a difference. Look at your European/Middle East/Russian history. The East and the West sides of Christianity separated over a thousand years ago. The West had begun to change 600 years before the formal split. Rome fell in the 400’s. The Roman Empire was but old history in the West by the late 700’s. History was oriented towards Peppin, Charlemagne, and the beginning of nation states. In the East, nation states never developed until rather late. Meanwhile, in the East, the 700’s saw the Muslim advance that took over all of North Africa, the Middle East, heading out towards India, and up towards Europe in a horned advance, both through Spain and up through Constantinople. Spain fell (except the northwest corner) and the Muslims were turned back in France, beginning 700 years of war to drive them out of Spain. In the East, the Empire was under attack until it finally fell in the 1400’s, but it actually continued to exist until the 1400’s. That is 1800 years of Imperial history in the East by the 1400’s.

Even more important, philosophically there is also a difference in the way the East and the West think. The West, descendants of the Roman Empire, is oriented towards the law. One catches that all the time in the arguments over the atonement. With the law orientation of the West, the whole point is about doing what is legal. For the West, the canons are the law of the Church. But, in the East, canon is one of two words, and it is closer to “principles” than it is to “law.” The East is oriented much less towards the law and much more towards principles of life. Again, one catches this in many of the current political arguments over the “rule of law.” That is a concept that is more Western than Eastern. The East talks about “economia,” the concept that people’s needs need to be considered in apposition to the law.

But, more than that, there is a reason why it is called the Middle East and the “East.” The Eastern part of the empire was always more mystical. The places you catch that in the West are in Spain, which was under Muslim rule for several hundred years, and in Celtic areas. Though many of the Early Church Fathers in the East can write in very detailed philosophical and logical fashion, they do not dwell in logic but their “life” is found in mysticism. It is mysticism that fuel the East. Logical and philosophical argumentation simply helps them to set boundaries against heresy.

Finally, one cannot change worldviews simply by intellectual study. Intellectual study is the solution of the Enlightenment. But, talk to any anthropologist or any missiologist. It takes years to begin to be able to fully understand a different worldview than the one in which you were raised. For some people, it is fully impossible. And, one has to live in the culture in order to change one’s worldview.

So, here is the odd part. One can only become Orthodox by way of an initial decision reached by Western means of analysis. But, to fully become Orthodox, one must learn how to synthesize one’s background with the Eastern worldview found in Orthodoxy. Anything short of that will lead to a truncated Orthodoxy.

Take a look at this amazing video on Youtube. It is both entertaining and also extremely deep and significant. Very moving. Watch it and take some time to reflect on it.

If you don´t know what the term “bodhisattva” means then I recommend that you first look at the video and then look up the meaning of the term here on wikipedia. No comments necessary…

Efforts Underway to Train U.S. Military Chaplains and Personnel in Eastern Mysticism

As a follow up to our recent posting about a new film, The Men Who Stare at Goats, we are issuing this special news report about a project currently underway with US Military Chaplains and other military personnel to receive ongoing training in contemplative mysticism. Those who understand the serious implications of the contemplative/emerging spirituality will likely be quite troubled by this report.

The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society was founded in 1991 and was inspired by retreats led by Thich Nhat Hanh (a Buddhist) and Ram Dass (a Hindu). The Center states that its “intention is ‘not to isolate meditation, but to reflect on the contemplative traditions as powerful techniques that have potential for beneficial change in American society.’” 1 The Center’s objective is to bring meditation into all facets, both religious and secular, of society.

More here:

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=421

Pilgrimage Statistics

Consecutive Days Riding: 48                             Consecutive Days Blogging: 49

Today’s Mileage:  10                                        Total Trip Mileage: 419

Holidays and Holy Days on November 26:

Waqf al Arafa – Islamic observance day during Hajj when pilgrims pray for forgiveness and mercy.

Day of the Covenant – Baha’i celebration of the covenant given in the last will and testament of Baha’u'llah

Holidays and Holy Days on November 27:

Eid al-Adha – Islamic Feast of Sacrifice. The most important feast of Islam. It concludes the Hajj and is a three-day festival recalling Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

__________________________________________________

I hope that everyone has recovered from the Thanksgiving Day feasting!  I would like to start off by apologizing to my Muslim and Baha’i friends for failing to note the significant Holy Days associated with yesterday.  I was preoccupied with getting my posting up so my mother could see it as she visited my sister’s gathering.  I would also like to ask everyone to hold the Hajj pilgrims in your prayers. There has been severe flooding in Saudi Arabia and a many pilgrims have died.

