Via Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 07/04/2015

“Alguns acreditam que a meditação ocorre através de um esforço pessoal, outros entendem a meditação como ausência de esforço. Existem diferentes técnicas e propósitos. Quando uso a palavra meditação, me refiro a um processo de absorção: o praticante é tomado pelo Divino. Ele entra num estado onde se percebe como satchitananda - existência, consciência e bem-aventurança - e se torna uma testemunha passiva. Ele entra nesse estado quando sua mente está completamente serena, assim como um lago calmo que reflete perfeitamente a luz do sol. Somente uma mente serena pode refletir a perfeição do Eu divino.”

“Algunos creen que la meditación se produce a través de un esfuerzo personal, otros entienden la meditación como la ausencia de esfuerzo. Existen diferentes técnicas y propósitos. Cuando uso la palabra meditación, me refiero a un proceso de absorción: el practicante es tomado por lo Divino. Entra en un estado donde se percibe como satchitananda - existencia, consciencia y bienaventuranza - y se convierte en un testigo pasivo. Él entra en este estado cuando su mente está completamente serena, así como un lago calmo refleja perfectamente la luz del sol. Solamente una mente serena puede reflejar la perfección del Yo divino.”

"Some people believe that meditation occurs through a personal effort, others understand meditation as effortlessness. There are different techniques and purposes. When I use the word ‘meditation,’ I refer to a process of absorption: the practitioner is taken over by the Divine. She enters a state that is perceived as satchitananda, existence, consciousness and bliss, and becomes a passive witness. One enters this state when the mind is completely serene, like a calm lake perfectly reflecting the light of the sun. Only a quiet mind can reflect the perfection of the divine self."

Sesame Street: Game of Chairs (Game of Thrones Parody)

Via Daily Dharma

The Self as Process | April 7, 2015 The Buddha’s teaching is highly radical in its break with essentialist thinking, which usually conceives of the 'real' as that which does not change. The Buddha’s view was that absolutely everything was changing and therefore the self was not exempt. As a result, Buddhist thinking conceives of the self as process rather than as a fixed and immutable essence. - John Peacocke, "Investigating the Buddha's World" Read More →

Via Spirit Science

The Impact of Meeting Harvey Milk.

Via Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 05/04/2015

“O seva ou serviço desinteressado é um instrumento de purificação do ego. Por isso, em algum momento nos deparamos com os desafios do processo de purificação interior, e precisamos usar instrumentos que nos ajudem nessa travessia. Tenho dito que a meta principal é despertar o amor, e se relacionar sem machucar a si e aos outros. Porque se puder amar e ser um canal de bênçãos, você estará avançando na iniciação espiritual. Nesse caso, a libertação da mente desejosa e a conquista da morte está próxima. Se você desperta esse amor, você está no caminho, e tudo que precisa chegará por acréscimo.”

“El seva o servicio desinteresado es un instrumento de purificación del ego. Por eso, en algún momento nos enfrentamos a los retos del proceso de purificación interior, y necesitamos utilizar instrumentos que nos ayuden en esta travesía. Vengo diciendo que la principal meta es despertar el amor, y relacionarse sin herirse a uno mismo y a los otros. Porque si puedes amar y ser un canal de bendiciones, estarás avanzando en la iniciación espiritual. En ese caso, la liberación de la mente deseosa y la conquista de la muerte están cerca. Si despiertas este amor, estás en el camino, y todo lo que necesitas llegará por añadidura.”

"Seva or selfless service is a tool for purifying the ego. At some point, we face the challenges of the process of inner purification, and we need to use tools that can help us in this journey. The main goal is to awaken love, and to relate to others without hurting them or ourselves. If we can love and become a channel of blessings, we will be advancing in our spiritual initiation. After taking this step, the release of our mind’s desires and the conquest of death are near. When we can awaken this love, we'll be on our way, and everything we need will come as a result."

