Now I know what I’m seeing and hearing, but I don’t get the exact significance of it. You cannot really study money today without studying magic, since that’s the foundation of the system that we are presently dealing with. This is even more poignant considering ideas related to creating money out of thin air, such as fiat currency and fractional reserve banking. It’s just a re-hashing of the alchemist’s aim to transmute lead into gold (literally speaking), matter into spirit (allegorically speaking) or nothing into value (financially speaking).

So what does the crocus mean in this context? Damned if I know! According to lists of ritual herbs and their associated powers, the crocus is used in bringing about love and prophetic dreams. Some crocuses are harmful, but others such as the saffron crocus is edible and healthy. It just seemed a strange term to use when referring to these tidbits. Maybe it’s just a reference associated with our journey into spring. I’m kind of wondering who’s realizing the love and prophetic dreams associated this flower’s bloom. That’ll teach me not to be a chronic channel flipper.

Having already been stumped on crocuses, I probably shouldn’t attempt to decode mustard seeds. It’s a Biblical reference to faith (Matthew 17:20), but as most Biblical concepts makes its appearance in other religious and spiritual systems. To complicate matters, there are black mustard seeds (used to confuse and trouble enemies) and white mustard seeds (used for protection and healing). And to up the conspiracy content, there just happens to be a secret Order of the Mustard Seed (with its own secret practices and alleged hidden agendas). My previously consulted list of herbs and their magical properties say that mustard and mustard seeds are useful in hexing, gaining power and performing mental magic. The same questions abound about mustard seeds as are lingering about crocuses, but I can’t divorce myself from a euphemism a relative once used for mustard seeds being some other type of seeds.

The point of the matter is that there are symbols abound everyone. Those in the know about the symbols will be able to access the fine nuances and hidden meanings of things. Or, you can be like me and drive yourself insane by thinking an innocent comment about flowers is a prelude to actions by nefarious powers. It’s up to you which path you choose, I guess.

The fact that I’ve spent about thirty years of my life not having a clue that Ash Wednesday or little cross smudgies existed baffles me. During my formative years, I lived down the street from a Catholic Church. Geez! And to top it off, lots of denominations celebrate Ash Wednesday in this way. Maybe I’ve only lived in neighborhoods filled with “bad” Catholics. Or maybe its just me. I’ve never had any previous religious affiliation that actively promoted this ceremony, but Ash Wednesday’s on the liturgical calendar of at least some Gnostic denominations, such as the celebrations and holy days of the Ecclesia Gnostica. Since the gist of the remembrances associated with Ash Wednesday seems to be repentance, and I have a lot to repent for, I may give it a try. Or maybe not. I’ll start by reading Reverend Steven Marshall’s homily for Ash Wednesday and then maybe consider it for next year. And if I don’t decide that I’ll get much from Ash Wednesday, at least I’ll remember it and not be weirded out too much when Ash Wednesday comes around next year.

I actually thought about falling back on my marketing coursework and creating a marketing plan for God (and thus God’s followers). In the end, religion needs to serve the needs of individuals (the customers in this case). I don’t think my views would be that popular, since I would have to make a decision as to whether God is evil (the God of Chapter 1) or good (the God of Chapter 2). Either way, you can find some usefulness to the customer, I guess. My official stance is gnostic in nature, that God is good and any entity that has to write a book saying he is God (while killing off most of his creation) is the Devil.

The whole thought of another marketing plan makes me think of two things. The first is the “What Would Jesus Do?” movement from a few years ago. I’m sure that benefited someone who really asked that question. Other than loving God and loving others, it always seemed nebulous as to what the answer would be, notwithstanding amazing revelations from the Jesus Seminar. The other thing that I think about is an episode of the cartoon, King of the Hill. In that particular episode, Bobby gets all hooked up with Christian musicians, skateboarders and overly cool youth pastors. Christianity appeared really fun, something that a teenage boy would totally love doing after school. But in the end, Hank pulled out a box containing items from all the fads that Bobby embraced, warning Bobby that he didn’t want God to be put into that box. Eh, I guess it’s more poignant if you are a Christian.

While I’m not joining the “I Pledge God” movement officially, I would like to take a shot at an unofficial pledge:  I PLEDGE TO MAKE GOD THE ISSUE… by not trying to name something that cannot truly be named or by not limiting something infinite to an “I believe in God” soundbite.