As I ride the bike today and note the mileage and calorie count climb, I am reminded of the simple truth about journeys. One might take a break to replenish supplies and energy, but then you have to get back on the road or risk being overwhelmed with the urge to sit “just a little while longer.”  It felt good to indulge in a feast of celebration but it feels good to return to my bike and the pilgrimage.

I decided to use today’s posting to address an issue I left unfinished from the beginning of this journey.  What the meaning and significance of my Pilgrim Symbol?  During this holiday season I am sure there have been a number of shocked and puzzled individuals who have goggled the term” Pilgrim” expecting to see hats with buckles and the Mayflower.  Instead they found this strange, reclined humanlike figure surrounded by a multitude of foreign symbols. I know this is the case as this aspect of my Blog site is the most consistently reviewed by outside searches! Perhaps it’s time I reveal the meaning of the symbols I used to create the image. 

The Human Form:

1)      Reclining human form – this is representative of the stationary aspect of my journey and the fact that my bike is one you recline into rather than sit perched on the seat.

2)      The contrasting halves to the human form – this is representative of the dualistic experience we often have of our physical body.  It is the source of pleasure (light) and pain (dark), we often celebrate it as the vehicle on our journey but then curse it for the desires associated with it.  The whole mind/body or physical/spirit dilemma is wrapped up in this dualism.

3)      The Yin Yang symbol – this is the Chinese symbol pointing to the illusion of dualism, that they are forces locked into an eternal spinning dance.  In addition, within each region is the seed of the other.  If you look close enough at Life you will find that Death often prepared the way for it. The purpose of this symbol is to pull the viewer out of this illusion to see both as part of a process. Reality is about the dance between life and death, between good and evil, it transcends these dualities. This insight represents an important part of my intellectual philosophy which is why it comprises the figures’ head.

The Wheel: literally represents the wheel of my bike, but is full of symbolic meaning. 

4)      Ouroboros: The snake grasping it’s tail – is a symbol in many early faiths for the cyclical nature of things; the eternal return as cycles that begin anew as soon as they end, like a day or the seasons. The importance of seeing our journey as a series of cycles embedded within each other represents a personal insight that helps me to “keep things in perspective.”

5)      The Zen Circle – represents the entire universe in a single, perfect stroke.  Although simple, it is difficult to paint successfully and thus must be done with a clear mind focused on the task. This reminds me to always strive for mindfulness!

6)      The Buddhist Eight Spoked Wheel – one of the early symbols of Buddhism, it represents the Eight Fold Path, the path towards Enlightment.  Each spoke represents one of the “right” forms of wisdom, ethical conduct and moral development. My youngest son was quick to point out to me that some of the spokes do not touch the outer part of the wheel.  I noted that this indicates that I fall short of following the dictates of all of the spokes.

7)      The Compass Points – are represented by the horizontal and vertical spokes embedded within the circle. A reminder to always check our “bearings,” to look up from our path to ensure that we still on the desired path and not lost.

8)      The Quadrants of a Mandala – the horizontal and vertical spokes also divide the circle into quarters. The teaching Mandala of the eastern faiths (i.e. The Buddhist Wheel of Life) typically has as a structure of a circle divided into four components. This reminds me that parts of the cycles of life may look and feel significantly different, but if you step back, you will see them as part of the whole.

      The Staff: my actual staff is not nearly so straight, but sturdy and bent like the back of an old man.

9)      The Walking Stick – pilgrims throughout the world are often seen with a staff as they prod along on their journey.  As a hiker I can attest to the usefulness of a walking stick; to test the ground before us, to lean on and to anchor us as we climb up and down the ridges and peak along the path.  One of my artist endeavors are Taoist Walking Sticks, wall hangings made from sticks, roots, bones, seeds and feathers.  I find these things on my hikes and nature walks.

A Taoist Walking Stick by StationayPilgrim

10)  Grasping the Staff – the reclining figure holds the staff as a reminder that we can’t make this journey alone, we need support at times, whether that be in the form of words of guidance, encouragement or just a hug to lighten the emotional load.