Via Daily Dharma

How Clinging Works | April 5, 2015 The most important insight is to understand how clinging works—the nature of grasping and clinging in all its gross and subtle forms. All of Buddhism will open up for you if you understand the nature of clinging, what you cling to, and how to let go. - Gil Fronsdal, "Evaluate Your Meditation" Read More →

Via Wheneftalks: Dear American Christians

April 3, 2015

 

Dear American Christians,

You need to get a grip, and I am tired of speaking to you politely. You are not being persecuted by being required to serve all customers in your store. If you serve all people in your store, you are simply being American.

As a fellow Christian, I can assure you, your faith will not be compromised, and God will not be displeased with you, if you make a cake or a pizza for gay people.



What many of you do not seem to realize is that this move for the “religious freedom” laws is designed to appeal to your basest fears. These bills are designed to do one thing, and one thing only: to make you feel offended and afraid that your faith is at stake. But your faith is not at stake. And if you think it is, then your faith is far, far too weak.

I’m all worked up about this, because of analogies made by State Representative Matt Krause of Fort Worth. Rep. Krause is a sponsor of one of these so-called “religious freedom” bills in Texas.
Among other things, Rep Krause said the following:

“Should a Jewish bakery have to bake a cake for the neo-Nazi convention coming into town? Nobody would say that. Nor would anybody say a gay florist couple has to give flowers to a Westboro Baptist protest at funerals..”

At a time when everyone understands these bills as a reaction to increasing LGBT rights, Krause’s hypotheticals are ludicrous and offensive. It’s ludicrous and offensive to analogize situations where LGBT persons are cast in the place of neo-Nazis or Westboro Baptist.

In fact, this last comparison is head-exploding, given the fact that Westboro is most known for vile protests against LGBT people. To offer hypothetical analogies that casts LGBT citizens in the role of the actual people who actually engage in vile protests against them is ludicrous and offensive, even in the abstract.

Krause, then, attempts hypothetical examples that are completely implausible in the real world to defend a bill that would then become real-world law. And if you’re reading Krause’s comments and thinking, “Well, that COULD happen…” Then you are a part of the problem.

No. It couldn’t. And the fact that you think it can points to the fact that you have fallen victim to the lie that American Christians are victims of widespread and systematic persecution.

A Christian Business owner today, serving the LGBT community,  is not being persecuted for their faith, anymore than Southern Christian business owners were being persecuted when society called them to open their lunch counter.

Oh yeah. And there’s no “War on Christmas” either. (Or Easter).

We Christians are absolutely as free to exercise our faith as we ever have been. We can go to church without fear of being hunted down for doing that. We can pray with our families. Our churches can create clinics, and schools, and non-profits that serve God and the world. And nobody is going to impinge that right in any real way.

So, stop with the being offended. You have no right to be offended if an LGBT person walks into your place of business. Even if you haven’t come to terms with the fact that people can be gay and also be Christian(1), you’ve at least got to remember that Jesus said that little thing about the “wheat” and the “tares.”

I can’t speak for Muslim, Jewish, Atheist, or any other kind of shop-keeper. But I do know, as Christians it’s not our job to separate out from society. Jesus said that.

You want to know what persecution really is? It’s 147 Christians being shot in Kenya. That’s persecution.

Your so-called “offense” at being required to serve LGBT people is an insult to their sacrifice.

And on Good Friday, I will say as a minister of the Gospel that it’s an insult to Jesus’ sacrifice too.

Grow up. Get a life. Be a real Christian. And a real American.

Via UCubed:

Via Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 04/04/2015

“Apesar dos relacionamentos serem o principal material de escola, o caminho espiritual é solitário, e é preciso aprender a discernir com quem você está podendo interagir. Porque chega um momento em que você fica muito sensível e vulnerável às distorções energéticas que te cercam. Porém, alguns encontros são inevitáveis, e é possível que eles derrubem sua energia. Nesse caso, é bom se recolher e ficar quieto para poder digerir o veneno. Esse é o trabalho de um karma yogi. Por onde passa, ele puxa para si as distorções energéticas, transmuta e limpa o ambiente.”

