Scientific Views on Abrahamic Religions

Religious and Scientific Views Some religions — in particular, most Abrahamic religions — do not admit the existence of beneficial spiritual possessions; so, if they admit the concept at all, they automatically consider any spiritual possession as malign. Many of those religions have practices, often in ritual, to drive out such evil spirits, generally termed exorcism. Various forms and denominations of Christianity have developed practices for driving out spirits, most notably Roman Catholicism; there exists a Roman Catholic International Association of Exorcists. Father Gabriele Amorth is a Roman Catholic priest and noted exorcist.

Charismatic Christianity includes a tradition of individuals being 'blessed' by the Holy Spirit - either Speaking in tongues, or experiencing some other manifestation - but this is not traditionally considered possession by those who adhere to these beliefs. Many other creeds, including Shamanism and many African and Afro-American religions, teach that spiritual possession may be benign as well as malign, and their rituals often include incorporation: either of spiritual deities, such as the lwa of Vodou (related to Voodoo), the Orisha of the Yoruba, or of the ghosts of deceased people, as in Kardecism. Depending on the religion, the person who is possessed may be a priest, or a specially gifted medium, or a lay member. In Spiritism, incorporation of spirits is a key aspect of the practice. The existence of spiritual possession has not been scientifically proven. However, some psychologists acknowledge that occasionally, an individual exhibits behaviors that are consistent with possession as it is understood by the individual or the individual's religious/cultural tradition.

Believers hold that these cases provide evidence of spiritual possession, but most psychologists dismiss these claims as anecdotal evidence and suggest that there are other possible explanations for these cases, including delusion and malingering. Some cases may be considered consistent with the psychological-psychiatric category of culture-bound syndrome. Some cases of demonic possession may also be explainable by purely psychological or social causes, e.g. hysteria — roughly, a grown-up version of childhood tantrums or displays of anger. In fact this explanation was liberally mis-applied since the 19th century.

In the past, demonic possession may also have been alleged (by the subject or by others) for the purpose of excusing behavior which would otherwise be severely punished — similar to a defendant falsely claiming temporary insanity in a court of law in many jurisdictions today. Incarnations have been feigned by priests, religious figures, and mediums for fraudulent purposes, e.g. by pretending to communicate with a person's deceased relatives in exchange for "donations". The famous U.S. escape artist Houdini was instrumental in exposing several such frauds in the 1920s.

Belief in supernatural phenomena.

"The problem with terms like "supernatural" and "supernaturalism" ... is that they tacitly presuppose that nature is the fundamental reality and that nature is far less problematic conceptually than anything outside or beyond nature. The "super" in "supernatural" thus has the effect of a negation.
But what if nature is itself a negation or reaction against something else? For the theist (though not for the panentheist of process theology), nature is not a self-subsisting entity but an entirely free act of God. Nature thus becomes a derivative aspect of ultimate reality—an aspect of God's creation, and not even the whole of God's creation at that (theists typically ascribe to God the creation of an invisible world that is inhabited among other things by angels). Hence, for the theist attempting to understand nature, God as creator is fundamental, the creation is derivative, and nature as the physical part of creation is still further downstream.
C.S. Lewis argued in his book, Miracles, that it is inaccurate to define a miracle as breaking the laws of nature. Instead,
"The great complex event called Nature, and the new particular event introduced into it by the miracle, are related by their common origin in God, and doubtless, if we knew enough, most intricately related in his purpose and design, so that a Nature which had had a different history, and therefore been a different Nature, would have been invaded by different miracles or by none at all."
In connection with his writing about the appearance of Jesus Christ the Apostle Paul himself acknowledges that; "oppositions of science" will occur and so leaves a testimony in the Bible regarding a supernatural event to which many may struggle to attach a scientific explanation. This may also be viewed as a reference to Gnosticism, however, as the Greek word translated as science is ???s?? (gnosis).

The Power of Letting What is Be Okay

By Nancy Heimstra

Have you been in that “black hole?” That is the place that is so dark and keeps sucking you in. It can seem like there is no way out, so what is the use of going on.I just emerged from one recently. It was seemingly more distressing because I am such a “positive” person. The truth is I have fears and doubts like anyone else.I am a believer in creating my reality from the thoughts and feelings I send out. I know that the experiences I was having (and kept attracting) were a result of being stuck in a low vibration. I had a series of rushing into decisions and paying for them later. Even being aware of this did not prevent me from doing it all over again.I was fortunate enough to work through this with my life coach. I was able to see the underlying issue of lack of self-esteem and feeling on a subconscious level that I was not deserving of the abundance life has to offer, was a core issue for me.

The powerful part of the act of going through this was the fact that I felt it. I worked through it and experienced it on a deep level.There is so much today about the law of attraction (which does control your reality), but I feel there is a component of this that may be misunderstood. I am the first to agree that my job is to feel better and to raise my vibration. If I were to have just reached for the thought that felt better and not worked through the feelings, most likely they would have risen up at a later time.I was present in my feelings and experienced them on a physical level. I let them be in my body and work from there. It is a great gift to be able to process this and have someone there to guide me through it.I am writing about my experience because I believe it is a gift to those that are struggling with their own “black holes” and trying to change their point of attraction.

There is a fine balance in knowing when to “just get off it” and move on, and going deeper into it and moving through it. I know that a huge part of this process is letting what is be okay. Until you are at peace with the place you are now, you are stopping the process. So maybe that “black hole” you are in now is the gift to usher you into the next level in your life.I often think of the wise words of Byron Katie (www.thework.org) when she said, “Don’t be spiritual, be honest.” Be kind to yourself, allow yourself to be human and feel your truth.If you would like to work through your journey with a Life Coach, please contact me for a free ½ hour conditional consult.Warmly,Nancy Heimstra, Life Coach

Addiction to Complaining

By: Margaret Paul, Ph.D.

Complaining is a way of life for some people. It was certainly a way of life for my mother. I don’t remember a day going by without her complaining, endlessly. I don’t think I ever heard a word of gratitude out of my mother’s mouth. No matter how good things were, she would manage to find something wrong. No matter how perfect I was – and God knows I tried to be perfect! – she always found something wrong with me, as well as with my father. Over the years of counseling others, I’ve noticed that some people start every session with a complaint. They can’t seem to help it. Like my mother, they are addicted to complaining. Why do people complain? What is it they want or hope for when they complain? People who complain are generally people who have not done the emotional and spiritual work of developing a loving, compassionate inner adult self.

hey are operating as a wounded child in need of love, attention and compassion. Because they have not learned to give themselves the attention and compassion they need, they seek to get these needs met by others. Complaining is a way they have learned to attempt to get this. They use complaining as a form of control, hoping to guilt others into giving them the attention, caring and compassion they seek. Complaining is a “pull” on other people. Energetically, complainers are pulling on others for caring and understanding because they have emotionally abandoned themselves. They are like demanding little children. The problem is that most people dislike being pulled on and demanded of. Most people don’t want emotional responsibility for another person and will withdraw in the face of another’s complaints.
This is what my father did. He withdrew, shut down, was emotionally unavailable to my mother as a way to protect himself from being controlled by her complaints. Of course, he didn’t just do this in response to my mother. He had learned to withdraw as a child in response to his own mother’s complaints and criticism. He entered the marriage ready to withdraw in the face of my mother’s pull, while she entered the marriage ready to make my father emotionally responsible for her. A perfect match! My father’s withdrawal, of course, only served to exacerbate my mother’s complaining, and she constantly complained about my father’s lack of caring about her. Likewise, my mother’s complaining served to exacerbate my father’s already withdrawn way of being.

This vicious circle started early and continued unabated for the 60 years of their marriage, until my mother died. While my parents loved each other, their ability to express their love got buried beneath the dysfunctional system they created. Unfortunately, this is all too common in relationships. One person pulling – with complaints, anger, judgment, and other forms of control - and the other withdrawing, is the most common relationship system I work with. A person addicted to complaining will not be able to stop complaining until he or she does the inner work of developing an adult part of themselves capable of giving themselves the love, caring, understanding and compassion they need. As long as they believe that it is another’s responsibility to be the adult for them and fill them with love, they will not take on this responsibility for themselves

. Our inner child – the feeling part of us – needs attention, approval, caring. If we don’t learn to give this to ourselves, then this wounded child part of ourselves will either seek to get it from others, or learn to numb out with substance and process addictions – food, alcohol, drugs, TV, work, gambling, and so on. If, as a child, a person saw others get attention through complaining – as my mother did with my grandmother – and if complaining worked for the child to get what he or she wanted, then it can become an addiction. Like all addictions, it may work for the moment, but it will never fill the deep inner need for love. Only we can fill this need for ourselves, by opening our hearts to the Source of love. Only we can do the inner work of developing a loving adult capable of opening to the love of Spirit and bringing that love to the child within. People stop complaining when they learn to fill themselves with love.

About The AuthorMargaret Paul, Ph.D. is the best-selling author and co-author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?" and “Healing Your Aloneness.” She is the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com or mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone Sessions Available.

