Suggestions for Spiritual Awakening Audios

To what end is god’s test of faith sacrificing his son? Jesus is claimed to be human while on earth until overcoming death, as planned. Does not seem a big deal for god to sacrifice his son, also a diety. Why do preachers always god gave his only begotten son, the phrase is irritating. god knows all and sees all, is this to imply god did not know the outcome of Jesus? What’s the big deal? Scripture is framed to present a message, assumably the message is presented by god’s of giving up what he loved most as god expects his believers to do so.
 

Paco Dennis said:
The three major religions that use the Old Testament as their Holy Book are Christian, Jewish, and Muslim.
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I did not know that. This certainly has opened my eyes.
Paco Dennis said:
The story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 is significant for all three Abrahamic faiths—Christianity, Judaism, and Islam—although the interpretations vary somewhat:
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Yes it was a test of faith but what a test. No wonder I’ve been put off the Bible every time I try and read it. The god I know is all loving and wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing.
No God is better than having a cruel judgmental one.
Paco Dennis said:
Christians typically interpret the story as a foreshadowing of Jesus' crucifixion.
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OK ! I have a hard time doing that. God to me is like Mother Nature. If the Bible is meant to be interpreted, it’s no wonder there’s so many different versions. These different versions of the Bible branch out and create their own religion; most of which clash with other religions. This must be where war on religion started.
Paco Dennis said:
The sacrifice of Isaac is seen as a type or prefiguration of the sacrifice of Jesus, and Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son is seen as a demonstration of his faith in God's ultimate plan of salvation.
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The fact that Abraham was willing to kill his son. How did he know that’s what God wanted him to do? Maybe he got that all wrong. He dreamt it. Imagine if we all believed our dreams?
Paco Dennis said:
Jews generally interpret the story as a test of Abraham's faith and obedience. It is seen as a demonstration of Abraham's complete trust in God, even in the face of the most difficult circumstances. The story is also seen as an example of God's mercy, as he ultimately spares Isaac's life.
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An example of Gods mercy? Mercy? I best not write what I’m thinking. Don’t we ALL have dreams that don’t make any sense at all? I can’t imagine acting on them.
Paco Dennis said:
Muslims also see the story as a test of Abraham's faith, but in Islamic tradition, it is Ishmael, not Isaac, who is to be sacrificed.
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They are ALL reading the same Bible but have completely different stories? 😳

I think I’m going to stop reading this Bible. I’ve read plenty of spiritual books and they all leave me feeling enlightened. The Bible doesn’t have the same effect. It leaves me feeling scared and unsure of humanity. It may be the most popular book in the history of mankind but it’s really not a book for me.
 
Paco Dennis said:
Misa found this on her feed and shared it with me. This resonates with me. Pause the video if you need some time to read. :)

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I’m on a phone and need new glasses. There’s no way I can read that . Thanks all the same.
 

Every beauty which is seen below by persons of perception resembles more than anything else that celestial source from which we all come.

Michelangelo


Self realization means that we have been consciously connected with our source of being . Once we have made this connection, then nothing can go wrong.

Swami Paramananda
 
Pepper said:
There is no God.
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To you, maybe so.
I believe that we have an invisible creator. Attempting to discover its original can seem fruitless. We first find molecules, then atoms, then electrons, then subatomic particles, then sub subatomic particles. Ultimately if we were to put these tiny quantum subatomic into a particle accelerator and collide them, trying to put our finger on the source of life, we’d discover what Einstein discovered: there’s no particle at the source.

Particles do not create other particles. The source, which is ‘intention’ is pure unbounded energy, vibrating so fast that it defies measurement and observation . It’s invisible without form or boundaries. So at our source , we are formless energy, and in that formless vibrating spiritual field of energy, intention resides. This field of intent cannot be described with words, for the words emanate from the field, just as do the questions. That placeless place IS intention, and it handles everything for us. It grows our fingernails, it beats our heart , it digests our food, it writes this message. ( Wayne Dyer )

If you split an acorn in half you’ll never find an acorn tree, yet in its DNA, there is one. It never grows into a peach tree or produces pumpkins.
 