” A pesar de que las relaciones son el principal material de escuela, el camino espiritual es solitario, y hay que aprender a discernir con quien estas pudiendo interactuar. Porque llega un momento en que te vuelves muy sensible y vulnerable a las distorsiones energéticas que te rodean. Sin embargo, algunos encuentros son inevitables, y es posible que ellos derrumben tu energía. En este caso, es bueno recogerse y guardar silencio para poder digerir el veneno. Este es el trabajo de un karmayogi. Donde quiera que vaya, él toma para sí mismo las distorsiones energéticas, transmuta y limpia el ambiente.”

"Despite relationships being our main school material, the spiritual path is a solitary one, and we must learn to discern who we will interact with. There comes a time when we become very sensitive and vulnerable to the distortions of energy that surround us. However, some encounters are inevitable, and they might bring our energy down. If this happens, it’s good to keep to yourself and remain quiet in order to digest the ‘poison’. This is the work of a karma yogi. Wherever she goes, she pulls the energetic distortions towards herself, transmutes them, and cleanses the environment."

Via Daily Dharma

A Trustworthy Friend | April 4, 2015 If you really want to become skillful in your thoughts, words, and deeds, you need a trustworthy friend to point out your blind spots. And because those spots are blindest around your unskillful habits, the primary duty of a trustworthy friend is to point out your faults—for only when you see your faults can you correct them; only when you correct them are you benefiting from your friend’s compassion in pointing them out. - Thanissaro Bhikkhu, "The Power of Judgment" Read More →

Wicked LMAO :: ‘Straight Only’ Christian Indiana Shopping Channel with James Van Der Beek

Indiana Home Shopping with James Van Der Beek and Anna Camp from Funny Or Die

Via Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 03/04/2015

“O karma sempre nos pega de surpresa, pois não temos como saber quando a colheita do que plantamos será realizada. Mas é possível, através do autoconhecimento, tomar consciência do que você tem plantado, e isso é feito através da consciência do que você tem colhido. Colhemos aquilo que plantamos. Essa é uma lei mecânica deste plano. E é esse processo de plantio e colheita que permite a expansão da consciência.”

“El karma siempre nos toma por sorpresa, porque no podemos saber cuándo se llevará a cabo la cosecha de lo que plantamos. Pero es posible, a través del autoconocimiento, tomar conciencia de lo que has plantado, y esto se hace a través de la conciencia de lo que has cosechando. Cosechamos aquello que plantamos. Esta es una ley mecánica de este plano. Y es este proceso de siembra y cosecha lo que permite la expansión de la conciencia.”

"Karma always catches us by surprise – we can’t predict when we will reap the harvest of what we have planted. Through self-knowledge, sometimes the harvest reveals to us what we have planted. We reap what we sow. This is a mechanical law of this realm. This process of planting and harvesting is what allows our consciousness to expand."

Via Sri Prem Baba: Flor do Dia- Flor del Día- Flower of the day 02/04/2015

“Gosto de olhar a vida, a jornada da alma, através da metáfora do jogo. O jogo começa com o nascimento e termina com a iluminação, o mahasamadhi. Nos movemos dentro de um tabuleiro com muitas casas, e cada uma delas representa um aprendizado a ser absorvido. Ao absorver o aprendizado, você tem acesso à próxima casa. Se tem dificuldade de absorver um ensinamento, e dependendo das suas reações (pensamentos, palavras e atitudes), às vezes você precisa voltar e rever algumas lições. É de grande valia saber em que casa você se encontra, ou seja, qual é o aprendizado que a vida está te oferecendo nesse momento, pois essa consciência te ajuda a se mover mais facilmente no tabuleiro.”

“Me gusta ver la vida, el camino del alma, a través de la metáfora del juego. El juego comienza con el nacimiento y termina con la iluminación, el mahasamadhi. Nos movemos dentro de un tablero con muchas casas, y cada una de ellas representa un aprendizaje a ser absorbido. Al absorber el aprendizaje, tienes acceso a la siguiente casa. Si tienes dificultad para absorber una enseñanza, y dependiendo de tus reacciones (pensamientos, palabras y actitudes), a veces necesitas volver atrás y revisar algunas lecciones. Es de gran valor saber en qué casa te encuentras, es decir, cuál es el aprendizaje que la vida te está ofreciendo en este momento, porque esta conciencia te ayuda a moverte más fácilmente en el tablero.”