11)  The Cross – the universal symbol of Christianity.  A symbol of sacrificial love and redemption, a reminder of the “devotional” path to the divine.  For me personally it is also a reminder of my Christian roots, the years of Catholic education continue to form a part of my supportive foundations.

12)  The Prayer Flag Banner – I have talked before about the use of prayer flags in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.  This is a reminder that we carry with us the needs and struggles of those we love know and meet along our path; that every step we take, all of our actions serve to “flutter” the prayer flag, sending these offerings of praise and prayers of request to “the heavens.” Whether in good or difficult times, we should remember those we carry with us.

       The Top of the Staff: The source of illumination and direction

13)  The Chalice and Flame – the symbol for my Unitarian Universalist faith.  Holding high the light of pluralism, love, understanding and acceptance. For me this represents the shared communal knowledge that helps to light my way.

14)  The Godhead – one of the most sacred symbols of Hinduism is the Sacred Om.  It represents not only the sacred sound (mantra), but is a visual symbol of the various states of consciousness (waking, sleeping, dreaming and God consciousness).  In the upper part of the symbol is a small point (consciousness of God) that is separated from the other forms of consciousness.  The consciousness of God is not found outside of us, although it maybe perceived as being outside, but deep within us.  However, our realization of this fact is blocked by or identification with our body and ego. Placed at the top of the staff, it is a reminder of the mystical knowledge and experience that continues to fuel my journey and provide an inner source of light.

15)  Neptune’s Trident or Hindu Trihsula – one viewer noted that the upper portion of the staff appeared to be a trident; a water symbol and representative of creativity.  I hadn’t seen this till she pointed it out, highlighting that symbolic images are always interpreted through the viewers’ eyes and experiences.  In the Hindu faith, this is symbolic of the irresistible force of transcendental reality and of the three powers: Will, Action and Wisdom.  I cannot look at the image now without seeing the trident, representative perhaps of my Zodiac water sign (Pisces) and my expanding creativity.

       Background Features: I did not include these features initially but added them as I began the Pilgrimage recognizing them as important to the process of the journey.

16)  The Disappearing Tracks – the tire and staff tracks; we should travel through life aware of the marks we leave of our passage.  I believe the most important traces are not great monuments, but are how we touch others, hopefully in positive loving ways. Also, I think it goes without saying, we should not leave any road kill (victims) along our path!

17)  The Sky, Mountains, and Water – one of the defining features of Taoism is its use of nature to illustrate the lessons and process of life. An openness and admiration of nature (the growth/beauty and death/ugliness) allows the messages and insights to come to us, and promote the possibility of Nature Mystical Experience.

18)   The Road or Pathway – we are all on a path, heading somewhere.  Some people like a populated path, other prefer one “less travelled.” Some people want a mapped out path, others prefer to make their own. Some people choose the smoothest they can find, others like to “mountain bike” it.  Existentialists believe that we must find our own meaning or purpose in life, that meaning defines our path.  Being a teacher, parent, artist, lover, blogger gives my life meaning. Our meaning has to conform to life’s challenges, like growing old, but it is largely a matter of choice! We choose our path and we can always choose to change it!

One last note before I leave this discussion, concerning the difference between signs and symbols.  Generally speaking signs are denotive, they represent an object or direction. Like a wheelchair figure on the handicap sign or the “danger” message of the skull and cross bones.  Where as symbols are more connotive, they are meant to arouse emotions and maybe representative of something else. Like a swastika, which is a Hindu sign of peace that now evokes a sense of “evil” in the western world. Some signs and symbols have a universal quality and have meaning easily recognized by different cultures, others are unique and a person must “learn” the meaning of the sign or the appropriate emotions and ideas associated with a symbol.

My Pilgrim’s Symbol is meant to be connotive and arouse emotions and thoughts in the viewer.  You may see what I had intended, or as represented by the trident example, you might see things I had not intended.  Are you wrong and I’m right?  No!  I believe that useful symbols allow a person to see what they need to see, present them with some lesson/thought for them to process.  I would only ask the viewer to take an open approach to the experience of the symbol.  If you see more meanings then I noted these are potentially useful personal insights!  If you pull back in horror or out of rejection, these are potentially insightful personal reactions!

B”H

Because what is a mitzvah? Connecting the Finite to the Infinite. The physical to the spiritual. The mundane to the holy.