Pepper said:
"To you, maybe so."

Of course! Also, of course, Wayne Dyer proves nothing, just his opinion also.
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It’s not an opinion. If you take a rock and look at it under a high powered microscope, there are dancing particles. If you look at humans under a high powered microwave there’s dancing particles.

I’m not trying to prove there’s a God to you. I don’t really care if you don’t believe. You have a right to believe anything you want as do I.
 
Mr. Ed said:
Being spiritually aware is either you are or you are not. Spiritual awareness means to me a bond or connectedness to all as in One. Some call this Oneness and if you have this you have it all. No need to search any further you have “IT” Practice and discipline teaches you how to move freely between levels of consciousness if that is what you want to do? Basic awareness is huge if you have not experienced yet, many people don’t feel the connection and if you do Bravo!
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This is a wise statement because, in my experience, it is about recognising the interaction and interelationality of all life. Yes, there is competition between all life forms, and it is necessary to make boundaries, but each of us has a will to survive and reproduce. However, we are the species that could, and in many cases do, show how that can happen in coexistence. But, we are also the species that sees itself set apart, and responsible for the extinction of innumerable other species.

Spiritual awareness is developing the sentience that we all have, the ability to perceive or feel this unity, and love is essentially the sense of belonging that we have on varying levels. If we can develop an affinity that grows outwards, from our parents, our siblings, our partners, our children, our neighbours, and eventually beyond to the whole of humankind, and the animal world, we have developed an awareness that is beyond utilitarian belonging.

It has to do with understanding as Walt Whitman did:
We are nature, long have we been absent, but now we return,
We become plants, trunks, foliage, roots, bark,
We are bedded in the ground, we are rocks,
We are oaks, we grow in the openings side by side,
We browse, we are two among the wild herds, spontaneous as any,
We are two fishes, swimming in the sea together,
We are what locust blossoms are, we drop scent around lanes mornings and evenings,
We are also the coarse smut of beasts, vegetables, minerals,
We are two predatory hawks, we soar and look down,
We are two resplendent suns, we it is who balance ourselves orbic and stellar, we are as two comets,
We prowl fang'd and four-footed in the woods, we spring on prey,
We are two clouds forenoons and afternoons driving overhead,
We are seas mingling, we are two of those cheerful waves rolling over each other and interwetting each other,
We are what the atmosphere is, transparent, receptive, pervious, impervious,
We are snow, rain, cold, darkness, we are each product and influence of the globe,
We have circled and circled till we have arrived home again, we too,
We have voided all but freedom and all but our own joy.
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Or as Hildegard of Bingen wrote:
I am the one whose praise echoes on high.
I adorn all the earth.
I am the breeze that nurtures all things green.
I encourage blossoms to flourish with ripening fruits.
I am led by the spirit to feed the purest streams.
I am the rain coming from the dew
that causes the grasses to laugh with the joy of life.
I am the yearning for good.
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There are things within my power to grow spiritually and become more enlightened. If I could maintain a steady regiment of meditation I would benefit physically and spiritually. If I practiced Ti Chi regularly I would benefit physically and mentally. If I had a daily exercise routine I would benefit, if I read more, I would benefit.
I know theses things, yet I procrastinate.
 
Mr. Ed said:
There are things within my power to grow spiritually and become more enlightened. If I could maintain a steady regiment of meditation I would benefit physically and spiritually. If I practiced Ti Chi regularly I would benefit physically and mentally. If I had a daily exercise routine I would benefit, if I read more, I would benefit.
I know theses things, yet I procrastinate.
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So you do not live up to your expectations or plans/goals you set. You do sometimes and with some things I bet. Do you believe that people who are disciplined and never prograstinate are living better than you.? It sounds like it. Have you asked them all? I don't believe that there is any adequate way to judge people's happiness. We can guess, and we can try to fit into a routine that others are doing, and we probably will get along ok. But, maybe not.