"I like to look at life and the soul's journey through the metaphor of a game. The game begins at birth and ends with enlightenment, mahasamadhi. You move within a board game that has many houses, each representing a lesson to be integrated. By taking in the learning, you gain access to the next house. Sometimes you need to go back and review some lessons depending on how you react with your thoughts, words and actions. You may also do this review if you have trouble absorbing a teaching. It’s important to know what house you are in, or what lesson life is offering you at that moment. This awareness helps you move more easily through the board game."

Via Daily Dharma

Show It to Me | April 3, 2015 You are telling me thought is limited. Show it to me! Not by talking of memory, experience, or knowledge; I understand that, but I don’t capture the feeling that it is limited, because I see the beauty of the earth, I see the beauty of a building, of a person, of nature. I see all that, but when you say thought is limited, I don’t feel it. It is just a lot of words which you have said to me. Intellectually I understand. But I have no feeling for it. There is no perfume in it. - Jiddu Krishnamurti, "Show It to Me" Read More →

Via Daily Dharma

Concentration and Mindfulness | April 2, 2015 Off the cushion, hours can pass as we sit rapt by movies, cat videos, Angry Birds, and the Kardashians. Every once in a while, these lazy afternoons happen to the best of us. But by bringing together concentration and mindfulness, we’re less likely to indulge in such passive activities and more likely to remain alert when taking part in active ones. - Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede, "Don't Just Sit There" Read More →

My Poem: On the Train to Aalborg

   And now one can safely say
That
   There is no sangha,
That
   There is no refuge there.
So if you can give permission for the natural need in humans to hate
to condemn
   to judge
   to exclude
And yet pretend to be compassionate
and open
  I chose to keep moving.
You see
It seems that it is OK to ignore “Those people”.
Who over time were
   Tortured
   Burned at the stake
   Sent to ovens
   Castrated
   Shocked and lobotomized.
Because you decided that your god decreed it.
And so once again, they want to create yet another culture
That allows for this.
   So I thank you
For setting me free from this delusional mirage
Where because of who the traveler is
or
Heaven forbid
Because of who he loves
  Shall be shut out
  Shunned by you.
You say “begone with you”
I say “ begone with you”
   and I am free.
And now I walk on with the knowledge
that
   I am welcome at
   the next station
   the next refuge
   the next sangha.
Elsewhere.

Aahus, Denmark, 2015

The Baha'i Faith is Homophobic and Unwelcoming to GLBTq People

THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE  

DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT

9 May 2014

Transmitted by email: 
... U.S.A. 

Dear Bahá’í Friend, 

Your email letter dated 11 January 2014 has been received by the Universal House of Justice. We have been asked to convey to you the following. 

You express concern about the challenge Bahá’ís encounter in understanding and upholding the Teachings in the face of powerful social forces influencing public attitudes towards homosexuality. In this connection, you observe that some Bahá’ís are susceptible to the argument that the Faith must change to keep up with what are perceived to be progressive social values, while some others, despite their firm adherence to the Teachings, are unable to resolve the incongruity between the Bahá’í perspective and attitudes prevailing in the wider society. Your thoughtful analysis of the issues you raise is warmly appreciated. 

The contemporary discussion surrounding homosexuality, which began in the West and is increasingly promoted in other parts of the world, generally takes the form of a false dichotomy, which compels one to choose between a position that is either affirming or rejecting. It is understandable that Bahá’ís would be sensitive to acts of prejudice or oppression in any form and to the needs of those who suffer as a result. But to align with either side in the public debate is to accept the premises on which it is based. 