Spiritual new years resolutions

Resolutions For New Years - Let's Change The World

by: Terry Vermeylen

We are all human. Be it short, tall, white, black, poor, rich, angry or sad, we all have bodies, minds and hearts. We all feel. We are all capable of love, hate, envy, joy, sadness and compassion. As you see, we share many remarkable common bonds. Another astounding bond is this big beautiful planet we all live on. It is home to all of us. We use its water, farm its land, climb its mountains and walk its woods.
When the tsunami of December 26th smashed into our lives, and the images of huge ocean waves sweeping away villages and people entered our living rooms, our egos quickly fled and we realized how frightfully frail and precious life is. Many of us opened our wallets and hearts, trying our best to help people thousands of miles away. These fellow humans had a different culture, skin colour and religious belief. We never met these fellow humans and probably never will. Yet as the news of the tsunami invaded our comfortable living rooms our differences didn’t matter. The heart pounding images of Mother Nature wiping out entire villages with horrific ease made us drop our petty problems. At that moment we shared the realization that sometimes life just isn’t fair. Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes life is brutal. At that moment our hearts were enveloped in horror, sadness and finally compassion.

Spiritual new years resolutions #1

Give something back. What is the purpose of life? To give something back. If no one gave back, what kind of world would we live in?
We humans have evolved over millions of years. And as the “supreme” animal on earth we have sprouted something fantastic, which we now refer to as our conscience. Our conscience separates us from the rest of the animal species. We do not live on instinct alone. We understand the difference between right and wrong. We have spent thousands of years philosophizing about right and wrong, whether it be in religious or non-religious circles. But conscience is a double-edged sword. Our conscience holds the seeds that flower into beliefs and ego. Beliefs and ego can become twisted, corrupt, and self-serving. Beliefs and ego allow brutal dictatorships to flourish where civilians are subject to poverty, torture and, finally, death. Wars continue to rage on, with technology instantly bringing us the latest body count, political dancing and endless philosophical debate. Life is unfair to many on this planet. But hope is in the fact that we do have a conscience. And that conscience can be the catalyst to life affirming beliefs creating remarkable acts of thoughtfulness and compassion.

Spiritual new years resolutions #2
Let compassion become part of your daily ritual. Whether it is for the world, the nation, the city, the community, the self or your neighbour’s pet dog.
We are plugged in, tuned out, surfing, Blackberrying, beeping and booping. We are becoming like the Borg of Star Trek fame, marching blindly along on the never-ending road of technology consumption. We are subject to advertising assimilation, a constant bombardment of ads -- and the ads are now becoming frighteningly sophisticated, as they are a developed for us by our very own keystrokes. We install anti-spyware on our computers, in our own homes, to combat the constant battering of technology and advertising assaulting us everyday. Corporations will be unrelenting in the future as their IT machines mass produce tools of consumerism trying to snare us all in a web of technology purchasing. Technology is definitely a double-edged sword.

Spiritual new years resolutions #3
Get out and look up at the beauty of the ever changing and expansive sky once in awhile. There is a whole world of natural wonders waiting for you out there. Communing with nature will help you realize that we’re all in the same boat – or, on the same planet, as it were. Looking at Earth from space, you can’t see borders, you can’t see skin colour, you can’t see religion, and you can’t see wealth or education.
In the words of John Lennon
You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will live as one
Please consider this article for your website, blog or ezine. Permission to reprint if by-line stays intact and links are activated on the Internet.

About The Author
Terry Vermeylen is one of those rare people that is passionately driven to help others unlock their own barriers toward fulfillment, meaning and purpose. He is the founder of http://www.mylifechanges.com/, an Internet value identification and goal setting enterprise.
terry@mylifechanges.com

Spiritual formation forum denver

The Spiritual Formation Forum (SFF; formerly the Center for Personal and Relational Growth, CPRG) is a nonprofit organization increasing collaboration among leaders in Christian ministries worldwide who are committed to biblically defined and Holy Spirit energized spiritual formation within and through their ministries. This ministry stimulates genuine spiritual formation in the various ministry arms of the church as a means of helping Christians fulfill their calling to be salt and light in the world through living a Christ-like life. The SFF sponsors spiritual formation discussion forums, articulates models of spiritual formation, provides training opportunities for ministry leaders, and encourages them to implement appropriate models in their spheres of ministry (e.g., in local churches, denominations, Christian colleges and seminaries, international ministries, soul care, campus ministry groups, and other para-church ministry

organizations).The Forum is committed to in depth biblical spirituality in the lives of those who have put their trust solely in the pure Gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ our Lord. At the core of this spirituality is intimacy with God through the presence of the Holy Spirit who also works in us and among us to conform us to the image of Christ, bind us together in community, and empower us as servants of God to spread the Gospel and live as salt and light in the world."Spiritual Formation" is increasingly becoming a term used in many different kinds of evangelical ministry settings for building depth and commitment into the lives of individual Christians and their communities of faith.

This common ground between ministries offers us an opportunity to unify evangelicals and their ministry institutions in pursuit of true godliness of life and effectiveness of ministry in the church worldwide.The Spiritual Formation Forum intends to provide an open forum discussion and fellowship context in which we can meaningfully pursue this unity together based on our common concern for spiritual formation in the various arms of the church.

http://www.spiritualformationforum.org/index.cfm?go=c.home

Spiritual gifts personality traits

Description Of The Spiritual Gifts

by Lambert Dolphin

Natural talents and personality traits are natural human resources which all of us have. These are not the same as spiritual gifts which are given by sovereign choice, by the Holy Spirit, at the time we become Christians. These are supernatural enablements so that we may serve God more effectively in the world and in the church. Every Christian has at least one spiritual gift, many are given more than one gift. All Christians are called to the work of the ministry and distinctions between "clergy" and "laity" are foreign to the New Testament.

Both spiritual gifts and natural talents must be employed in the power of the Holy Spirit and not in the self-energy of the flesh in order to please God and bring positive results.
The various spiritual gifts are listed in Romans 12, Ephesians 4, I Corinthians 13-15, and elsewhere. Commentators differ as to whether the list totals 22, or fewer, gifts. The gifts are divided into (1) teaching/leadership gifts, (2) service gifts, and (3) sign gifts given to authenticate the work of apostles and prophets, particularly at the beginning of a new age (dispensation) when God does something new and different in the world.

Here is a rather complete list:

1. Apostle (apostolos). The Greek word means "one sent forth" (on an official errand), i.e., an ambassador. In addition to the twelve original disciples who became apostles, Paul was added to the list of those commissioned by God to lay the foundations of the Christian church and impart a full body of truth which would guide Christian faith and conduct. There were also other apostles, for example, Barnabas, Acts 14:4,14; Andronicus and Junia, Romans 16:7, 2 Corinthians 8:23; Philippians 2:25. The need for apostles diminished as the church became established. If there are any apostles today they might be found among pioneer missionaries who establish churches in foreign lands where the gospel has not yet been proclaimed. Christians today are under apostolic authority, however there is no Biblical reason to believe in the so-called apostolic succession of authority in the church. Ray Stedman likens the apostles in the Body of Christ to the skeleton and musculature of the human body.
2. Prophet, prophecy. (prophetes), lit: "to speak forth," to proclaim the mind and counsel of God, i.e., the gift of preaching. Differs from pastor-teacher in scope. Ray Stedman compares the role of the NT prophet to the nervous system of the body. NT prophets do not make predictions about the future as the OT prophets did, but gather their message from the Scriptures. Nor is God giving the church new revelation through such individuals today. The gift of prophecy is likewise not for giving secret messages from God to individuals in the church. Prophets vigorously stimulate and challenge the Body of Christ, pastor-teachers patiently feed the sheep and care for their needs. Prophets are to edify, exhort and console, (see 1 Cor. 14:3).
3. Evangelist, evangelism. (evangelistes) from eu = well, plus angelos = messenger. The gift of bringing the good news of God to unbelievers individually and in groups. The content of the message is outlined in I Cor. 15. Ray Stedman compares this gift to the digestive apparatus of the human body which has the ability to take material which is not a part of the body and transform it into parts of the body. Evangelists are also to teach other believers how to lead people to the Lord Jesus. Timothy evidently did not have this gift but Paul nevertheless urged him to "do the work of an evangelist".
4. Pastor-teacher (poimenes kai didaskalos), shepherd and teacher. Ray Stedman describes this gift as analogous to the circulatory system of the human body which "cleanses and feeds" the members of the body. Ray Stedman once said he believed this was a this is a common gift, given to perhaps a third of Christians.
5. Administration. (kubernesis = government). To pilot, guide, or steer as one steers a ship. To preside over the assembly and guide the proceedings. In order to preserve order in Christian meetings the person in charge should know how to direct the course of events towards a spiritual goal as led by the Spirit.
6. Leadership, (proistemi) "to stand before" that is attend to with care and diligence, as the head of a family does. Perhaps this also includes setting the pace, imparting direction and goals in a ministry since sheep are lazy and helpless and prone to wander off course. Most people like to follow a good leader. God's leaders are not only visionary they lead by serving.
7. Faith. (pistis), Faith-vision: the ability to believe God for new direction and power---visionary faith that sets in motion events others can join in and follow. All Christians have some faith because "without faith it is impossible to please God." Also anyone's faith grows as it is exercised. However there is also a gift of "faith-vision" which pioneers new ministries, encourages others and helps them to grow in faith. "Without a vision the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18).
8. Knowledge. (logos gnoseos), lit: "word of knowledge," systematic understanding of truth in broad, sweeping terms so that others may be trained and instructed. Not supernatural utterances from God. All Christians have some knowledge, but there is also a gift of knowledge given to some so they may teach and edify the Body. The ability to sum up lots of information or pieces of knowledge so as to give a clear concise overview.
9. Wisdom (logos sophias), lit: "word of wisdom." The ability to make wise choices and decisions at critical forks in the road. Very valuable to an individual or a group when it needs to choose but has no specifically clear information on the best choice. All Christians can grow in wisdom as they make a series of wise choices over a life-time, however there is also a gift of wisdom given to some in the Body of Christ.
10. Exhortation, encouragement. (paraklesis), to call alongside, comfort, strengthen, to counsel, exhort, bring aid, admonish. The same Greek word describes the Holy Spirit's role in our lives.
11. Discernment (of spirits) (diakriseis pneumaton), is a gift to judge or evaluate the spirits so as to distinguish whether something is from God or from an evil source. Similar to the natural talent of intuition but of course more reliable and consistent.
12. Ministering (diakonia), to serve (hence our word deacons). A wide variety of activities one performs with the help of God to comfort, encourage, support and build up God's people. Also, (huperetes), an under-rower or servant as distinguished from an ordinary seaman on a Roman galley.
13. Service (helps) (antilempsis), "to lay hold of (and support)", especially the weak and needy. To minister to others and meet their needs.
14. Giving, (metadidomi), is the gift of sharing and imparting, not only money but other resources. All Christians should learn to give generously since "God loves a 'hilarious' giver", however certain individuals are given the gift of giving so they can act as stewards over material resources in the Body of Christ.
15. Tongues (that is, "kinds of languages") (gene glossan). The ability to speak in other languages not previously learned, but known languages to men. The gift is for the purpose of praising God. It must be directed to God, not to be used to pass a message from one member to another or from one member to the congregation. Not a means of communication from the Lord to the flock. A sign to Israel especially to mark the beginning of a new dispensation. A sign to unbelievers.
16. Interpretation of Tongues. The ability to translate unknown languages so as to edify and instruct others regarding what has been said.
17. Miracles. (energemata dunameon) The ability to raise men from the dead, call fire down from heaven and otherwise present signs that authenticate the power of God in certain situations.
18. Healing(s). (charismata iamaton) (plural). Ability to heal at the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The word is plural in Greek, probably suggesting that the ability to heal refers to all three levels of man. Today, God sometimes heals physically, but more often emotionally and spiritually. A valuable gift for a counselor.
19. Mercy (eleos) An ability to touch inwardly with compassion. To be exercised with "cheerfulness".
20. Hospitality. (philoxenia), lit: "love of strangers." May not be a spiritual gift but definitely a Christian virtue. Those who believe this is a separate gift also hold that all believers are to practice hospitality.
Note: A Christian's service involves the entire Trinity.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are the sovereign choice of the Holy Spirit.
The place of our service is chosen by the Son of God, and
the workings, or style, of our ministry is determined by the Father.
This is made clear by the following passage:
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord (Jesus Christ); and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God (the Father) who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Cor. 12:5-

