Dr Martin Luther King, Jr: I have a dream...
posted by DK Matai on January 19, 2009 at 02:44 PM
Dear Friends, we are happy to remember Dr Martin Luther King's 80th birthday today and look forward to the realisation of his dream in President Obama's inauguration tomorrow! Here is a copy of the article we presented two year's ago on his birthday:
Continue reading "Dr Martin Luther King, Jr: I have a dream..."
Inner Calmness
posted by DK Matai on January 18, 2009 at 01:43 PM
Dear Friends, we were inspired by this magnificient art produced by our friend Arlene Taveroff from Wisdom a la Carte... How does it resonate with you? What quotes of wisdom come to you?
Continue reading "Inner Calmness"
Gayatri Mantra -- Being Grateful to The Supra Universal Consciousness!
posted by DK Matai on January 15, 2009 at 11:43 AM
Dear Friends, this morning, I woke up and wrote on my online status that I felt immensely grateful to the Supra Universal Consciousness for everything whilst counting blessings one-by-one & praying for world peace: Golden Age of non-violence!
Continue reading "Gayatri Mantra -- Being Grateful to The Supra Universal Consciousness!"
Deeply Troubled Over Gaza: How Asymmetric?
posted by DK Matai on January 13, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Dear Friends, we are deeply troubled to note that 971 are dead in Gaza: 311 children & 76 women; 4,418 are injured: 1,549 children & 652 women... What? How asymmetric is that? Source: UN OCHA.
Continue reading "Deeply Troubled Over Gaza: How Asymmetric?"
What is the fault of the children of Gaza who constitute one third of all killed and injured?
posted by DK Matai on January 09, 2009 at 07:06 AM
Dear Friends, Two weeks of fighting have left 14 Israelis and 765 Palestinians dead. The UN states: One third are children of all Gaza dead & injured; half are civilians; meanwhile the Israel-Hamas confrontation continues despite the UN resolution. In a rare statement, the International Red Cross has condemned Israel for violating international law because it was unable to access Gaza.
OVER 100 UK PARLIAMENTARIANS CALL FOR END TO SLAUGHTER IN GAZA
posted by DK Matai on January 06, 2009 at 05:14 PM
Dear Friends, we are grateful to Richard Burden, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom; Chair of the Britain-Palestine All Party Parliamentary Group; and distinguished ATCA Contributor for his submission:
Continue reading "OVER 100 UK PARLIAMENTARIANS CALL FOR END TO SLAUGHTER IN GAZA"
Tools of Personal Transformation – Forgiveness
posted by Deepak Chopra on December 30, 2008 at 07:21 PM
From an early age we are told forgiveness is an important virtue we should practice, but we are only told to forgive, we are not shown how to forgive and mean it. In the Lord’s Prayer we ask God to “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us,” But I don’t think forgiveness should be regarded as prescriptive morality. Prescriptive morality never works and is frequently a form a self- righteousness in disguise--a mask for the ego.
Continue reading "Tools of Personal Transformation – Forgiveness"
Universal Greetings!
posted by DK Matai on December 25, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Dear Friends, given that the IntentBlog, Intent, ATCA Open, The Philanthropia and HQR wonderful family extends to 120+ countries please accept universal greetings!
Continue reading "Universal Greetings!"
Enlightenment
posted by Deepak Chopra on December 22, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Enlightenment is the transformation of personal consciousness to universal consciousness. According to the wisdom traditions of the world, this transformation is not an anomaly or departure from human nature, but rather the actualization of human potential. The evolution of consciousness is a progressive journey back to the source of existence, to our source. This metamorphosis represents a shift in identify from the personal to the transpersonal, to the universal. It is the realization that as persons we are a transient impermanent pattern of a deeper consciousness that differentiates simultaneously into the observer and the observed. The maturation of awareness reveals that in reality we are ultimately not defined as either the observer or observed, but rather that consciousness which simultaneously differentiates into both.
Continue reading "Enlightenment"
Delusion of Permanence: Most Astonishing in World
posted by DK Matai on December 19, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Mahabharata War: Impermanence of Life & Wealth
Dear Friends, we were asked the other day about why the delusion of wealth persists?
Continue reading "Delusion of Permanence: Most Astonishing in World"
Are you your environment?
posted by Sarah Maria on December 15, 2008 at 08:10 PM
One thing I have realized is how much the environment can influence us. The weather is an obvious way, but there are many smaller aspects of environment that impact us as well.
I am in the process of moving to Seattle from Northern California. I have been wanting to leave the Bay Area for a number of years, and really love Seattle. It is interesting, though, that I almost feel like a different person depending on where I am located.