Revealing Havaya in Elokim.

Whether it’s one of the 613 or one of the 7, a mitzvah is a mitzvah. It’s an act that connects; it’s an act that reveals. What does it reveal? His desire. And it’s His desire that creates and sustains all worlds.

We humans are the vessels through which He actualizes His Desire.

What a gift.

Ani

B”H

“Similarly, in the analogue, in truth, it is possible for every person to appreciate a revelation of the inner dimensions and essence of the Or Ein Sof, that the name Havayah will shine in a revealed manner within his soul. This is accomplished through avodah, divine service, toiling with both body and soul to remove the concealments and veils until one comes to a revelation of the inner dimension and the essence of the Or Ein Sof which is above the external level that serves as a source for the worlds to come into being. [I.e., in the analogy, it is not merely the passage of forty years of time, but rather forty years of strenuous labor, dedicated to discovering the inner meaning of the teacher’s wisdom which is hidden in the allegories he used. Similarly, regarding our avodah, we must dedicate ourselves to the task of trying to appreciate the nature of the mediums with which G-d fashioned our framework of existence. By perceiving of them as channels through which G-d conveys His light, we can merit the revelation of a light which transcends this entire limited framework.]“

- Rebbe Rashab, Maamer וידעת

Because all existence has its source in שם Havayah as revealed through שם Elokim. Because both names are expressions of the Essence of the Or Ein Sof. [I.e. Yidden come from Havayah, Noachides come from Elokim... ultimately, that doesn't matter. Both express the Essence in a different way].

Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

Ani

www.idanraichelproject.com

Lyrics:

Shanim kulam borchim,
shanim kulam chozrim,
Rodfim achrei hashemesh,
Shvuim betoch ma’agalim,
kulam mesubachim,
Az mah at od cholemet,
Shanim hem mastirim,
shanim kulam yodim,
Even mitapechet,
Baleilot uvayamim kulam kvar medabrim,
Lama at od nisheret…

Adif larutz laeish,
lidrosh lo livakesh,
Mimah at mifachedet?
Ein ma lachsov shehu omer,
ein zman yafeh yoter,
Hevi et hayom…

Shanim hem shoalim,
shanim lo makshivim,
Somrim hakol babeten,
Ze mitztaver v’ze gover
v’ze basof gomer,
Al mah at medaberet,

Adif larutz laeish…

Yotzei sheat tamid shoteket
Aval bifnim ze bo’er v’nisraf hakol,
Kol hamilim she ne’almo
Timtze’i otan bachalomot shel acherim…

Shanim hem niftachim v’nisarim sgurim,
neachazim baruach,
Kol ason rodef acher,
ze ba ze medaber,
Chozrim l’petza hapatuach…

Adif larutz laeish…

Yotzei sheat tamid shoteket…

Shanim kulam borchim,
shanim kulam chozrim,
Rodfim achrei hashemesh.

Translation:

OTHER PEOPLE’S DREAMS

For years everyone flees,
for years everyone returns,
Chasing after the sun,
Prisoners inside cycles,
everyone is involved,
So what are you still dreaming of,
For years they all hide it,
for years they all know,
A stone is turned over,
In the nights and the days everyone is already talking,
Why do you still remain…

Better to run to the fire,
to demand rather than to beg,
From what are you scared?
There’s nothing to think about that he says,
there’s no time more beautiful,
Bring the day…

For years they ask,
for years they don’t listen,
Keeping everything in the stomach,
It piles up and it gets stronger
and in the end it finishes,
What are you talking about,

Better to run to the fire…

On the outside you are always quiet,
But inside it burns and consumes everything,
All the words that disappear
You will find them in the dreams of others…

For years they are opened yet remain closed up,
held by the wind,
Every tragedy chases differently,
it comes it speaks,
They return to the open wound…

Better to run to the fire…

On the outside you are always quiet…

For years everyone flees,
for years everyone returns,
Chasing after the sun.

Translation by Mark Hafter of Wilmette, Illinois, USA. www.hebrewsongs.com

Enter the Labyrinth

by Mike Oppenheimer

Let Us Reason Ministries

Walking the labyrinth has become a popular spiritual exercise across the country and around the world. I first read of it in Leadership Magazine, a Christian publication and became a bit concerned, since looking into it further I’m definitely concerned.