Amen.

This paper was originally presented by Anirudh Kumar Satsangi at the 2nd World Congress on Vedic Science at BHU, Varanasi on February 2007.

Yoga (Application) which was based on the control of the body physically and implied that a perfect control over the body and the senses led to knowledge of the ultimate reality. A detailed anatomical knowledge of the human body was necessary to the advancement of yoga and therefore those practising yoga had to keep in touch with medical knowledge. (Romila Thapar, A History of India, volume one).

I suggest : Mind and brain are two distinct things. Brain is anatomical entity whereas mind is functional entity. Mind can be defined as the function of autonomic nervous system (ANS). It is claimed that mind can be brought under conscious control through the practice of meditation. But how? ANS is largely under hypothalamic control which is situated very close to optic chiasma (sixth chakra or ajna chakra). Protracted practice of concentration to meditate at this region brings functions of ANS say mind under one’s conscious control.

ANS is further divided into parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS). On the basis of these facts I have discovered a mathematical relationship for spiritual quotient (S.Q.). Spiritual Quotient can be expressed mathematically as the ratio of Parasympathetic dominance to Sympathetic dominance. PSNS dominates during meditative calm and SNS dominates during stress. In this formula we assign numerical values to the physiological parameters activated or suppressed during autonomic mobilization and put in the formula to describe the state of mind of an individual and also infer his/her level of consciousness.

Meditation is the art of looking within and science of doing nothing. We don’t use anything in meditation. We just try to concentrate to meditate at some point in human anatomy known as ‘chakra’ in Indian System of Yoga. The current of mind is flowing outward through the senses and unconsciously. The mind comes at rest gradually through regular practice of meditation. Then comes self realization and enlightenment. Protracted practice of meditation under qualified guidance will help to manage all sort of psychological problems.

Emotional Quotient can also be expressed mathematically as the product of I.Q. and Wisdom Factor. E.Q. stands for Emotional Quotient. An intelligent person may not be wise. But a wise man will always be intelligent. An intelligent person having certain level of positive emotions can be said as wise. An intelligent person lacking wisdom will turn autocrat. A wise man will always be a democrat who respects others existence.

Some may raise doubt that how could be the Wisdom quantified? The answer is simple -if Mental Age of I.Q. can be quantified then Wisdom can also be quantified, of course, comparatively with more efforts. Wilhelm Stern had given the formula of I.Q.. It is, Mental Age/ Chronological Age x 100. Spiritual Quotient (S.Q.) leverages both E.Q. and I.Q.
Radha Soami Faith is a branch of Religion of Saints like Kabir, Nanak, Paltu, Soamiji Maharaj and others. You may call It a New Wine in Old Bottle. We should not expect any miracle overnight.

In this discussion, it appears, that experts from various disciplines are participating someone of course from psychology. He /she can understand my views more clearly.

Maslow has given Hierarchy of Needs. At the top of it is need for self-actualization or self-realization.

In our society we should learn To Live and Let Live and help to satisfy others need. When the lower order needs, physiological and sociological both, are satisfied then only a person think to satisfy need for self-realization in true sense. Else he/she may spend all his/her life to satisfy at the most the for self-expression instead of self-realization.

It is, therefore, the duty of every responsible person, at the least, of our society to give serious thought over it.

For the satisfaction of need for self-realization i.e. establishment of harmony of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness we need following three things:

1. Mater or Guru (A Self-Realized Soul)
2. Secret of Levels of Universal Consciousness
3. Method for traversing the path.

Please also be sure to read the first paper in this series and add comments in the appropriate post. It was posted here as Guest Paper #1: Gravitation Force is the Ultimate Creator.

Also be sure to tell me if you like the concept of occasional guest posts and contributors. I’d be curious to see if that if something most folks are interested in.

This paper was presented by Anirudh Kumar Satsangi at the 1st International Conference on Revival of Traditional Yoga held at Lonavla Yoga Institute, Lonavla on January, 2006.

From Scriptures: (Prem Patra by His Holiness Huzur Maharaj)
The Current which manifested in the beginning of the creation is the Current of Sabda (Sound) and of Chaitanya (Consciousness). From whom that Current issued forth is known as Soami (Supreme Being). This Current, by turning back can merge again in the Holy Feet of Supreme Being. The entire creation manifested from this current and is sustained with its energy and when the Current of the Holy Feet is withdrawn, the creation ceases to exist.This Current of the Holy Feet is the Reservoir of all energy, tastes and pleasures, knowledge, skill, shapes, forces and light etc. etc. and of the entire creation, is also the Creator of all of them.