Trying to make "spiritual" practice and understanding in a way that fits all, or even most, IMO is useless. Plus using comparisons to figure out what is best for us id useful for somethings, and a big mistake in others. People vary widely. Life is changing every moment. If spiritual practices are interesting to you, good. If not, good. There is plenty to be alive for. :)
 
Ran across this and it lit me up a bit. :)

Humanness without intelligence is like having a field but not plowing it.Intelligence without courage is like having sprouts but not weeding. Courage without humanness is like knowing how to reap but not how to sow." ~Great Chan Buddhist Fushan in the #ArtOfWar by Sun Tzu
 
Spiritual practices are mundane and too demanding for my lifestyle. Really, I don’t care unless it puts me in the grave sooner at minimum risk of pain discomfort. I live for the day when I don’t have to live life the only way I know how. There is no happiness for me except for family and pets , for those reasons I am still here because they need me. I don’t mean they can’t do without me, perhaps I need them to shine some joy into my life. I just got a new puppy I am responsible for specifically to help me focus caring for her rather than selfdestruction.
 
Mr. Ed said:
There are things within my power to grow spiritually and become more enlightened. If I could maintain a steady regiment of meditation I would benefit physically and spiritually. If I practiced Ti Chi regularly I would benefit physically and mentally. If I had a daily exercise routine I would benefit, if I read more, I would benefit.
I know theses things, yet I procrastinate.
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You could walk your dogs in nature and do some type of meditation. Since dogs ‘need’ to be walked everyday, you could use this to help with your discipline
 
PeppermintPatty said:
It’s not an opinion. If you take a rock and look at it under a high powered microscope, there are dancing particles. If you look at humans under a high powered microwave there’s dancing particles.

I’m not trying to prove there’s a God to you. I don’t really care if you don’t believe. You have a right to believe anything you want as do I.
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Dancing particles have nothing to do with existence of gods. I also have a low opinion of Wayne Dyer.
 
5 lessons to live by
⁃ Dr. Wayne Dyer


Wayne Dyer refers to Walt Whitman often. There’s a famous poem he wrote that I’ve been trying to find. When I find it I’ll add it here.
 
PeppermintPatty said:
15 Things You Don’t Have to Do Any More - inspired by Tiny Buddha

1/. You don’t have to wait for change.
If you aren’t happy with the way things are, you can do something starting now, however small to start to transform your life.

2/. You don’t have to accept anything you aren’t comfortable with in your relationship(s). Others might never change but you can change how you deal with them.

3/. You don’t have to ask for permission to do what’s best for you.
At any time, you can decide to prioritize your ideals and needs without having to defend yourself or justify your choices.

4/. You don’t have to follow anybody else’s advice. You can decide for yourself what you value most and what it means to you to honour it.

5/. You don’t need to be afraid of failing. Failing is an inevitable part of learning. To fail or make mistakes means you are trying new things which is essential if you want to learn and grow while living a life of purpose and adventure.

6/. You don’t need to be the sane person day after day. We aren’t the same person we were before. Our cells are continuously rejuvenating themselves so intrinsically, we aren’t the same person. Every morning wake up and become the person you ‘want’ to be. We are granted an opportunity to start fresh each and everyday.

7/. You don’t need to continue doing the things that no longer feel right for you. We can change direction at any point in our lives and as many times as we need to.

8/. You don’t have to feel guilty about saying no or accomplishing less. Your peace and well being are just as important as anyone else’s so if you want or need to change pace, don’t let anybody stop you. Your peace of mind is more valuable than anybody requests.

9/. You don’t have to ignore or suppress your emotions and instincts.
They are your compass towards the best decisions for you. Hear them. Trust them. Learn from them.

10/. You don’t have to hide your pain to make others feel comfortable. Not everyone will be able to hold space for you but some will. You have be open enough to find them.

11/. You don’t have to go it alone.
There is no shame in asking for help. It doesn’t make you weak and incompetent. It means you love yourself enough to allow others to help you.

12/. You don’t have to fix anyone else or make them happy. In fact, you can’t no matter how hard you try. You main priority is to focus on yourself and love and accept them while they learn to do the same.