Spiritual help for nurses in stress

Simple Truths for Change, Healing and a Magnificent Life!

By Marcia Breitenbach http://spiritguide4u.com/

Many people on the planet are realizing that the key to a healthier, happier and life of abundance can be distilled into simple truths. We live in a complex and cluttered world. Take a deep breath and listen to this:You are on this planet to grow and to love. It is very simple. Don’t make it so complicated. We are challenged when change or loss come our way. We get disoriented, confused and begin to lose focus on the things we innately know will help us ride the waves.Here are some tips to review, to help you feel the support of the earth below you and the heavens above.

* Change is coming and change is here. You can be transformed by change, become more of who you were meant to be, and re-member or re-define who you are. You begin with your intention for positive transformation.

* What are your beliefs about life, change, and about yourself? You must bring these to the surface, examine them, and discard the ones that aren’t assisting you to manifest a life of magnificence. Write and voice your new beliefs often. Repetition of helpful beliefs, accompanied by enthusiasm, will bring about the things you want to manifest.

* To transform positively, and to live your best life, you must be connected to your inner voice. By doing so, you are more able to connect outwardly with others and build bridges of healing connections.* Rather than always searching without (or outside ourselves), look for the answers within. Going within requires some periods of stillness and silence. Being, rather than doing.

* Remember that you are not alone on your journey. You are always connected to spiritual beings who await your call for assistance.* Nature heals. Nature can open the wounded heart to love and to life again. Be grateful for, and be a gentle steward of this precious beauty.* Fear is a normal human emotion. Feel it, move forward with it and through it, and claim your Divine Essence.* Surrender, trust and gratitude are the three sisters of grace that allow you to move into a better life very quickly.* Taking time to explore who you are and to love all of you, including your shadows, helps heal the world. It brings balance to your life and FREEDOM!!* In order to love yourself, you must be gentle with yourself, and with the process of becoming a kinder, more loving person. By doing so, you also let go of judgments of others.* Keep a sense of humor about yourself and your growth.

You will never be perfect and you must “constipate your guilt.”* Open your heart, even if it’s wounded, and you will receive more light and love. It is always a CHOICE.* Practice laughing and find ways to stretch and exercise these important life muscles. Create laughing opportunities.* EXPAND your awareness of life’s mysteries. Being open to new ideas and concepts lengthens and deepens your life.* BREATHE with more awareness, especially when you feel strong feelings. It creates space for growth and healing.* Life is beautiful and you are Divine and deserve the best. Let go of the past and live this year like it’s your last. Give your light and love to others. Be a gardener for healing, planting seeds of hope, love, and compassion. It will enrich you!Remember, change is the opening in your life journey that allows you to access the unlimited creative energy within you…you literally are given the gift of re-creation of your life. It may arrive in disguise, such as an illness, death of a loved one, or other life challenge.

Why not choose to use this opening to step into your magnificence?

6 Great Questions That Will Help You Find Your Focus

By: Cari Vollmer

Do you have a ton to do and have no idea where to start? Would you like to know with each step you take you're heading in the right direction? Would you like to narrow your "to do" list down to a few key items and let go of the rest? Would you like to work smarter, not harder? The questions below will help you do just that. Answering these questions will help you find your focus so you can do what you want to do and feel great about your life while you're doing it.

1. What do I care about most? Or, where is my heart leading me? Only when you allow yourself to do what you care about most will you begin feeling better about your life. Asking this question will give your HEART a space to speak and be heard. When we get wrapped up in all the "stuff" we have to do we often overlook what our heart wants.

2. What do I really, really want to do? Or, ask yourself "is this what I really want?" If the answer is "no", ask yourself why you're doing it and then find a way to stop doing it. So much life is wasted doing things we don't want to do. Doing what you really want is a process of identifying and letting go of the things that you don't want and replacing them with things that you do want. Overtime you'll rebalance your life to include MORE of what you want to do. This question will give your DREAMS an opportunity to come to life. This one question could set your life on a new course.

3. How do I want to feel while I'm doing what I'm doing? If what you're doing doesn't give you pleasure while you're doing it, you may be on the wrong track. Why? Because "doing" takes up much more time then the result. The result happens once. We reach each goal only once and then it's over. The journey to our goals is what fills our life with experiences. If you're not feeling good during the "doing" (aka -- the journey) is it really worth it? This question allows your SPIRIT to come alive -- to be experienced. Give yourself permission to do things that feel good and you'll live an inspired life.

4. What is the "for sake of what" behind what I'm doing? Another way to word this question would be, "In the big picture of my life what purpose does this action serve?" If the answer isn't clear you may be letting life lead you. This question helps you CONNECT THE DOTS and make better choices for your life. Basing your actions on a clear purpose puts you in the driver's seat which means you are LEADING your life instead of letting it lead you.

5. What am I going to do? Make a list of all the things you care about and all the things you really want to do and prioritize them with a "1-2-3" approach. Rank your list in order of importance. Of course we make choices (decisions) about what we're going to do all day long BUT how often do we make choices after asking questions 1-4? Answering the above questions FIRST will give you the opportunity to bring more of what you really want into your life. This question requires a CHOICE be made. Now you've narrowed your focus!

6. How am I going to do it? After narrowing your focus create a mini action plan for each item. Write down the steps you'll need to take to make it happen. Tip: only focus on 1 or 2 things at a time (ex: over the period of 1 month). Don't try to do everything at once. That will just lead to overwhelm. Give yourself a chance to worker smarter and you will get more done.

This question will inspire you to TAKE ACTION. Nothing happens without it. In order to create the life you want you have to give your dreams, heart and spirit a voice and space in your life. However, this alone won't make things happen. You have to channel all these things into a clear course of action. Instead of jumping into your "to do" list, take some time to reflect upon these questions. By doing so you'll put yourself on a life and/or business path that reflects more of what you really want. Determine your FOCUS first and you'll live a fuller, richer life.