From Science:
Gravitation Force is the cause of manifestation of the creation (birth of planets, stars), its sustenance and when it is withdrawn towards centre or source the entire creation ceases to exist. Photons have originated from gravitons. In black holes photons merge into gravitons. In Black Holes, Gravitational Force is so high that it does not allow even light to escape. What does it mean then? It simply means that the gravitational force at black-holes attracts light towards it with much greater velocity than the speed of light. In fact, all forces including electromagnetic force, material force (strong and weak nuclear force) all merge into gravitational force in black-holes and becomes one force there and when the creational process starts again from a Black-Hole all the forces appear (manifest) again and descends downwards to create billions of stars, planets, satellite, asteroids and various life forms.

Hence it can be assumed that the Current of Chaitanya (Consciousness) and Gravitational Wave are the two names of the same Supreme Essence (Seed) which has brought forth the entire creation.

All cosmological researches should be conducted keeping in view of the following philosophical facts:
It has been stated in Bible (John I-1) “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,”
Mohammedans hold that God uttered ‘Kun’ (i.e. ‘Came into being’) and the creation came into being (Holy Quran, Sur. Bakr (II.117).
In Chhandogya Upanishad it is written “Tadaikshat bahu syam prajayeyeti” (VI-2-iii) i.e. “It thought (desired) Would that I were many! Let me procreate myself!” The Aitareya Upanishad says,”Sa ikshat ‘lokannusrija’ iti (I-1-i) i.e. “He bethought himself (desired) – ‘Let me create worlds’, etc. etc.
It is written in Chapter VII of Srimad Bhagavadgita : Sri Bhagwan said, “Arjun, now listen how with the mind attached to Me and practicing Yoga with absolute dependence on Me, you will know Me in entirety and without any shadow of doubt” (1). I shall unfold to you in its entirety this wisdom alongwith the Knowledge of the qualified aspect of God, having known which nothing else remains yet to be known in this world (2). Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, reason and also ego; these constitute My nature eightfold divided. This indeed is My lower (material) nature : the other than this, by which the whole universe is sustained, know it to be My higher nature in the form of Jiva, O Arjuna. (4-5). Arjuna, know that all beings have evolved from this twofold Prakriti, and that I am the source of the entire creation, and into Me again it disappears.(6)
The Radhasoami Religion also tells that, the ‘Word’ mentioned above is in fact Current of Sound or Current of Consciousness or Prime Current of Spirituality which was issued forth from its Source, or Creator or God. This Current has later on produced light and other forces. The scientists are discussing these days about dark energy which constitute about 96% of the entire universe which is not known to us. Only 4% part of the universe is known to us by all scientific means. In fact this 96% invisible portion of the universe is the vast expanse of spirituality which can be designated as field of gravitational waves in scientific terms. Visible portion of the universe (4%) consists of consciousness (gravitational force), mental force (electromagnetic waves) and material force (strong and weak nuclear force).
Body = Nuclear Force (weak as well as strong)
Mind = Electromagnetic Force.
Consciousness = Gravitation Force.
According to Radhasoami Religion the whole Universe can be sub-divided into three grand divisions viz.
1. Region of Pure Spirituality
2. Region of Subtle Maya
3. Region of Gross Maya
Nuclear forces dominate Region of Gross Maya (Gross Material Region), Electro-magnetic forces dominate Region of Subtle Maya (Subtle Material Region) and Gravitational Force dominates Pure Spiritual Region.
This is the only Truth which can be verified scientifically and can be termed as ‘higher theory for everything’. This also supports the statement of Sir Sahabji Maharaj that ‘the goal of science – Truth; the goal of philosophy – Ultimate Reality; and the goal of religion – God’ are the three names of same supreme essence.
Many things are common between Current of Consciousness and Gravitational Wave.
1. Current of consciousness can not be seen by any means and gravitational wave can also not be seen.
2. Current of consciousness is the weakest force on earth. Its strength goes on increasing on higher regions. Gravitational force is also very weak on earth and strong on Sun and even more stronger on black holes.
3 Tendency of both current of consciousness and gravitational waves are towards their source or centre.
4. Current of consciousness and gravitational force are both regarded as the creater of all the celestial and terrestrial bodies of the whole universe. They are also sustainer of these and when they turn back towards their source or centre the whole universe will collapse.
Hence it can be assumed that the source of current of consciousness and gravitational wave is the same i.e. God or ultimate creator.
This theory is based on scientific deduction. In scientific terms it can be said that the ‘gravitons’ are the elementaryparticle which was issued forth in the beginning of the creation accompanying with sound ‘Radha’
Many views on the Origin of Universe are available. Most popular view is that universe was born with a big-bang from a highly dense energy point. But I have some different view on it. I think the universe was not born from a concentrated point or ball like structure but it has been evolved from an infinite vast expanse of field of gravity. Philosophically or religiously we may call it field of consciousness or spirituality.
A great flow of current of gravitation force descended down from this source and has created many regions of pure gravitation force below it. This was the creation for quite some time in the first phase of the creational process. In the second phase, with a Big-Bang, when the current of gravitation force further descended down then electromagnetic forces and matter (weak and strong nuclear forces)manifested and the entire universe of the second phase was completed with the admixture of all the forces viz., gravitation force, electromagnetic forces, and matter (weak and strong nuclear forces. The completion of the whole cosmos in two phases was also hinted in one of the speeches of Prof. J.V.Narlikar some years back. When the process of creation of universe reverts back the matter merges into electromagnetic force and then finally electromagnetic forces merge into gravitation force and nothing remains except field of gravity. The cycle of universe completes like this.