Moreover, this debate occurs within the context of a rising tide of materialism and consequent reorientation of society, over more than a century, which has among its outcomes a destructive emphasis on sexuality. Various philosophies and theories have eroded precepts of right and wrong that govern personal behavior. For some, relativism reigns and individuals are to determine their own moral preferences; others dismiss the very conception of personal morality, maintaining that any standard that restrains what is considered a natural impulse is harmful to the individual and ultimately to society. 

Self- indulgence, in the guise of expressing one's true nature, becomes the norm, even the touchstone of healthy living. Consequently, sexuality has become a preoccupation, pervading commerce, media, the arts, and popular culture, influencing disciplines such as medicine, psychology, and education and reducing the human being to an object. It is no longer merely a part of life, but becomes the defining element of a person's identity. At its most extreme, the doctrine aggressively propagated in some societies is that it is abnormal for adolescents to restrain their sexual impulses, unreasonable for young adults to marry without first having had sexual relations, and impossible for a married couple to remain monogamous. The unbounded expression of sexuality in almost any form is thought to be natural and is accepted as a matter of course, the only limitation being to cause no harm to others, while any notion to the contrary is deemed narrow-minded or retrogressive. The question of same-sex marriage arises not simply as an appeal for fairness within a framework of existing values but as another step, presumed to be inevitable, in clearing away the vestiges of what is regarded to be a repressive traditional morality. 

The perspective presented in the Bahá’í writings departs sharply from the pattern of thought achieving ascendancy in many societies. Bahá’u’lláh states that the knowledge of God is revealed

through His Manifestation, Who has an innate awareness of the human condition and the social order, and Whose purpose is to set forth such precepts as will effect a profound transformation in both the inner life and external conditions of humankind. "No man, however acute his perception," He affirms, "can ever hope to reach the heights which the wisdom and understanding of the Divine Physician have attained." 'Abdu'l-Bahá explains that the human being has two natures, the spiritual or higher nature and the material or lower nature, and that the purpose of life is to gain mastery over the limitations and promptings of one's material nature and to cultivate spiritual qualities and virtues- -the attributes of the soul which constitute one's true and abiding identity. Worldly desire is not the essence of a human being, but a veil that obscures it. Adherence to the Teachings of the Divine Educator refines the character and develops the potentialities with which each person is endowed; it liberates the individual and society from lower inclinations that give rise to the ills that afflict humanity. 

'Abdu'l-Bahá highlights the distinction between the two worldviews outlined above by contrasting "the political freedom of Europeans, which leaves the individual free to do whatsoever he desires as long as his action does not harm his neighbor" with the freedom "born of obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Almighty." "In the religion of God, there is no freedom of action outside the law of God," 'Abdu'l-Bahá concludes. "Man may not transgress this law, even though no harm is inflicted on one's neighbor. This is because the purpose of Divine law is the education of all--others as well as oneself--and, in the sight of God, the harm done to one individual or to his neighbor is the same and is reprehensible in both cases." Thus, for Bahá’ís, just as the development of a strong and healthy body requires adherence to sound physical practices and disciplines, so too, the refinement of character requires effort to act within the framework of moral principles delineated by the Manifestation of God. 

While Bahá’ís hold specific beliefs about human identity, sexuality, personal morality, and individual and social transformation, they also believe that individuals must be free to investigate truth and should not be coerced. They are, therefore, enjoined to be tolerant of those whose views differ from their own, not to judge others according to their own standards, and not to attempt to impose these standards on society. To regard a person who has a homosexual orientation with prejudice or disdain is entirely against the spirit of the Faith. And where occasion demands, it would be appropriate to speak out or act against unjust or oppressive measures directed towards homosexuals. 