About the author:Cari Vollmer is the creative founder of LifeOnTrack.com LifeOnTrack.com’s inspirational and easy-to-read e-zine, LivingOnTrack, offers practical tips and strategies for getting and keeping your life on track. Sign up at http://www.lifeontrack.com/

Maybe Money CAN Buy Happiness

By: Steve Gillman Can money buy happiness? It's easy to say no, and probably correct, but that's just a way to stop thinking about the tougher issues. What is your relationship to money, for example, and how do you use this most powerful of worldly tools? Maybe you see that chasing after money for its own sake is destructive, but isn't it equally damaging to have such a powerful instrument in your hands while pretending it has no importance? Money Is Important Some say that money isn't important to them, but this isn't true. The truth is they don't see the importance. They make more than they need and yet complain they have no time for their children, when they could trade time chasing money for time with their kids. They want self-improvement, but instead of buying the tools to help them (a book, a class, a trip to a monastery) they put $800 televisions on credit cards.

Then they work to pay for it all, taking even more time from their children and their own personal development. It's not about televisions. They can be good things. It's about priorities. How we make money and how we spend money reveals ourselves. Do we like what we see? Money IS important, isn't it? Happiness So, can money buy happiness? Well, it can help put the right conditions in place. Is it easier to be happy if you have food to eat? Whether you call that buying happiness or not, the understanding is more important than the argument. Name any valuable goal or direction in your life. Can't you, with a little imagination, see how money might help? Earn your money in a healthy, satisfying way, and spend it wisely, and of course you have a better chance to be happy. Clearly, we need a deeper understanding of this than a cliche can provide.

About the author:Steve Gillman writes on many self help topics including boosting brainpower, losing weight, meditation, habits of mind, creative problem solving, learning gratitude, generating luck and anything related to self improvement. You'll find more at http://www.SelfImprovementNow.com

Appreciation Can Make a Difference

By: Barbara White

When in 1996 a local Secondary School opened, the staff decided to create a tradition to prepare Christmas Hampers for those in need. Each advisory class (of around 18 students G9-12) would adopt a family to help out. The students only know how many members in the family, ages of the children, and whether they have any food allergies. Every year, 65 –70 hampers are delivered to families. Inside each hamper is a note from the school principal wishing the family a Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy new year. It explains how the hamper was put together by the students and adds (I quote) “We hope that this hamper will bring you joy at this special time of year as it was put together with much love and care.” What would you think the experience of delivering a hamper would be?

In my minds eye I would imagine this scenario… knocking at the door, and seeing the face of the mother light up, excited voices and delighted faces of children gathering at the door to receive the four or five large boxes, all wrapped in Christmas paper being delivered. I would imagine seeing the relief and gratitude on the mothers face, perhaps moist eyes, as she realizes there will be plenty of food to go round this Christmas. She may feel, perhaps, amazement and a little overwhelmed that total strangers would go out of their way to be so generous. Seeing those things would be all the reward those students needed for their selfless giving, and what a memory to have in the impressionable teenage years. Unfortunately this imagined scene is not reality in the experience of the school. One of the teachers told me one of three things normally happen. When the hampers are delivered (either by the teacher or a trusted Grade 12 student), sometimes there is a thank you, sometimes a terse "put it over there", and sometimes no one answers the door.

Now I understand that it is embarrassing and humbling to receive, and many people find it very difficult, and may not be able to show their appreciation in person. There are other ways to show gratitude and say thank you, a thank you note to the school, a phone call or a letter. Sadly this seldom happens. I was shocked!! The school has probably prepared over 700 hampers since 1996, and have seldom received any acknowledgement whatsoever. The teachers reassure the students that the hampers were appreciated, and the school keeps on giving. At this time the students are planning how they can help the victims of the tsunami. The teacher’s comment was “The students are amazing!” There is a well-known saying that it is better to give than receive; I would say that it is also easier to give than receive. I don’t know why it is so hard to show real appreciation when we receive something, but it is not just a cultural or generational problem. In the gospel of Luke we learn that it was difficult over 2000 years ago. Leprosy is a terrible disease that eats away at a person’s flesh, and is very contagious. In biblical times there was no cure.

To have leprosy meant living outside the town, being ostracized from society, no longer able to live a normal life with your family, maybe never being able to hug your children, only being able to speak to them or see them from a distance. If you had leprosy you had to walk about warning people by ringing a bell and shouting ‘unclean, unclean’ so people would keep away from you. Can you imagine living like that! Jesus met ten of these lepers one day, and told them to show themselves to the priest, as they went they were healed. Not only was the pain and suffering gone, but also their lifestyle was to be transformed. They could be reunited with their family, work, and be part of community again. Luke’s account tells us that one of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.

He THREW himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. Only one out of ten showed gratitude for such a huge life-changing miracle! We are so blessed by God and by the people around us. Yet in a society, which seeks ‘instant’ satisfaction, it is easy to take many things for granted and not really demonstrate appreciation. We are raised to say ‘thank you’, but so often it comes out of our mouths automatically without really thinking about how grateful and appreciative we are. Our society has many expectations - good service, to have meals, to be warm and comfortable in a home, and because we’re used to this kind of lifestyle it’s easy to lose a sense of gratitude and appreciation. Saying thank you is sufficient, and is the right thing to do, yet have you considered how by going out of our way to show appreciation we can bless others and make them feel valued? When we show appreciation, we can make such a difference to someone’s day. A thank you note, a surprise gift, a letter commending good customer service to an employer, or a smile and a word of appreciation to the cashier at the checkout are some of the many ways we can show gratitude.

Often showing appreciation, a short time after someone has blessed us, touches a person’s heart, as it demonstrates that what he or she did was noticed and appreciated. It costs us so little to take a moment to take someone aside to say thanks, you did a good job, and yet it can mean so much! Being a thankful people is God’s heart for us. Scripture tells us many times to give thanks, give thanks to God, and also to those around us. To be known as a person who is thankful, showing gratitude and appreciation for all things that we have been given reflects God’s love to the world around us. Our life is a gift, our health, all we have, and all the ways that people serve and give to us are gifts, not rights we can demand or expect. Col 2v7 encourages us to be overflowing in thankfulness. Let this year be the year when we grow in our thankfulness, and take more time to show others our appreciation for them as individuals, and the things that they do.

Barbara White copyright 2005

About the author:Barbara White, a former Principal and teacher, is now president of Beyond Better Development. As a speaker and author, Barbara brings her passion and expertise to work with people to help them grow towards excellence and their unique potential in their personal and professional life. For more information visit her website, http://www.livingbeyondbetter.com/and sign up for her free newsletter "Growing Beyond Better".

Are You Saying "Yes" To Life?

Spiritual Articles http://spiritguide4u.com/

By: Eve Delunas, Ph.D.

I used to be hung-up on the need to be successful. That is, until I took a daring step into the unknown and discovered the difference between attaining success and successful living. While others achieve transcendence while trekking in Tibet or living among indigenous tribes in the Amazon rain forest, my spiritual epiphany began with a move to Munich, where I didn't know a soul or speak the language. (Does gesundheit count?) In that move I learned to follow my inner guidance, surrender to life, and trust that I am safe and taken care of regardless of where I am in the world. I discovered that life is meant to be an adventure, and that only when we step out of our comfort zone can our dreams become a reality.

I was 31 and living in Southern California. Despite many wonderful friends, a rental house near the beach, a sports car, a busy psychotherapy practice, and a lucrative speaking and consulting business, I wasn't happy. Mostly, that was due to my ever-present quest for success. I dressed to succeed (according the popular book on that topic), drove the car a successful person would drive, and constantly thought about what I needed to do next on that seductive road to bigger and better achievements. I worked too much, and played too little. Though I exercised at a gym (for successful people, of course) took yoga classes, and meditated regularly, there was little peace in my life. I was driven by the fear that if I stopped for a moment, someone else would take the place that was waiting for me at the top of the mountain. I was surprised to receive the message, "move to Munich" in response to my inner plea for clarity, guidance, and direction. But when the inspiration came through, I decided to "go for it" and see where it would lead me. My transatlantic move was both the scariest and most exciting thing I had ever done. I took nine weeks off to travel by myself to Europe (I had never been there) and look for work at the same time.

Five months later I closed my business, sold or gave away everything I owned, and moved to a small, furnished apartment in Munich to teach psychology for an American university. One of the first things I noticed after my overseas move was that I had taken myself with me. There I was, six thousand miles from home, and recreating the same negative patterns that I had hoped to leave behind. Unfortunately, this made it difficult for me to blame my unhappiness on my life circumstances. Clearly, my life was not going to be truly satisfying until I looked within and changed some old, familiar ways of being in the world. The most important thing I did was to redefine success for myself. Instead of always pursuing some illusive, future goal, I decided that success for me would be having nice days. Each morning, I thought of ways in which I could make that day special. I began to appreciate the music of the distant church bells chiming in my neighborhood, the delicious smell of fresh bread in a local bakery, and the light cast within my tiny apartment, with snowflakes falling outside my window on silent winter afternoons. With spring, I rode my bike along the banks of the Isar River, captivated by the beauty of nature and the magnificent, old buildings that line its banks. I anonymously walked the streets of the city, and discovered favorite cobblestone passageways leading deep into the ancient past.

