Spirituality Lesson 8 - Different Spiritual Philosophies

Spirituality - Lesson 8 – Different Spiritual Philosophies There are in existence at this moment in time, in the year 2013, numerous paths of wisdom and enlightenment available for humans to study. The various spiritual philosophies have names such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Paganism just to name a few. Humans can manifest different perceptions of various philosophies due to cultural diversity. People are raised under unique social conditions with laws and belief systems than can vary widely. Perceptions and perspectives of truth, justice and morality can change over time. Pyrrho of Elis was a philosopher who lived from 360 to 275 BCE and is credited with being the first Skeptical philosopher. His doctrines were recorded by his pupil, Timon of Philus who wrote "No assertion can be known to be better than another .Pyrrho traveled with Alexander the Great whose influence initiated several centuries of cultural exchange between Greece and Central Asia as well as Eastern Asia. Another person named Sextus Empiricus who lived from 160 to 210 AD was also a skeptical philosopher. His philosophical work is the most complete surviving account of ancient Greek and Roman skepticism. Sextus advises that humans should suspend judgment about virtually all beliefs, in other words, humans should neither affirm any belief as true nor deny any belief as false. Sextus Empiricus goes on to say that we can affirm claims about our own experiences, feelings and sensations. The philosophy of skepticism has influenced many belief systems in existence today. Cynicism is also a philosophy that has influenced many systems of belief. A man named Antisthenes who had been a pupil of Socrates is regarded as the founder of Cynic philosophy. He lived in Greece from 445 to 365 BCE and he advocated living a very simple ascetic life in accordance with moral excellence. It is believed that Antisthenes greatly influenced another man named Diogenes of Sinope who lived in Greece from 412 to 323 BCE. Diogenes is also considered to be a founder of Cynic philosophy and a very colorful character. According to some historical accounts he lived in the marketplace and his dwelling place was a large ceramic jar. It was recorded that he often scorned the philosophies of Plato. He criticized and challenged the established customs and values that people in his time held dear .He was reported to have written several books but none of his writings have ever been recovered. A pupil of Diogenes was named Crates of Thebes who is also regarded as a Cynic philosopher. Crates lived from 365 to 285 BCE. Crates cynic philosophy was to live in agreement with nature and unshackle one's self from any needs which are the results of conventions of society. He believed that false judgments of value can cause negative emotions and result in a person being vicious in character. Crates was a teacher of Zeno of Citium who was the founder of the Stoic school of philosophy. Stoicism advocates using reason as a means of overcoming negative destructive emotions and achieving self control and fortitude during periods of conflict in one's life.  Zeno's philosophy of stoicism taught that virtue or positive character traits exist with reason.  Conversely, vice or negative character traits can only exist with the rejection of reason. Another person named Marcus Aurelius wrote his perspectives of stoic philosophy in a series of personal notes known as Meditations. Marcus Aurelius lived from 121 AD to 180 Ad and was known as the last of the Five Good Emperors of Rome. He described how he found harmony in the midst of conflict by following Nature as a source of guidance and inspiration. He wrote that rationality and clear mindedness allow one to live with harmony and tranquility in the soul. My favorite quotation from Meditations is….. If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this that disturbs you but your own judgment about it. And it is within your power to wipe out this judgment now. The last philosophy that I believe has influenced humans for many centuries is Epicureanism. Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who lived from 341 to 270 BCE. Epicurus believed that avoidance of pain can bring happiness. He taught that pleasure can be obtained by living modestly and by gaining knowledge of the workings of the world and the limits of one's desires. He placed emphasis on the pleasures of the mind rather than on physical pleasures. He advised seeking knowledge to rid one's self of religious fears and superstitions. Epicurus affirmed the idea that all humans have free will. At the time Epicurus lived, many Gods and Goddesses were believed to exist and were worshiped and feared by many people. Epicurus did not deny the existence of any God or Goddess. He simply broke from god fearing and god worshiping philosophies and traditions that were common in Greece during that time period. He did affirm that religious activities and rituals can be a useful way to contemplate the positive qualities or attributes humans living in that time period believed Gods and Goddesses possessed. Epicurus affirmed that laws that do not contribute to human happiness are not just. According to the philosophy of Epicurus the basic ingredients in the recipe for happiness are the absence of pain, freedom from fear and tranquility in the mind. The spiritual philosophies of Skepticism, Cynicism, Stoicism and Epicureanism continue to influence human perceptions of truth, justice, morality and happiness. The philosophies I mentioned here are but a small fraction of the spiritual philosophies that have influenced and will continue to influence humans throughout time. As a Universal minister I feel it is my role to act as a guide for others so that they can become aware that unique spiritual philosophies exist and all of these philosophies have value. Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Spirituality - Lesson 7, Plato and Aristotle