Tell me what you think about this paper in the comment field of this post.

As a Gnostic, I believe in a clear delineation between the world of spirit and the world of matter. Gnostic scriptures say there is a spiritual realm that existed since before the creation of the physical universe. The spiritual is the reality, the physical is an illusion (or in this case, a hologram). While some may be unnerved by the claim of being a part of a hologram, clearly there is no conflict between this particular scientific theory and many spiritual belief systems (especially Eastern religions and Western mystical traditions). I’m sure other religious belief systems with extensive focuses on cosmology will likely welcome further study of the universe.

H/T:  Delaware Libertarian and Kids Prefer Cheese

This movie reminded me of something I read online once about the three ways a person can approach life. I wish I could remember EXACTLY where I saw it so that I could properly cite the author. I just hope I’m not ripping off anyone of a supernatural nature, especially someone who could exact magical vengeance in defense of their intellectual property. Anyway it was about the ways people can approach life. There are roughly three ways to do so.

First, you can just let things happen to you. Be reactive all the time. Be afraid to the point of being completely immobile. Crave sedation because looking inside yourself is just too tough. Or instead, you can take matters into your own hands before someone does something to you. Attack others, steal from them and continually seek to exploit other’s weaknesses. Let fear, hate, anger or whatever overtake you in this pursuit. Either of these approaches add up to the same state, one of slavery. Either you are a slave to yourself or to your situation.

Second, you can be aware of the outside world. Develop a keen focus on what’s going on, but know what’s going on inside yourself as well. From this self-knowledge and understanding of external realities, you make a judgment. Then, you act. Without infringing upon other’s ability to be free, you then stretch out your will to change the world around you. This way may be viewed as the way of the magician, the wizard or the occultist.

Finally, you can rise above whatever you’re experiencing — suffering, hunger, pain — almost like it’s not even happening. It’s mind (or spirit) over matter. To this person, the world does not exist — it is all a dream from which to be awakened. This is the way of the mystic or ascetic.

Like anything in life, I suspect it’s up to every individual to determine how they will approach life. I also suspect most people are actually in one of the variations of the first state of slavery. While some may falsely view slavery as safe, the other approaches are also filled with great danger. Rising above things can lead you to lead to self-centeredness and the forsaking of opportunities to love others and pass on any wisdom gained from enlightenment, while changing the world to match your vision of the way it should be can lead to the path of predation and disregard for others freedoms.

I think I’ve tried all three ways at various points in my life. In hindsight, the first twenty years seemed to be a time of just reacting to things. Childhood seems to be a perfect complement to slavery, right? My “old age” and failure at previous attempts to change the world to be some kind of Shambhala has made me a bit more pre-disposed to following mysticism as of late. Get in touch with myself, God or some combination thereof, then living in this world might be bearable. Whether this is my final state or just a brief retreat before a transition to another approach is yet to be seen though.