Each night, as I lay in bed, I asked myself the question: "Did I have a nice day?" If I did, I considered myself successful. During this time, I discovered that I didn't need lots of money or possessions to live abundantly. I earned little, owned almost nothing, and didn't even have a car (unheard of in Southern California, freeway capital of the world!) Yet, I found with a little economizing I was still able to travel to Denmark, France, Greece, Cypress, and Italy for glorious experiences. I stopped identifying myself by my accomplishments or income level, and even stopped dressing for success (oh, sweet relief!) Although I made new friends from many cultures, I found that I was contented simply being with me. Not surprisingly, just when I was completely at peace within myself, I met a wonderful man who has been my life partner ever since. Life has taken its inevitable twists and turns since then, bringing new joys and challenges along the way. Thanks to my time in Munich, I strive to say "yes" to life whenever possible. I have come to believe that we live our best lives when we act courageously in accordance with the magnificent guidance within us. There are enormous blessings which accompany our willingness to say "yes" to the opportunities life places on our doorstep. Although these opportunities never come with written guarantees that all will be fine, in my experience, when we risk following our inspiration, life unfolds even more perfectly than we ever imagined.

About the author:Eve Delunas, Ph.D., psychotherapist, author, speaker, trainer. Offers proven strategies to help you rise above your limitations and soar. Breaking the Spell of the Past--Book and Guided Visualization CD set. Take a FREE QUIZ to find out if you are SPELLBOUND by your past. Download a FREE guided meditation to relieve stress and feel more peaceful. Sign up for a FREE monthly ezine called AWAKENING INNER VISION: RESOURCES FOR ENLIGHTENMENT.

Go to: http://www.innervisionresources.com/mailto:eve@innervisionresources.com

The Art of Concentrating by Means of Practical Psychic Exercises

(Part 4)

By: Zach Keyer

Exercise 6 Put the right hand on knee, both fingers and thumb closed, except the first finger, which points out in front of you. Then move the finger slowly from side to side, keeping the attention fixed upon the end of the finger. You can make up a variety of exercises like these. It is good training to plan out different ones. The main point you should keep in mind is that the exercise should be simple and that the attention should be firmly fixed upon the moving part of the body. You will find your attention will not want to be controlled and will try to drift to something more interesting. This is just where these exercises are of value, and you must control your attention and see it is held in the right place and does not wander away. You may think these exercises very simple and of no value, but I promise you in a short time you will notice that you have a much better control over your muscular movements, carriage and demeanor, and you will find that you have greatly improved your power of attention, and can center your thoughts on what you do, which of course will be very valuable. No matter what you may be doing, imagine that it is your chief object in life. Imagine you are not interested in anything else in the world but what you are doing. Do not let your attention get away from the work you are at. Your attention will no doubt be rebellious, but control it and do not let it control you. When once you conquer the rebellious attention you have achieved a greater victory than you can realize at the time.

Many times afterwards you will be thankful you have learned to concentrate your closest attention upon the object at hand. Let no day go by without practicing concentrating on some familiar object that is uninteresting. Never choose an interesting object, as it requires less attention. The less interesting it is the better exercise will it be. After a little practice you will find you can center your attention on uninteresting subjects at will. The person that can concentrate can gain full control over his body and mind and be the master of his inclinations; not their slave. When you can control yourself you can control others. You can develop a Will that will make you a giant compared with the man that lacks Will Power. Try out your Will Power in different ways until you have it under such control that just as soon as you decide to do a thing you go ahead and do it. Never be satisfied with the "I did fairly well" spirit, but put forward your best efforts. Be satisfied with nothing else. When you have gained this you are the man you were intended to be. Exercise 7 Psychic - Concentration Increases the Sense of Smell. When you take a walk, or drive in the country, or pass a flower garden, concentrate on the odor of flowers and plants. See how many different kinds you can detect. Then choose one particular kind and try to sense only this. You will find that this strongly intensifies the sense of smell. This differentiation requires, however, a peculiarly attentive attitude. When sense of smell is being developed, you should not only shut out from the mind every thought but that of odor, but you should also shut out cognizance of every odor save that upon which your mind, for the time, is concentrated. You call find plenty of opportunity for exercises for developing the sense of smell. When you are out in the air, be on the alert for the different odors. You will find the air laden with all kinds, but let your Psychic - Concentration upon the one selected be such that a scent of its fragrance in after years will vividly recall the circumstances of this exercise. The object of these exercises is to develop concentrated attention, and you will find that you can, through their practice, control your mind and direct your thoughts just the same as you can your arm.

Exercise 8 Psychic - Concentration on the Within. Lie down and thoroughly relax your muscles. Concentrate on the beating of your heart. Do not pay any attention to anything else. Think how this great organ is pumping the blood to every part of the body; try to actually picture the blood leaving the great reservoir and going in one stream right down to the toes. Picture another going down the arms to the tips of the fingers. After a little practice you can actually feel the blood passing through your system. If, at any time, you feel weak in any part of the body, will that an extra supply of blood shall go there. For instance, if your eyes feel tired, picture the blood coming from the heart, passing up through the head and out to the eyes. You can wonderfully increase your strength by this exercise. Men have been able to gain such control over the heart that they have actually stopped it from beating for five minutes. This, however, is not without danger, and is not to be practiced by the novice. I have found the following a very helpful exercise to take just before going to bed and on rising in the morning: Say to yourself, "Every cell in my body thrills with life; every part of my body is strong and healthy." I have known a number of people to greatly improve their health in this way. You become what you picture yourself to be. If your mind thinks of sickness in connection with self you will be sick. If you imagine yourself in strong, vigorous health, the image will be realized. You will be healthy.


Exercise 9 Concentrating on Sleep. What is known as the water method is, although very simple, very effective in inducing sleep. Put a full glass of clear water on a table in your sleeping room. Sit in a chair beside the table and gaze into the glass of water and think how calm it is. Then picture yourself , getting into just as calm a state. In a short time you will find the nerves becoming quiet and you will be able to go to sleep. Sometimes it is good to picture yourself becoming drowsy to induce sleep, and, again, the most persistent insomnia has been overcome by one thinking of himself as some inanimate object--for instance, a hollow log in the depths of the cool, quiet forest. Those who are troubled with insomnia will find these sleep exercises that quiet the nerves very effective. Just keep the idea in your mind that there is no difficulty in going to sleep; banish all fear of insomnia. Practice these exercises and you will sleep. By this time you should have awakened to the possibilities of Psychic - Concentration and have become aware of the important part it plays in your life.

Exercise 10 Psychic - Concentration Will Save Energy and Appearance. Watch yourself and see if you are not in the habit of moving your hands, thumping something with your fingers or twirling your mustache. Some have the habit of keeping their feet going, as, for instance, tapping them on the floor. Practice standing before a mirror and see if you are in the habit of frowning or causing wrinkles to appear in the forehead. Watch others and see how they needlessly twist their faces in talking. Any movement of the face that causes the skin to wrinkle will eventually cause a permanent wrinkle. As the face is like a piece of silk, you can make a fold in it a number of times and it will straighten out of itself, but, if you continue to make a fold in it, it will in time be impossible to remove it. By Psychic - Concentration You Can Stop the Worry Habit. If you are in the habit of worrying over the merest trifles, just concentrate on this a few minutes and see bow needless it is; if you are also in the habit of becoming irritable or nervous at the least little thing, check yourself instantly when you feel yourself becoming so; start to breathe deeply; say, "I will not be so weak; I am master of myself," and you will quickly overcome your condition.

About the author:PsyCourse.com Brings You Psychic Training for Real People. Embrace Your Psychic Side - Today!! www.PsyCourse.com

Reconciling Science and Religion

By: Ronald Tower Is science in conflict with religion? When religion expects unquestioning faith, there is a natural conflict. If religious ideas are open to testing, there is no conflict. Also, religion deals with realms of desire and inner experience that are outside of the scope of science. Science and religion each have their bases in different experiential territories. Science is based on publicly accessible experience. Religion is based on inner experience. If science says that its methods do not apply beyond publicly accessible experience and religion says any revelations it has about publicly accessible experience should be open to the same kind of testing that scientific claims are, where is the conflict?

There are differences, of course. Science is more rigorously tested. Religion is more open to interpretation and there is a lot more variability in approach. Science can usually achieve wide consensus within the community of research once a theory has been sufficiently tested. Religion has many different “communities of research” using different methods. Therefore, individual choice and mutual tolerance is much more of an issue. This will be made easier as religions give up unsupportable claims to unique authority and legitimacy. At the same time science needs to recognize that it has deliberately limited its scope to those experiences that can best be subjected to its methods. Beyond this, there are still whole realms of knowledge that are a part of human experience. It is true that they are less testable and definite than science, but they are still part of life. Religion explores some of these regions. Religion also gives a whole pattern to life of which science can be a part. Religions include ethics, stories, songs, art, community life, and many other areas within their practice.

They supply more of a complete picture of life. Religion can embrace science as one of our great human treasures once it is properly understood not to be a real threat to religion. Science has already recognized that there are many areas beyond its scope, history, journalism, everyday problem solving, art, art criticism, craftsmanship, ethics, personal experience, parties, games, fun, love. Science can study some of these, but it cannot subsume them. Surely some of these are part of how we know the world. Religion is one of these different ways of knowing the world. Part of the problem is a universalizing attitude on the part of advocates of both science and religion, but this attitude is not necessary to the functioning of either science or religion. It is like saying that the only real people are those in my group. Anyone on the outside must be less than human. We have long ago found that a live and let live attitude will get us much farther. A counter argument to this play friendly approach to science and religion is that God knows best what He has created and therefore if He says something in His holy book, then science will just have to accept its authority.