Labyrinths are said to been used for over 3000-3500 years (depending who you ask), accurate dating has been difficult. We are told by those who promote their use that Labyrinths are ancient and have been a part of the sacred landscape through human history. Those who use the labyrinth describe them as a pattern with power and a purpose. They are called “divine imprints,” that symbolize an archetype of wholeness. The Labyrinth is said to encourage healing, clarity, and peacefulness. There are claims of profound experiences as they affect the people who use them by connecting them with the deepest part of themselves. Labyrinths can often have a particular “specialty” in healing, improving ones health or alleviating symptoms of certain diseases.

More here (note picture of labyrinth at Eastern Mennonite University):

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=390

B”H

הו רוצה חסד

He desires lovingkindess.

And I have no patience with people.

Used to be, back in my hermit days, that sometimes I could barely breathe for love of my fellowman. Every person I saw was the most beautiful thing in the universe, every person was a perfect part of the Master Plan, every person was an entire world unto themselves. I saw the way we’re supposed to see – the perfection and Divinity behind and within all things.

That went away. It was my own fault. I asked for it. I asked to be anchored here. I asked to be tethered, so I wouldn’t float away. I asked to be solid so I could move things in this world. Before, I just passed through everything. I did not have the ability to be in two places at once: I couldn’t be in the crippling pleasure of There and still exist here at the same time. Not the way I was meant to exist here. Not if I was going to do the work I was meant to do.

So, here I am. Doing what I’m supposed to do. Affecting density and affecting light in the world. And as I roll rocks around and dig in the dirt here, I’m always looking up and looking back to connect with those days when I still hovered above all this, those days secluded away from the rest of the world, in excruciating pain, in excruciating pleasure, and seeing those things that everyone is supposed to remember. Those things that everyone will eventually remember.

יי אחד

That the Infinite is One.

Ani

What is “soul care”?

Soul Care: New Term, Same Ol’ Thing

Contemplative terms always seem to be changing. What is called one thing today may be exchanged for a new term tomorrow. A relatively new term for “Spiritual Direction” is “Soul Care.” In Biola University’s Masters program, Spiritual Formation and Soul Care , the program “trains leaders in soul care to be spiritual mentors, directors and teachers who will assist others in their journey of growth in Christ and His body.” This program incorporates contemplative experiences and “Soul Care Practicum.” Clearly Biola sees a relation between soul care and contemplative spirituality.

Where did the term Soul Care come from anyway? In the late nineties, contemplative and New Age promoter, David Benner, wrote a book called The Care of Souls, and then later wrote one called Spiritual Direction and the Care of Souls. Thomas Moore wrote Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life , and there are other books with similar titles. Nearly all of them promote spiritual direction and contemplative spirituality.

More here:

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=451

Who else uses the term “soul care”?

*Eastern Mennonite Seminary:

Seminary Provides ‘Soul Care’ to Community
http://www.emu.edu/seminary/features/spiritual_direction.html

*Mennonite Church Canada:

Soul Care: How to Plan and Guide Inspirational Retreats
www.mennonitechurch.ca/resourcecentre/ResourceView/2/5876

*Willow Creek:
http://www.growingleadership.com/healthysoul/speaker.asp

These are only a few of the well known Christian organizations and seminaries who are using nice sounding new terms to cover up the muddy waters of contemplative spirituality as they lead blind, hungry and thirsty sheep over the bridge to Rome.

The purpose of this blog is not to spread rumours or tell secrets, but to expose the deception behind the blending of spirituality and mysticism with Christianity. For example, not only has Jesuit spirituality infiltrated some evangelical churches (see Muddy Spirituality at Circle Drive), it’s been rumoured for quite some time now that there is Freemasonry within some Christian & Missionary Alliance Churches of Canada. But is this true?

It’s no secret that there are secret Masonic handshakes:

Secret Handshakes
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/codex_magica/codex_magica08.htm

So why is there a secret Masonic handshake symbol pictured on the front page of the website of a Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Alberta, Canada?

See URL:
http://medhatalliance.com/

More information about whether secret Masonic handshakes and Christianity are a good mixture or not can be found here:

Secret Masonic Handshakes, Passwords, Grips
And Signs Of Blue Lodge Masonry
http://www.ephesians5-11.org/handshakes.htm

FreeMasons -VS- Christianity DEBATE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha6aVozPSmg