Spirituality – Lesson 7, Plato and Aristotle Plato was a Greek philosopher and a student of Socrates .Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and a student of Plato. Aristotle taught humanity the art of logical deduction or deductive reasoning. Aristotle believed humans possess the ability to arrive at logical conclusions if they followed certain rules of deductive logical reasoning. He believed that unless One could actually see, taste, hear, smell or touch an object, person, or place, One could not truly have knowledge of it. Aristotle believed the only reality we as humans can perceive is what we can experience through our five senses. He acknowledged the existence of a fifth element (besides Earth, Water, Air & Fire) and he called it Aether. Aristotle described Aether as a divine substance that makes up the heavens and the stars. Perhaps, in a way, Aristotle was trying to describe what type of substances or matter or components make up the human Spirit or Soul. Aristotle felt that Aether was something that was beyond the realm of his understanding or any human's understanding at that moment in time. Was Aristotle trying to acknowledge what his teacher Plato had spoken of? Was he trying to acknowledge at least the existence of a Vital Life Force that one cannot see, taste, hear, smell or touch with the hand? Plato believed that what humans perceive with the five senses are but shadows of the perfect forms or ideas that exist somewhere else in the Great Beyond. Plato believed humans have access to this Great Beyond through our thoughts both conscious and unconscious. Plato and his student, Aristotle shared the belief that humans have the ability to think and reason. After studying the various works of Plato and Aristotle I have arrived at the conclusion that humans have the ability to think, reason and modify their thoughts and beliefs. Humans can alter their thoughts and transform the vibrational frequency of their thoughts through the use of various spiritual processes such as meditation or prayer. By utilizing the Spiritual processes of meditation and prayer humans can free their r minds from negative thoughts, perceptions and ideas. Negative thoughts are as chains that can bind one to unpleasant sensations or suffering. These chains of negative thought exist as desires or unrealistic expectations of the self and/or others .Humans have the ability to break the negative chains of desire that bind us to a person, object or situation. Plato believed humans have the ability and potential to leave their dark caves of ignorance that exist in their minds and enter into a place of enlightenment, harmony and joy. Respectfully Submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Spirituality Lesson 6 - Socretes et al

Spirituality – Lesson 6, Socrates et al Socrates was a Greek philosopher who initiated a question and answer method of teaching as a means of achieving self knowledge. He was incarnate on this plane of existence from approximately 470BCE to 399 BCE. At the time Socrates lived, there was much political and social turmoil in Athens, Greece. Socrates was accused of corrupting the young minds of Athens with his philosophies and brought to trial. He chose to defend his actions and philosophies himself rather than have another person speak for him. In essence he told the Assembly gathered to judge him, that they should question their own belief structures. He informed the Assembly that their morals and system of justice was corrupt from his perspective. He told them the Truth from his perspective of Reality. It was a Truth they did not wish to hear. According to Plato, who wrote of Socrates beliefs, Socrates believed that if a human truly understood the implications and ramifications of wrong actions they would either cease the actions or never commit the actions in the first place. Socrates believed that there exists in each human, an Essence, a Spirit, a Soul…. That continues to exist long after the death of the body has occurred. He believed if a human performs a wrong action and knows the action to be wrong then the Spirit or Soul can become injured or corrupted. Once the Spirit or Soul has been injured then the Spirit or soul can experience unpleasant sensations or suffering. The Assembly gathered to hear and judge Socrates did not appreciate or agree with his perception of their morality, justice or Truth. The Assembly felt that the codes of conduct put forward by their society at that moment in time was acceptable and just. Initially the Assembly offered Socrates he option to leave Athens and continue living. He was also given the option to drink Hemlock and die. His death by poison could have been avoided if he deserted his philosophies. Socrates could have escaped from Athens but by choosing not to escape he chose to defend his philosophy of Truth and Justice. He chose to drink poison and die rather than recant or refute his philosophies regarding virtue, self development, justice, morality, ignorance and wisdom.  His death and the way he chose to die gave meaning and purpose to his life. If Socrates has chose to recant his philosophies on life, perhaps the world would never have known the wisdom and teachings of Plato or Plato's student, Aristotle. If Aristotle had not been a student of Plato, who then would have tutored Alexander the Great? Perhaps the Libraries of Alexandria would never have been built. Perhaps there would currently exist very few institutions dedicated to Justice and Equality for all persons. Socrates taught the human race to question the principles of moral equity and virtue and to evaluate the codes of conduct put forward by any society. Justice can have many different meanings; the definition depends on One's perception and interpretation of Truth and Reality. Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers

Lesson 16 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit 4 ~ Dancing the Circle Part 1&2 ~ Essay

Lesson 16 ~ Spiritual Leadership ~ Unit 4 ~ Dancing the Circle Part 2 ~ Essay

By: Rev. Trent Murman

My opinion only:  In most hierarchy situations the "hierarchy" tends to suck (pardon my French).  I think boldly most of them have lost contact with the "common man".  The common man is a very important cog in the wheel of this hierarchy.  I worked with a huge corporation for about ten (10) years. I started from the ground level and clawed my way up the "ladder" to a corporate position of what they called "authority".  It was difficult moving up the ladder, at times you leave very good and personal friends behind.  But, remembering we cannot all be chiefs, society needs those people that want to be or cannot advance because of conditions beyond their control, we need the Indians, but we cannot forget how important these Indians are.  Many times they are the backbone of the corporation's hierarchy system.  I tried never to forget where I started with this corporation and I made it a point to always say hello to everyone I passed in the hallway, parking lot or during everyday functions.  I tried to be very sincere when I asked "how are you doing", not just the words and keep walking, but actually waiting for an answer, showing genuine concern and if they appeared like they wanted to talk or express more than just a hello back, I took the time to chat with them, show genuine interest and get to know them by their name, just not another "employee".  Many of my piers would often comment as to why I was still associating with these employees and I would simply say to them:  if it weren't for these faithful employees we wouldn't be here in this position at this corporation and they need to know that the "open door policy" is just not a catch phrase, but does have true meaning.  You'd be surprised how many employees "indians" would eventually sport a smile on their faces every time they saw me in the future.  Yes it is a good feeling to touch someone in this way.  I feel these ladders of fire need to be broken down.  The hierarchy can still have their system or chain of command, but the base employees need to know they can be approached and they do have great meaning within the corporate structure.  I have very strong feelings for both the opposite and same sex viewing.  To me there is nothing like the soft fragile touch of a woman's hand, caress or friendship.  It can be very simplistic yet at the same time very complicated, many would say complicated is a good thing, but then again that's another story altogether.  Likewise, even the most powerful females can be most nurturing.  I used to be very cautious of other men who would attempt to become friends, always thinking what was their agenda or what did they want from me?  I believe even men can have their "soft" side.  I don't' use the word "feminine" side, because society had labeled that a very condescending characteristic.  Yes, even those macho guys out there do have their "soft side", especially within they intimacy act, but forbid they show this in public or in their circle of friends, that would be a social faux pas.  At this stage in my life I have come to acceptance of all peoples, for we are all children of the Holy Father.  I have a special place in my heart for those struggling with transgender feelings.  This can be very rough especially for pre-adolescent and teens who harbor these feelings.  They need to know there are family members they can seek out to confide in.  I believe, this is not a "curse" or "go to hell" situation, they cannot help or have the conviction to deal with this, being still in the formative years they need to have a listening ear and many times that's where we come into play.  Remember, one of the first things we are taught in our ministry's is to LISTEN, DON'T JUDGE and give support.   I am not exactly sure what it feels like to be transgender, not having that personal situation, but it is necessary for us to help and/or guide where ever we can. 

In the situation of portraying Jesus:  I feel in this situation I would have been a bit taken back by the ruckus from the crowd when these four men pushed through them heading towards the roof.  However, I would have been quite relieved to know the compassion these four men felt for the cripple sitting in his own feces, feeling they must have had to put their own desires aside and help this man become healed.  That must have been an awesome feeling Jesus had. 

In the situation of being the paralyzed man:  Remembering how many people simply walked on by me every day, some snickering because of my situation, some making rude comments and some of the children even throwing things at me thinking it was amusing to them and their piers.  And then these four men, unknown to me, took their time to help me see the Lord and receive his healing mystic.

In the situation of witnessing the event:  I think I would have been in awe, first not quite understanding what the intentions of these four were, were they playing a bad trick on the crippled man, were they actually trying to get Jesus' attention or were they testing Jesus' power to heal? 