Science is only tentative. It has had to change its theories in the past. Eventually even the scientists will have to see that God is right and they are wrong. But scientists are more than willing to admit that their theories may need revision based on future experience. Their theories are presented as the best view they have at this time. But defenders of religion who insist on the correctness of their theories will not admit that they may be taking creation stories from pre-scientific cultures as fact just on authority. Religion does not need to be in conflict with science, but arguments from authority invite such a conflict. Suppose that the sacred scriptures are not books that come from a particular cultural setting and that they are not human interpretations of inner experiences. Suppose that they are direct words from God. Could it not be that we are misunderstanding them? Could it be that the text could have a different meaning? How do we know we have the right one? And didn’t God also create the human mind as a way to search out the secrets of nature?

There is a confusion about authority. Authority is a social concept. It has to do with who can make certain decisions. But much of our experience just happens. We can’t decide for it to not be that way. None of us has authority over whether the force of gravity pulls objects toward each other. It is just part of the pattern of our experience. There can be authority about whether texts can be changed and about what it means to be a part of a religious community but not about the basic structure of the universe. It is what it is. So some of this is an argument about what people should be allowed to say. Religious people who insist on the authority of their text are in effect saying that we are not allowed to question the text. Furthermore, we cannot claim truth for texts that contradict this text. To question this text undermines the social structure of their religion, and they cannot tolerate that. It also calls into doubt the hopes that they have based on that text. It comes back to the problem of universalizing. If they could accept that their hopes could still be there even if they were to admit that their holy book contains some ideas that no longer apply or that apply in a different way than they originally understood, they could avoid this problem.

For example, creation stories from all cultures can be very interesting and can have very deep inner significance. They do not have to be treated as scientific texts. There are many different kinds of texts with many different purposes. Science and religion do not have to be in conflict if extremists on both sides will just back off. Each side needs to recognize their own human limits and to respect the territory of the other. Science has legitimate claims to being the best source of the well tested, coherent theories that cover the realm of publicly accessible experience. Religion has legitimate claims to opening up realms beyond science, the inner realms, the ethical, holistic patterns of life that can include science as one of their many treasures.

About the author:Ronald Tower is the author of The Pyrrho of Martinsburg, an online book of practical philosophy, poetry, and meaning of life speculations. (http://www.pyrrhom.com)

Sanskrit language is an old Indo-Aryan language from the Indian Subcontinent

Sanskrit Language

The Sanskrit language is an old Indo-Aryan language from the Indian Subcontinent, the classical literary language of the Hindus of India[1], a liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and one of the 23 official languages of India.Its position in the cultures of South and Southeast Asia is akin to that of Latin and Greek in Europe. It is based on a dialect of northwestern India, dates from as early as 1800 BC[2] and appears (in the Vedas) in pre-Classical form as Vedic Sanskrit, with the language of the Rigveda being the oldest and most archaic stage preserved, thus making it one of the earliest attested members of the Indo-European language family; it is considered a base language of many modern-day Asian languages.

The corpus of Sanskrit literature encompasses a rich tradition of poetry and drama as well as scientific, technical, philosophical and religious texts. Today, Sanskrit continues to be widely used as a ceremonial language in Hindu religious rituals in the forms of hymns and mantras. Spoken Sanskrit is still in use in a few traditional institutions in India, and there are some attempts at revival.HistoryDevimahatmya manuscript on palm-leaf, in an early Bhujimol script, Bihar or Nepal, 11th century.The adjective saṃskṛta- means "refined, consecrated, sanctified". The language referred to as saṃskṛtā vāk "the refined language" has by definition always been a "high" language, used for religious and learned discourse and contrasted with the languages spoken by the people. It is also called deva-bhāṣā meaning "language of the gods". The oldest surviving Sanskrit grammar is Pāṇini's Aṣṭādhyāyī ("Eight-Chapter Grammar") dating to ca. the 5th century BC.

It is essentially a prescriptive grammar, i.e., an authority that defines (rather than describes) correct Sanskrit, although it contains descriptive parts, mostly to account for Vedic forms that had already passed out of use in Panini's time.Sanskrit belongs to the Indo-Aryan sub-family of the Indo-European family of languages. Together with the Iranian languages it belongs to the Indo-Iranian branch and as such is part of the Satem group of Indo-European languages, which also includes the Balto-Slavic branch.When the term arose in India, "Sanskrit" was not thought of as a specific language set apart from other languages, but rather as a particularly refined or perfected manner of speaking. Knowledge of Sanskrit was a marker of social class and educational attainment and the language was taught mainly to members of the higher castes, through close analysis of Sanskrit grammarians such as Pāṇini.

Sanskrit as the learned language of Ancient India thus existed alongside the Prakrits (vernaculars), which evolved into the modern Indo-Aryan languages (Hindi, Urdu, Bengali etc.). Most of the Dravidian languages of India, despite being a separate linguistic family in their own right, are highly influenced by Sanskrit, especially in terms of loanwords. Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam have the highest incidence of loans while Tamil has the lowest. This influence of Sanskrit on these languages is recognized by the notions of Tat Sama (equivalent) and Tat Bhava (rooted in). Sanskrit itself has also been exposed to Dravidian substratum influence since very ancient times.

New Age Spirituality

by: Elaine Murray

New Age Spirituality is all about getting back your power. Not that you ever lost it. Sometimes you gave your power away, misplaced it, or forgot you had power in the first place.
And why does the term: "New Age Spirituality"... seem to bother some religious leaders, especially leaders of the Christian faith? After all, we are in a new age: The Age of Aquarius. The concept of an Age exists within ancient spiritual traditions, and lasts 2000 years. It denotes a change process, occurring during those 2000 years, for the evolution of consciousness, for the good of all. The energy which entered this plane over 2000 years ago, at the beginning of what astrology calls the Piscean Age...was Agape (brotherly and sisterly love) - love of one human being for another, simply because each is worthy of love and part of the same human family. That energy is only now being accepted in any general manner. It has taken us the entire Age for us to "get it."

Christ brought this love-energy to our world over 2000 years ago, and we humans have been working on it ever since. We are just beginning to open, to sisters and brothers everywhere. And now that The Age of Aquarius is finally here...maybe we have developed that critical mass of love-energy that is needed for this New Age Spirituality. This time, the message expands to, "not only are we brothers and sisters...we are one." The Piscean Age taught us, we are all connected; we must love one another as ourselves. The "other" is an illusion. You and I are one consciousness, reflected in an infinite rainbow of seeming difference. All is one.

The Age of Aquarius is referred to as the "New Age," but there is nothing new about it. It is simply an evolution in human thinking. "New Age" thinking, asks that each person take responsibility for everything that happens in life...because everything in life is connected. We must learn to love ourselves; for out of love for one’s self, comes love for others. The person who is bound by a negative image, wallowing in self-doubt, does not permit time or energy to really care about anyone else. When we confront ourselves, and understand the causes for our feelings of hatred and anger, we can change the feelings...or even let them go. This involves taking responsibility for what we feel; becoming more consciously aware of why we feel what we do. In doing so, we are expanding our conscious awareness. To use a New Age term- we are "raising our consciousness" about our unconscious perceptions of who we are, and how we are behaving. Peace for the world begins with peace within ourselves. The biggest hurdle is learning how to create that inner peace and balance.

The best way to inner peace...is to go within. How do you go within? You meditate. If prayer is talking to God, (Divine Intelligence, Source, Creator or whatever word you prefer to use) then "meditation" is the art of listening to God, while in an altered state of consciousness.
By going within, you connect with your God-Source, and you can receive all the answers to any question about your life that you might pose. This is what gives you back your power. For truly, you are a child of God, and as a child of God...a co-creator, One with the Infinite. You do not need a priest or a minister to intercede for you. And that scares your religious leaders. They recognize that you no longer need them in the same way you did in the past. They also recognize; they can no longer control you, through guilt or fear. Is it any wonder the words, or the concept of New Age Spirituality frightens religious leaders?

There is no doubt: We have left the Piscean Age, symbolized by the sign of the fish...and have entered the Aquarian Age symbolized by the water bearer. It is time to take back your power. It is time to remember you had it all along.

About The Author
Elaine Murray is a retired elementary school teacher who lives on the shores of Lake Erie in Southern Ontario, Canada. She received her B.A. from the University of Western Ontario and is the author of A Layman's Guide to New Age & Spiritual Terms, published by Blue Dolphin in 1993. She can be reached by e-mailing her at jaguare@kwic.com

With absolute certainty, what do you know

SPIRITUALITY: The Bottom Line

by: Jed McKenna

Whadda ya know?
Seriously. With absolute certainty, what do you know? Put aside all opinions, beliefs and theories for a moment and address this one straight question: What do you know for sure? Or, as Thoreau put it:
"Let us settle ourselves, and work and wedge our feet downward through the mud and slush of opinion, and prejudice, and tradition, and delusion, and appearance, that alluvion which covers the globe... through church and state, through poetry and philosophy and religion, till we come to a hard bottom and rocks in place, which we can call reality, and say, This is, and no mistake; and then begin..."