The House of Justice feels it would be ill-advised to engage in discussions intended to convince those who do not accept the station of Bahá’u’lláh that their views are erroneous; such an effort would ultimately prove fruitless. Shoghi Effendi counseled the friends "to have neither concern for, nor involvement in, the controversies of politicians, the wranglings of theologians or any of the ailing social theories current amongst men." The response of the Bahá’í community to the challenges facing humanity lies not in combating specific issues one by one but rather in making efforts to uplift the vision of their compatriots and to work with them for the betterment of the world. In their involvement in society at all levels, the friends should distinguish between those discourses associated with forces of disintegration, such as those which overemphasize sexuality, where involvement would be unproductive, and those associated with forces of integration, whose aim is unity and the collaborative resolution of social ills, to which they can constructively contribute. They should be mindful that the divisive issues of the day, diametrically opposed to the Teachings but often presented in the guise of truth or progress, exert themselves upon the Bahá’í community and can at times result in those "severe mental tests" that the writings state would "inevitably sweep over His loved ones of the West--tests that would purge, purify and prepare them for their noble mission in life." 

Just as Bahá’ís do not impose their views on others, they cannot relinquish their principles because of changing trends in popular thought. The pattern of life to which they aspire, Shoghi Effendi writes, "can tolerate no compromise with the theories, the standards, the habits, and the excesses of a decadent age." 

Bahá’u’lláh counsels not to weigh "the Book of God with such standards and sciences as are current amongst you, for the Book itself is the unerring Balance established amongst men," and "in this most perfect Balance whatsoever the peoples and kindreds of the earth possess must be weighed...."

To accept Bahá’u’lláh is to accept His Teachings, including those that pertain to personal morality, even if one must struggle to live up to His standard. It would be a profound contradiction for someone to profess to be a Bahá’í, yet reject, disregard, or contend with aspects of belief or practice He ordained.

In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh describes the twin duties "prescribed by God for His servants" to be recognition of the Manifestation and acceptance of all His ordinances. "These twin duties are inseparable," He asserts. "Neither is acceptable without the other." Bahá’ís consciously choose to abide by Bahá’u’lláh's exhortations out of love for Him and assurance in the efficacy of His guidance, not out of blind obedience. "Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws," Bahá’u’lláh states. "Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power." His Teachings are a safeguard for one's true nature and purpose. 'Abdu'l-Bahá writes, "It is essential that children be reared in the Bahá’í way, that they may find happiness both in this world and the next. If not, they shall be beset by sorrows and troubles, for human happiness is founded upon spiritual behavior." 

You are, of course, well aware of the explicit Bahá’í standard. Marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and sexual relations are only permissible between husband and wife. These points are laid down in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi and are not subject to change by the Universal House of Justice. Bahá’u’lláh also prohibits certain sexual acts, including homosexual relations; if such statements are considered by some to be unclear, the unambiguous interpretations provided by Shoghi Effendi constitute a binding exposition of His intent. The Guardian's interpretations, made in his role as the authoritative expounder, clarify the true meaning of the Text and are not derived from the scientific knowledge of the time. 

Bahá’ís must also be on their guard lest condemnatory attitudes stemming from the public debate take root in their communities. Backbiting and gossip, prejudice and estrangement, have no place. 

 All recognize the need to transform themselves in accordance with Bahá’u’lláh's Teachings, all struggle in different ways to live a Bahá’í life, and there is no reason that the challenge of being attracted to persons of the same sex should be singled out and treated differently from other challenges. The Guardian made it clear that Bahá’ís with a homosexual orientation should not withdraw from the community and should receive its support and encouragement. The House of Justice sympathizes deeply with those individuals, and their families, who strive in this respect to understand and hold fast to the Teachings while buffeted by the controversy unfolding within their societies. 

Enclosed for your study are copies of two letters that touch on related themes. Rest assured of the supplications of the House of Justice at the Sacred Threshold that you may be guided and confirmed by the blessings of the Almighty. 

With loving Bahá’í greetings, Department of the Secretariat 

Enclosures
cc: International Teaching Centre (with enclosures)
Board of Counsellors in the Americas (with enclosures) National Assembly of the United States (with enclosures)

Via Daily Dharma

Practice Makes Perfect | April 1, 2015 We call meditation 'practice' for a reason. Any form of practice consists of doing something over and over again and failing at it over and over again. Through this process, we gradually build the capacities that make it possible to do what we are practicing. - Ken McLeod, "The Progress Question" Read More →