13/. You don’t need to feel shame for your past. You did the best you could given what you’ve been through and what you knew at the time. It helped you become the person you are today.

14/. You don’t have to worry about your future but probably will. Remind yourself that you are strong enough to handle anything that comes your way.

15/. You don’t have to stress about needing to make a huge impact on the world. Small acts of kindness can have a huge impact.
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Thank you @MarkD for reminding me of these 15 things I don’t need to do. It came at a perfect time.
 
“Dancing particles have nothing to do with existence of gods.“.

@Pepper, you know a lot more about the substance of gods than I do if you can rule out dancing particles - or anything else.

I do think that what “God/gods” refers to is something embodied in the world as well as transcendent but I view that embodiment as present in everything. (Pantheist here.). But our minds are adept at screening out what doesn’t fit worldview so one’s disposition to the world is probably more determinative of one’s experience of the sacred than the underlying substance.

PeppermintPatty said:
Thank you @MarkD for reminding me of these 15 things I don’t need to do. It came at a perfect time.
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I don’t think that was me. @Stoppelmann shared a Whitman quote but I thought it was you who gave us the 15 things?
 
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MarkD said:
I d


I don’t think that was me. @Stoppelmann shared a Whitman quote but I thought it was you who gave us the 15 things?
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You clicked a like on the post and it made me read the post over again a few times. 15 things NOT to do. It was a good reminder.

The Walt Whitman comment was for everyone but I do know it was from @Stoppelmann who first mentioned him. A great poet. I should have made that obvious in my post but thanks for mentioning it all the same. My mind is slipping a bit though. So much so that I quit using cannabis a month ago.
 
MarkD said:
our minds are adept at screening out what doesn’t fit worldview so one’s disposition to the world is probably more determinative of one’s experience of the sacred than the underlying substance.
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What if we were able to allow more to "fit" our worldview, that we allow it to encompass ideas that we were screening out, and now learn about them. Our worldview would include more, and imagine if it included most knowledge and experience? Even omniscience would not automatically let one behold the exact nature of existence. We all live in our bubble of conditioned existence. One meditative practice is to imagine our world in a way that requires no explanation. When this is fully understood, it might actually BE what it IS all about. :)

While engaging in such a world one interacts with life in a direct way, because all those mental filters are forgotten/ignored. When we need to use our minds to navigate our intricate world, we engage fully with the tasks, and when finished...put up the tool/mind chatter. It seems I spend way too much time or energy wasting it on the habits ( screened out material ), and going over the same territory dressed up in different clothing. Thinking about the world is just that...thinking. Interacting with our world involves every aspect of our being.

I guess first one needs to be in touch with their whole being, and I suspect that is what is being discussed on this thread. All the major players seem to end in about the same place. "Forget about it". :) In it's place learn to engage fully with each moment. When I do this, with no sense of pressure, recognize my world and let the world be my dance partner, for some reason the world becomes timeless. I have to remember that what I am thinking about determines my world. Most religions and spiritual advice call this practice, or obedience to a teaching or mantra.

The sacred that is the underlying substance is an illusion also. It is to be left alone to describe itself. Our ideas about "it" are inadequate to understand it's essence. So the idea then is to pay attention to all our senses in each moment...and when we stray into murky waters we learn to wait it out, or it's ok to read a good book, talk to a friend, or sometimes a professional. No one promised us this would be a "walk in the park". :)
 
MarkD said:
“Dancing particles have nothing to do with existence of gods.“.

@Pepper, you know a lot more about the substance of gods than I do if you can rule out dancing particles - or anything else.

I do think that what “God/gods” refers to is something embodied in the world as well as transcendent but I view that embodiment as present in everything. (Pantheist here.). But our minds are adept at screening out what doesn’t fit worldview so one’s disposition to the world is probably more determinative of one’s experience of the sacred than the underlying substance.



I don’t think that was me. @Stoppelmann shared a Whitman quote but I thought it was you who gave us the 15 things?
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You both are taking the comment about dancing particles out of context. I just want to make that perfectly clear.
 
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