In the situation of being in the group that lowered the man through the roof:  I think I would be concerned with the safety of the man being lowered.  Then I would be full of admiration for these men, to put their own agenda's aside for coming to see Jesus and help this crippled man to make sure he got to experience the Holy works of Jesus.  Then on the lighter side was this man's feces and urine going to spill from the carpet down onto us in the crowd? 

 

GO IN PEACE

Spiritualism Lesson 5 - Faith & Learning

Spiritualism- Lesson 5, Faith & Learning What is Faith and how can One learn Faith? What is Truth and how can One learn Truth? What is Knowledge and how can One obtain Knowledge? What do I know and what do I want to know? After studying this week's lesson on Spirituality these were the questions in my mind. So I set off on the path of discovery to see what I could learn about Faith, Truth and Knowledge. I remember when I was in college I often challenged my professors if I missed a question on an exam. One of my very amazing professors advised me early on to show her why I had chosen a certain answer that she had marked as incorrect. She challenged me to prove why the answer I had chosen was, from my perspective, the correct answer. She would say to me "Susan, give me the page number and the line number in the textbook on which you based your answer. This response from my professor inspired me to read the college textbook again and discover why I chose the answer I did. Once I had studied the textbook and obtained the answer, I presented my findings to my professor and we discussed the question and the answer. I remember how her blue eyes twinkled the first time I presented her with the page number and line number in the textbook on which I had based my answer. She smiled and agreed with me that the answer she marked as incorrect could also be perceived as correct. As a result I was given additional points on my test .My professor even took a few further steps. She informed all my classmates that they too would get points added to their test scores if they had chosen the same answer as I had for that that particular question and it was marked as incorrect. She advised all my classmates that going forward they had the option to challenge any question that had been marked incorrect on an exam. In order to challenge an answer however they had to prove why they had chose the answer they did using the same process I had been advised to use. They had to provide the page number and line number in the textbook on which they had based their answer. The only other condition to challenge an answer was that at least 3 other people had to have chosen the same answer and have had it marked incorrect on the exam. Her actions actually taught me how to learn new information more effectively and inspired me to want to learn new things. The greatest lesson I learned from her was that learning is a lifelong process. So with this week's lesson on Spirituality in mind I looked up the words Faith, Truth and Knowledge in 2 completely different dictionaries. One dictionary I used is the one I acquired years ago when I originally attended seminary. The dictionary is called the Donning International Encyclopedic Psychic Dictionary. It was written by June G.Bletzer and the copyright is 1986. I enjoy using this dictionary because it defines words and concepts from a spiritual perspective. The other dictionary I used is the American Heritage College Dictionary, third edition, copyright 2000, 1997, 1993. I like using this dictionary because it defines words and concepts from secular or worldly perspectives rather than spiritual perspectives. I looked up the words faith, truth and knowledge in both dictionaries. The definition of Faith in the American Heritage dictionary resonated within me as an excellent definition of faith found on page 491. Faith- the confident belief in the truth value or trustworthiness of a person, an idea or a thing, belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence,. Faith was also defined as a set of principles or beliefs. I looked up the words True and Truth in the American Heritage dictionary as well. The word True was defined from 14 different perspectives. The word truth was defined from 5 different perspectives The fifth definition of Truth was the one that I liked the best. Truth was simply defined as reality or actuality. However the secular definition of truth did not satisfy my need to discover an acceptable definition of truth. So I looked up the word Truth in the Psychic dictionary. On page 649 of the Psychic dictionary the word Truth is defined as an individual Reality (not universal) ; all individuals have their own truth within themselves. Truth must be found within one's self, no one can teach another a truth; that which is the fundamental and ultimate reality of any one thing. Finally, I looked up the word Knowledge in both dictionaries. In the American Heritage dictionary Knowledge is defined as familiarity, awareness or understanding gained through experience or study. The Psychic dictionary defines knowledge as a scope of Awareness of varying degrees of information which one feels good about and then learns accordingly from memory. So I concluded that all beings are capable of learning Faith or a system of beliefs. Learning Faith or a system of beliefs requires exploration and study to become aware or knowledgeable of others perceptions of Reality or Truth. In exploring various belief systems One can discover Truths and Spiritual paths One was unaware existed. If the newly discovered Spiritual concepts resonate as Truth within One's soul, One can incorporate the newly discovered concepts into their being and alter their current thoughts or belief structures. Each individual whether they are mind centered or heart centered is on a journey of Spiritual discovery in this existence we call Life. As ministers we can share with others the Truths we have discovered along our own spiritual paths. In sharing our own personal Truths with others, we as ministers are simply guides. Along the spiritual path each person travels they will obtain knowledge and discover concepts, beliefs or principles that resonate as Truth within their souls. Truth can be perceived from many different perspectives and Faith is an individual choice. Respectfully submitted by Rev .Susan K. Bowers

