You are all part of I.
— Rumi (via alchemism) (via immerse-yourself-in-love) (via whateverlovewants)I died as a mineral and became a plant, I died as a plant and rose to animal, I died as animal and I was man. Why should I fear? When was I less by dying?
9.2.2011 |
5
Dancing with Dionysus « For The Someday Book
Last night I dreamt I danced with Dionysus. We met at a conference of some sort, and his nametag said, “Dion.” He was handsome, dashing, winsome, youthful. We flirted across the room, startled by chance connections. We talked with delight about subjects of pleasure and indulgence. There was intrigue, but always innocence. When we arrived at the party, I asked if he knew how to dance. He took my hand and led me onto the floor for polkas and swings and foxtrots and waltzes with pivots. He swept me off my feet and made me feel giddy and girlish. We both wanted to linger with this bliss. I told him it was my birthday, and he had given me a great celebration. When the evening ended, there was a choice to be made. Would I follow him? I didn’t even have to say the words: he knew I could not, would not go with him, to run away for a life of dancing and parties. I knew in a new and deeper way that, in spite of the elation of the evening, I did not want to spend my birthday dancing with a stranger. I still yearned to come home to my husband and son, a homemade cake and dirty dishes in the sink. My life, even with its burdens and responsibilities and stresses, was where I wanted to be. It had meaning and purpose and mission. I follow another God, who places stringent demands on me but makes my life matter in the lives of others. I am happy in my life and my chosen path. I contemplated kissing him, not as a prelude but as a farewell. As I reached to embrace him, Dionysus buried his face in my shoulder and wept. It became clear that he also had a settled life to return to, although I do not know if he was happy or unhappy in it. As he sobbed into my shoulder, I woke up. I awoke feeling grateful for the night of dancing and nostalgic for my youth, but also profoundly at home in my own grown-up life and relationships and responsibilities, even with the mess and stress they bring. Dionysus, the god of ecstasy and epiphany, the stranger who comes, gave me a great bacchanalia. The party was a gift, and it made me grateful to return home again. One night with Dionysus, and I was eager to return to Deus, Yahweh, the God of Hope and Sacrifice, the God who also comes—not to help us escape, but to save and to sanctify. What a great dream-gift to start out my birthday morning.
(Source: alchemicalreaction)
6.15.2011 |
I made this my logon screen background yesterday. Synchronicity!
(Source: organicnenergy, via thetruthisone-deactivated201203)
4.21.2011 |
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Navakar Mantra
Samyama(from Sanskrit संयम saṃ-yama—holding together, tying up, binding) is the proper way to attain memories from past lives. It is a Siddhi, but I think a valuable spritual power which I have … shied away from. :) In Hinduism, atma-jnana (self-realization) is the key to obtaining Moksha. The Hindu is one who practices one or more forms of Yoga. Navakar Mantra is the fundamental prayer in Jainism and can be recited at any time of the day. Praying by reciting this mantra, the devotee bows with respect to liberated souls still in human form (Arihantas), fully liberated souls (Siddhas), spiritual leaders (Acharyas), teachers (Upadyayas) and all the monks. By saluting them, Jains receive inspiration from them for the right path of true bliss and total freedom from the karma of their soul. In this main prayer, Jains do not ask for any favors or material benefits. This mantra serves as a simple gesture of deep respect towards beings who are more spiritually advanced. The mantra also reminds followers of the ultimate goal, nirvana or moksha.[24]
Navakar Mantra (णमोकार मंत्र) is the fundamental prayer in Jainism and can be recited at any time of the day. While praying by reciting this mantra, the devotee bows with respect to Arihantas, Siddhas, spiritual leaders (Acharyas), teachers (Upadyayas) and all the monks. This worship the virtues of all the supreme spiritual people instead of just worshipping one particular person. The Navakar Mantra does not mention the names of even Tirthankaras and Siddhas. At the time of recitation, a Jain devotee remembers their virtues and tries to emulate them. In this mantra Jains bow down to these supreme spiritual personalities, and therefore, it is also called Namokar or Namaskar (show of respect) Mantra.
Namokâr Mantra, also called the Navakâr Mantra or the Namaskâr Mantra, is the most important mantra used in Jainism [1]
- नमो अरिहंताणं
- नमो सिद्धाणं
- नमो आयरियाणं
- नमो उवज्झायाणं
- नमो लोए सव्व साहूणं
- एसो पंच णमोक्कारो, सव्व पावप्प णासणो
- मंगलाणं च सव्वेसिं, पडमम हवई मंगलं
Mangalanam Cha Savvesim, Padhamam Havai Mangalam This fivefold bow (mantra) destroys all sins and obstacles
and of all auspicious mantras, is the first and foremost one.
In this mantra, Jains salute the virtues of the Pancha Parmeshtin, or five spiritual masters: the Arihantas, Siddhas, Âchâryas, Upadhyâyas, and normal monks. They do not pray to a specific Tirthankara or monk by name. By saluting them, Jains believe they receive the inspiration from them for the right path of true happiness and total freedom from the karma of their soul. Jains do not ask for any favors or material benefits from the Tirthankaras or from sâdhus and sâdhvis. This mantra simply serves as a gesture of deep respect towards beings they believe are more spiritually advanced and to remind followers of the Jain religion of their ultimate goal of nirvana or moksha.[2]
8.4.2009 |
1
JAIN MASTER Gurudevji Chitrabhanuji was once asked, “What would you want if you could be granted one and only one wish?” “Right Vision” was his response.”
He continued, “This universe in which we find ourselves is a vast home with more planets in our galaxy than there are people on earth. Of what significance can this small span of eighty, ninety or even one hundred years be in the midst of this vastness?” These were the questions coming to a young awakened mind whose purpose was to find some meaning to life. The quest for the answers inspired him to leave home to become a Jain monk.
8.4.2009 |
from Sir X (Gijon, Spain)
now this is what i wish i saw more of walking down the streets of SF. more spaceman art!
(via Wooster Collective, which, btw, now has an f-book page!)
6.1.2009 |
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[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
131 plays
Yusuf Islam - The Adhan (Call to Prayer)
Awoke to this this morning. If I lived closer to the mosque I might feel differently at 5 am, but echoing over the wet rooftops, this sounds divine. Especially when I consider what other sounds Brooklyn manages to produce—anywhere, anytime.
Atlantic Ave is one of the strangest and most amazing places in Brooklyn, if not just in downtown Brooklyn. It’s not just the ever-present Muslim community who populate the shops, sidewalks, and mosque. It’s the mix of everything and the ‘if you’re not paying attention you’ll miss it’ environments of city. When the mosque broadcasts the call to prayer, everything just stops and you remember your in a city that’s not just full of your expectations and experiences. There is something here that’s bigger than you. It’s bigger than your selfish desire.
I don’t think you can say you’ve lived in Brooklyn (or at least visited) and not heard the call to prayer at least once. It’s something stirring and more moving than anything else you can conceive of in this city.
The first time I heard this was in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn at 5am on my way to a party. The adhan echoed down deserted streets of warehouses, body shops, and industrial yards. The pavement glistened with rain that had stopped a few hours earlier. I was stunned. So incongruous.
I immediately felt safer in that neighborhood.
5.4.2009 |
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