In other words, let's cut the crap and figure out what's real. The cogito does exactly that, and it's very simple. The question is: What do you know?
The answer is: I Am.
All other so-called facts are really non-facts and belong in the category of consensual reality and relative truth, i.e., unreal reality and untrue truth.
::: Cogito Ergo Sum

Cogito ergo sum is the equation that proves the fact. But first, before we go on, let's ask what else we know. What else can be said for certain?
Nothing. We don't know anything else. And that's the real point of the cogito. The importance of I Am isn't that it's a fact, but that it's the only fact.
I Am is the only thing anyone has ever known or will ever know. Everything else, all religion and philosophy, is nothing more than dream interpretation. There is no other fact than I Am. The cogito is the seed of the thought that destroys the universe. Beyond the cogito, nothing is known. Beyond the cogito, nothing can be known. Except I Am, no one knows anything. No man or god can claim to know more. No God or array of gods can exist or be imagined that know more than this one thing: I Am.

We can't avoid letting this topic drift briefly into the Christian realm. When Moses asked God His name, God answered, "I am that I am." The name God gives for Himself is I Am.
Note that I Am is unconjugatable. It allows of no variation. God doesn't say, "My name is I Am, but you can call me You Are, or He Is." The cogito, the I Am equation, does not extend beyond one's own subjective knowing. I can say I Am and know it as truth, but I can't say you are, he is, she is, we are, they are, it is, etc. I know I exist and nothing else. Understood thusly, I Am, aka God, truly is the Alpha and the Omega; the entirety of being, of knowledge, of you.

::: The Line Is Drawn
The cogito is the line between fantasy and reality. On one side of the cogito is a universe of beliefs and ideas and theories. To cross the line is to leave all that behind. No theory, concept, belief, opinion or debate can have any possible basis in reality once the ramifications of the cogito have fully saturated the mind. No dialogue can take place across that line because nothing that makes sense on either side makes sense on the other.
We all think we know what the cogito means; this is an invitation to challenge that assumption. If professors of philosophy truly understood it, they wouldn't be professors of philosophy. Alfred North Whitehead said that all philosophy is a footnote to Plato, but all philosophy, Plato included, is rendered obsolete and irrelevant by Descartes. Nothing but the subjective I Am is true, so what's the point of prattling on?

The cogito isn't a mere thought or an idea, it is an ego-eating virus that, properly incubated and nurtured, will eventually devour all illusion. Once we know the cogito, we can begin systematically unknowing everything we thought we knew, and unraveling the self we aren't.

::: Life is but a Dream
There is no such thing as objective reality. Two cannot be proven. Nothing can be shown to exist. Time and space, love and hate, good and evil, cause and effect, are all just ideas. Anyone who says they know anything is really saying they don't know the only thing. The greatest religious and philosophical thoughts and ideas in the history of man contain no more truth than the bleating of sheep. The greatest books are no more authoritative than the greatest luncheon meats.

No one knows anything.

::: Disprove it for Yourself
Anyone wishing to deny these statements about the meaning of the cogito need merely prove that something, anything, is true. By all means, give it a try, dash your head upon it, but it can't be done. Cogito ergo sum, however, isn't the endpoint of inquiry, it's the starting point; it's a tool that helps us see, without intermediaries, exactly what is true and what isn't.
How great is that?
-Jed McKenna

About The Author
"Jed McKenna is an American original." -Lama Surya Das
Jed McKenna is the author of "Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing" and "Spiritually Incorrect Enlightenment", published by Wisefool Press. Coming in 2005: "Spirituality X" and "Jed McKenna's Notebook". Visit WisefoolPress.com to learn more.

Addiction to Spirituality

by: Margaret Paul, Ph.D.
Lian had been meditating for many years before consulting with me for his depression. He had been part of a spiritual community that encouraged their members to turn to God through prayer and meditation whenever they were feeling any difficult or painful feelings such as anger, hurt, anxiety, or depression. He had been taught that Spirit would transmute his feelings for him and bring him the peace he sought.
Yet Lian was depressed. “I have faithfully practiced what I’ve had been taught, so why am I still depressed? What am I doing wrong?”

Lian was suffering from what is called “spiritual bypass.”
Spiritual bypass occurs when people use their spiritual practice as a way to avoid dealing with and taking responsibility for their feelings. Anything that is used to avoid feeling and taking responsibility for feelings becomes an addiction – whether it is alcohol, drugs, food, TV, work, gambling, spending, shopping, anger, withdrawal…and meditation. If, when a difficult or painful feeling comes up, you immediately go into meditation in the hopes of blissing out and getting rid of the feeling, you may be addicted to spirituality.

It all depends on what your intent is when you are meditating. People can meditate for two totally different reasons: to avoid pain or to learn about love.
If you are meditating to connect with yourself and your spiritual Guidance in order to learn more about loving yourself and others, then meditation is a good way to get out of your head and into your heart. It is a good way to connect with a loving part of yourself so that you can welcome and embrace your painful feelings and learn what you may be doing or thinking that is causing your own pain. When your intent is to be loving to yourself and take responsibility for your own feelings, then meditation can help you become centered and compassionate enough to do an inner exploration with your feeling self.
However, if you are using meditation to bliss out and avoid your pain, you are using your spirituality addictively. You are using your spirituality to bypass learning about and taking responsibility for your feelings.

This is what Lian was doing. Because he was avoiding learning from his feelings, he was continuing to think and behave in ways toward himself and others that caused him to feel depressed. Then, instead of exploring what he was doing that was causing his feeling self, his inner child, to feel depressed, he was meditating to try to get rid of the feelings.
In his work with me, Lian discovered that he was constantly either ignoring his inner child – his feeling self – or he was in self-judgment. The combination of ignoring himself – which he did primarily through meditation – and judging himself resulted in his inner child feeling unloved, unimportant, and unseen. Lian saw that if he treated his actual children in the way he treated himself – ignoring their feelings and constantly judging them – they would also feel badly and maybe depressed. But Lian did attend to his actual children’s feelings and needs. It was his own that he was ignoring and judging.

Lian realized that he was treating himself the way his parents had treated him. He was a much better parent to his children than his parents had been with him, but he was parenting his own inner child in the way he had been parented. He was not only treating himself the way he had been treated, he was treating himself the way his parents had treated themselves. As a result, he was not being a good role model for his children of personal responsibility for his own feelings, just as his parents had been a poor role model for him.

In the course of working with me, Lian learned the Inner Bonding process that we teach. He learned to welcome his painful feelings during meditation. He learned to quiet the self-judgmental part of himself and to treat himself with caring and respect. He learned to take loving action in his own behalf so that his inner child no longer felt abandoned by him. It was the inner abandonment that was causing his depression. He discovered that his depression was actually a gift – a way his inner child was letting him know that he was not being loving to himself. With practice, Lian learned to take loving care of himself and his depression disappeared. Now his meditation practice was no longer a spiritual bypass.

About The Author
Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is the best-selling author and co-author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?" and “Healing Your Aloneness.” She is the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com/ or mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone Sessions Available.

New Age Spirituality Beliefs

by: Glenda Erceg

The New Age Spirituality movement is very unique. There are many things about this type of spirituality that is very different from other spiritual groups. There is no central organization, holy text, creed, dogma, formal clergy or membership roles.
New Age Spirituality is a group of believers who share similar beliefs and they can add these beliefs to any formal religion they are a part of.

Some of the New Age Spirituality beliefs are as follows:
1. Everything that exists comes from a single source of divine energy. This is called Monism.
2. Panthesim is the belief that all that exists is God and God is all that exists. They believe that God is inside us and in the entire universe.
3. Panenthesim believers state that God is all that exists and God is the whole universe and also transcends the universe.
4. Those who believe in Reincarnation believe that they are reborn after death and live as another person. Reincarnation happens many times.
5. Karma is the belief that the good and bad things we do are kept track of and are added and subtracted continually. When a person dies they are punished or rewarded depending on the tally. They are either reincarnated to a good new life or a painful new life.
6. Many people who follow New Age Spirituality believe that everyone has an aura. An aura is an energy field that radiates from the body. Some say they can read people’s auras and determine their state of mind and their physical and spiritual health.
These are some of the New Age Spirituality beliefs. Others can be found in books and magazines that deal with spirituality.
There are also many online sites that have information about spirituality.
Source: www.religioustolerance.org

About The Author
Copyright Glenda Erceg. For more information visit http://www.christiansinfo.com/spirituality
This article can be reprinted as long as the article, this caption and author biography are kept intact with all hyperlinks.

Technology or Spirituality

: Which One Will ‘Save’ Us?

by: Jesse S Somer

Many people these days believe that technology, and in particular Information Technology, is the key to attaining a future world that is both ecologically and environmentally sustainable, as well as being socially stable. Are they right? Others believe that a balanced spirituality, one that focuses on generosity, peace, and compassion will have to be the main ingredient in a recipe for true human evolution. What do you think? Is this a black and white issue? It seems that most challenges that humanity comes across these days are solved by thinking laterally, often with multiple answers and solutions being utilized. This diverse approach to solving problems may be the ‘angle’ that we need to take in order to become the safe, healthy, happy world that we have always dreamt about. Could technology and spirituality one day combine to form one mighty force?