Lesson 15 ~ Comparative Religion ~ Sacred Literature ~ Essay

Lesson 15 ~ Comparative Religion ~ Sacred Literature ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 The sacred literature that most "moves" me, I would have to say is "The Lord Is My Shephard"….it is so profound and deep in its meaning.  If one actually studies the words of this prayer you cannot help but being moved bot spiritually and educationally.  I think I learn something different every time I read it or in meditation just simply close my eyes and recite it silently to myself.  It is part of my religion's sacred text which is, in my case the Holy Bible.  Psalm: 23 in the Old Testament.

I think my favorite oral traditional story would be that of David and Goliath.  It wasn't that David slain this massive warrior and how he did it, but the message that David sent to all those watching was certainly memorable.  My interpretation of the message was that in life no matter what the odds are there is always a means to overcome them and maybe with your unwavering faith and a simple nudge from your God all can be accomplished.  GO IN PEACE

Spiritualism Lesson 4 - History of Western Thought, Part 3

Subject- Spiritualism Lesson 4, History of Western Thought, Part 3 This week's lesson dealt with the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and the concept of Suffering. Heisenberg was a scientist who discovered that humans cannot predict the form matter will take when it comes into existence and inherent uncertainty exists in all things. Humans cannot predict the outcomes of events or the actions of other humans with 100% accuracy. However, humans can determine probability to a certain degree- that is they can predict numerous likely outcomes of events or numerous actions a person may take in a given situation .Suffering can occur when One has chosen a Path or action that results in One experiencing unpleasant sensations. This week's lesson invited us to embrace our own suffering and pain so that we could better understand suffering and pain in others. This past week in the hospital where I practice I was presented with a unique opportunity to observe pain and suffering. I was offered the opportunity to share and experience the pain and suffering my colleagues had experienced. Evidently, earlier in the week, a player participating in a college basketball playoff game was severely injured during the game. The occurrence of the injury was videotaped and was of course almost instantly available on the net. One of my colleagues offered to show everyone the video from her Smartphone. I observed several of my colleagues viewing the video. They stared at the video of the player being injured then gasped and turned their heads away. I observed my colleagues experiencing pain and suffering. Experiencing unpleasant sensations is the definition of suffering according to the American Heritage College Dictionary. I was invited to view the video many times and I chose to decline the invitations. I had no desire to experience the unpleasant sensations of pain and horror my colleagues had experienced. One of my colleagues remarked after she had viewed the video"It hurts me just to watch such a thing happen". After my shift at the hospital ended and I went home I pondered and meditated on the concepts of Suffering and Uncertainty. I meditated on what my role as a minister is when I am confronted with Pain and suffering in myself as well as others. As a Buddhist I know the Four Noble Truths and I know the best way for me to end suffering is by daily practice of Zen Meditation. During my mediations on the concept of suffering I became enlightened and aware of some Guidelines regarding Suffering: 1.     Acknowledge the Concept that pain and suffering  can exist in your individual Soul 2.     Accept the Concept that One can obtain the Wisdom to neutralize, alleviate and eliminate pain and suffering that exists in One's soul 3.     Acknowledge the Concept that pain and suffering can exist in the Souls of other beings 4.     Accept the Concept that One can provide guidelines for another Being to neutralize, alleviate and eliminate the pain and suffering that exists in their own Souls 5.      Acknowledge the concept that as an individual, One can choose to neutralize, alleviate and eliminate pain and suffering that exists in One's Soul 6.     Accept the concept that One can choose Not to neutralize , alleviate or eliminate the pain and suffering that exists in One's Soul 7.     Acknowledge the concept that One can perceive pain and suffering in another Soul 8.     Accept the Concept that choosing or not choosing to experience suffering and pain is a personal choice that is determined by the individual   Experiencing unpleasant sensations i.e. Suffering is the condition by which experiencing pleasant sensations is made possible. If One has not experienced Fear how can One know the feeling of Courage. If One has not experienced Sorrow how can One know the feeling of Joy. If one has not experienced Tribulation how can One know the feeling of Triumph. If one has not experienced being unloved and unvalued how can One know the feelings of being Loved and Cherished. J   Respectfully submitted by Rev. Susan K. Bowers