Some might even ask, “Is it already happening now, right beneath our noses?”
Working for an Internet company I am pretty much surrounded by ‘technical’ people; analytical people, problem solvers. When I first arrived in the office I was shocked by the complete lack of biological and aesthetic life here. No plants, no photos or paintings on the wall. It was definitely not a place one would think of when contemplating spirituality. Spiritual places are forests, oceans, ancient temples, art galleries-definitely not I.T. offices. I wondered how my fellow species could survive in an environment so devoid of beauty, nature, and creativity-ironically the one power we need to develop new technologies. They all looked so content staring into their blue computer monitors, fingers ticking softly and speedily on their keyboards. It was actually frightening; a horror film where the soft, constant, monotonous ticking is the only sound filtering through the empty silence.

After studying and reading about many different religions and cultures one gets a pretty good picture of what a spiritual person looks like. Or do you? Are people that transparent that you can tell what their intentions are just by observing their material/physical self? Are all priests generous? Are all tech-heads oblivious to the larger pictures of the Earth and the infinite Universe that we are part of? The answers are starting to reveal themselves.
Bill Gates is an excellent example of a tech-head who has crossed over (unless his intentions by building software were always altruistic, were they?) into a more spiritual world of compassion and generosity.

The world’s richest man and his wife now run an organization (www.gatesfoundation.org/) that invests huge amounts of money into medical research so that human children of the future needn’t die of disease. They are focusing in particular on helping poor children in developing nations. Strangely enough, Bill has been strongly criticized by colleagues who don’t see these ventures as being profitable. However, many others have been inspired by such generosity and so have invested billions in the same schemes.
On the other hand, a friend of mine told me the other day about how one of the most famous spiritual leaders in the world, Tibet’s 14th Dalai Lama, has just put a website on the Internet at http://www.dalailama.com/. Now people interested in Buddhism all over the world can read about and even communicate with this renowned peaceful human being. On the Internet: and he’s not the only one sharing wisdom on the web, let me tell you. Do you see the picture slowly materializing in your frontal lobe? There’s something going on here.

Some people think that technology will ‘save’ us. Others think we need to go back in time, back to tribal ways of living in order to create the social cohesion necessary for our species to grow together and survive as one. The answer could be more simplistic than we ever may have imagined. Building software is great, but if the maker’s sole intention is for personal gain and immense wealth, well, be careful if you’re investing. I’ve read that if one builds a fence with anger and suffering (yelling at the planks of wood when they don’t line up properly), relations with neighbors may deteriorate. If one cooks a meal with love and enjoyment through the meal-making process, your family and friends will enjoy the flavors more, and show more gratitude for your efforts.
Sound like superstition? Attitude is everything. Technology may be a major factor in our world’s survival, but only if it walks hand-in-hand with an attitude that is truly focused on the betterment of humankind. What better thing to work for? We all spend a lifetime chipping away at our goals and dreams. Why not build your next program with the intention of evolving our species to the next level? Or, is that what you’ve been doing from the start?

About The Author

Jesse S. Somer http://www.m6.net/
Jesse S. Somer is a biological creature whose fellow organisms have designed technology for. He used it to share these ideas.
Jesse S. Somer is a creative writer working at M6.Net: ‘The web-hosting company for humans.’ M6.Net is working hard to help humanity experience the power and freedom to develop their own part of the Internet, to share their information and connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Does my spirituality help me in these endeavors

Disability, Chronic Illness, and Spirituality

by: Carolyn Magura


When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the mid 1980's as a "diagnosis of exclusion" (see, my illness had been mis-diagnosed for about 25 years prior to this initial "diagnosis") I became VERY angry with God. "Why me", I asked. Why did I have to be the one you inflicted with this terrible disease? Why couldn't you let the Doctors conclusively diagnose the condition? Why did I have to keep pretending that the Doctors were mistaken, just so that I could live my day-to-day life?
I was asking the wrong question, you see. Instead of asking "Why me, God?", I should have been asking, "Why NOT me, God?" See, I was trying to become the "before the diagnosis" me, and I just could not do it. So, I went into denial, and pretended that nothing was wrong. And, as anyone who is disabled, or who is living with a chronic condition can tell you, living with a disability is hard enough without trying to become a pale image of who one might have been without the disability, i.e., trying to fit into a world designed by and for able-bodied individuals, most of whom are equally dispirited.

It took me quite a while (about 10 years, actually) to come to the conclusion that I needed to stop being in denial; I needed to accept the condition, learn how to manage symptoms, and get on with a quality life. Indeed, I needed to ask, "Why not me God!" For living in denial meant that the ILLNESS DEFINED ME; I was very unhappy; I was seperated from my spirituality; I was alone; and, I contributed to disruptive events in my life.
It may sound corney, but I used my illness/disability experience as an opportunity to get in touch with the needs of my "true self". That is, I decided to use this opportunity to take back control over my life; to recommit to my spirituality; to discover and live a quality life; and, to keep replenishing my "well" of personal happiness and satisfaction by reaching out to others in similar situations. I mean, who better to discuss about living with a chronic illness than someone who does so on a daily basis, and not just some Researcher?

Who better to create a Workbook (found at www.disabilitykey.com) to assist others obtain disability insurances to which they are entitled than someone who used the process herself, and not just a theoretical social services person? Who better to create a website and an online blog where we of similar condition can chat with, and learn about extending our quality of life than someone practicing each and every day?
Does my spirituality help me in these endeavors? You bet it does! Spirituality is a quality that goes beyond involvement in a religious organization. It is a more basic construct. The highest level of our development is affected by our ability to appreciate the sacred in life; to live each day with purpose, and to find a sense of meaning and purpose for our lives. Spirituality invites each of us with disabilities and/or dealing with a chronic condition to live fully and in the present - in REALITY, the here and now. Not in denial, but in control of our lives, learning about, managing, and living each day in quality!

Research suggests that people, and in particular persons with disability, depend on spirituality and religion as an important, if not primary, method of coping with physical health problems and life stress. Most research, however, has addressed one's involvement in religion rather than spirituality.
Although research about spirituality in the context of disability is sparse, many thoughtful writers have considered religion and spirituality to be crucial factors in adjustment to disability. BUT, we must be careful not to "blame" God, as I did, or to say that my disability is "God's Will, or punishment for something that I did". Saying these things isn't taking responsibility for our lives and figuring out how to live a better life by managing symptoms. Instead, become reconnected with whatever spiritual process/religion that you find speaks to you, and live in the present with all of the gifts that you still have. Being affiliated with a specific religion can sometimes help those of us with disabilities find comfort in times of isolation and despair.
While little research has been conducted on the influence of organized religion in the context of disability, studies on the general population have been positive. For example, a 28-year follow-up of thousands of people aged 18-65 years found that the individuals who attended at least weekly religious services had lower rates of depression, smoking, and alcohol use; they also tended to have greater social support.

Frequent attendees were more likely to have engaged in other healthy behaviors, including physical exercise. The effect on survival was good after other factors were taken into consideration - their risk of death was reduced by 34%.
When disability is integrated as another dimension of living, spiritual growth can take place. Please reread this red phrase again. It talks about integrating a disability or a chronic condition "as anothe dimension of living"! It means, taking back control of your life; actually "living" again, and managing symptoms as part of every day life! AND, believe me, this is not easy! If you have the opportunity to acquire the Disabilitykey Workbook, you will see that I use my actual condition as an example for others to follow. Whenever I have to focus on my "Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Impairment Matrix", I get depressed all over again. My brother felt bad about asking me about his "condition" because he felt that it was NOTHING compared to what I cope with (more about his question in further blogs). BUT, I only concentrate on the symptom process when I need to. Otherwise, I concentrate on symptom management, and on daily living as quality a life as I can.


Integrating experiences of disability allows a person with a disability to recognize that suffering and hurtful experiences are universal conditions. It can be a time for you to discover untapped resources; it can be a time where you decide that you DO HAVE TIME TO play with your grandchildren, or read that book you have been putting off, or research your grandparents as they came to America long ago.

Spirituality is a way for people with disabilities to fulfill their potential and discover the possibilities while learning to live with and integrate their disability-related limitations and yet expand their boundaries to experience the fullness of life.
As part of my Internet research for this blog, I found the following website entitled "Faithability Religion, Spirituality and Disability Resources". You can subscribe to the site, for free, and receive (I think - I haven't gotten anything yet) periodic information. The site looked interesting, so here it is:

http://www.faithability.org/

Once again, your comments, thoughts, and ideas on this and other blogs are welcomed!

About The Author
Carolyn Magura
Disabilitykey.com (www.disabilitykey.com) is a website designed to assist each person in his/her own unique quest to navigate through the difficult and often conflicting and misleading information about coping with disabilities.
Carolyn Magura, noted disability / ADA expert, has written an e-Book documenting the process that allowed her to:
a) continue to work and receive her “full salary” while on Long Term Disability; and
b) become the first person in her State to qualify for Social Security Disability the FIRST TIME, in UNDER 30 DAYS.
Click here ("www.disabilitykey.com/products.htm) to receive Carolyn 's easy-to-read, easy-to-follow direct guide through this difficult, trying process. If you are disabled, don't let this disabiling process disable you. Read Carolyns Disability Key Blog (www.disabilitykey.com/disabilitykeyblog.shtml).