Continue reading "Are you your environment?"
Seeking an Explanation for The Mystery of The Metamorphosis of Narcissus by Salvador Dali
posted by DK Matai on December 15, 2008 at 01:53 PM
The Metamorphosis of Narcissus by Salvador Dali, 1937
Dear Friends, we were asked a question after reading, "Metamorphosis of Narcissus & The Omega Point" about the painting's directional flow and meaning.
Time to move on?
posted by Gayatri Jayaraman on December 09, 2008 at 01:25 AM
Right now Mumbai is a seething mess of changemakers each with their own well-intentioned agendas. And as we well know, the path to hell is paved with good intentions..... No one can hear anyone else over the din, never mind that everyone is saying more or less the same thing. It's deeply disappointing to see me-ness in all of this change-mongering. The needing to take credit for the plan that changes the way we deal with safety, celebs posing for photo-ops, ‘iconic’ interviews slamming terror that pop up as a film release approaches, and the sinking feeling that even as we keep it up, fatigue is setting in, nothing is really going to change, and people are resigning themselves to resilience and moving on. I’m just back from a Press Con with a superstar who didn’t even mention the T word. Is it over? Safe to come out now? And are those of us who are clinging on to the memory of it actually just people who can't let go?
Continue reading "Time to move on?"
My Grandfather’s Sikhism, My Simple Life Philosophy
posted by Rayman Mathoda on December 06, 2008 at 04:19 PM
I consider myself spiritual but not very religious and don’t have much patience for the bureaucracy of most religions including my own. I just don’t see the need to have middlemen translate the teachings of my religion to me; my grandfather did a fine job of this during the times we spent together on vacation in Punjab, India while he was alive.
Continue reading "My Grandfather’s Sikhism, My Simple Life Philosophy"
Redefining the War on Terror
posted by Rayman Mathoda on November 28, 2008 at 01:38 PM
The Mumbai "terrorist" attacks are a clear message to President Elect Obama, us, and the rest of the world. The problems of the world aren't just economic....they are equally urgent, social and extend deeply into our homes and places of worship.
Continue reading "Redefining the War on Terror"
How About the Church of Hope?
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 26, 2008 at 09:46 AM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: President-elect Obama hasn't been to church in three weeks, saying he doesn't want to disrupt the service for others. Reagan and Bush said the same thing, but Carter and Clinton attended church regularly. What's your advice? Where should presidents worship?
Since Barack Obama ran to bring hope in a time of change, I'd like to see him extend that to how he worships. Presidents are forced to attend church as an empty ritual. A cynic would say that if they wanted to worship the way that 70% of American males do, they should attend the church of televised football and golf. Other honest alternatives would be the worship of ambition, money, and political revenge, wherever those dogmas happen to be preached. To overcome such cynicism, and to end the masquerade of public piety, soon-to-be President Obama might consider the following innovations:
Continue reading "How About the Church of Hope?"
The Mystery of the Compassionate Brain
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 14, 2008 at 02:07 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: Religion scholar Karen Armstrong is asking the world to write a Charter for Compassion, based on her premise that compassion is central to all religions. Do you agree? If so, what has gone wrong?
Continue reading "The Mystery of the Compassionate Brain"
I take a vow
posted by Gayatri Jayaraman on November 10, 2008 at 01:17 AM
This is my personal vow of non-violence to support Deepak's Vow:
To not place heat in words, where I may place light
To not stumble into loudness, where there may be stillness
To not seek to be heard first, where I may be heard clearest
To not draw upon anger, where I may draw upon compassion
To not fashion into sharpness, what I may fashion into gentleness
To not measure what I get, where I may measure what I become
To not look for revenge, where I may seek justice
To not fall into argument, where I may clarify by debate
To not think in terms of punishment, where I may think in terms of correction
To not attack, where I may defend
Continue reading "I take a vow"
The (oft unknowing) tyranny of the majority
posted by Rayman Mathoda on November 09, 2008 at 11:17 AM
On May 15th, 2008 the California Supreme Court made a historic decision. They ruled that it was a violation of the equal protection clause of the California Constitution to not afford gay couples the right to marry – almost exactly the same ruling they had made in 1948 on inter-racial marriage (which was at the time not allowed in California). Between June 16th (the day gay wedding licenses started being issued) and November 4th, approximately 18,000 couples got married in California.
Continue reading "The (oft unknowing) tyranny of the majority"
The Vow
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 07, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Dear Friends,
On November 7, 2008, at 9:45am , I, Deepak Chopra, took a vow of non-violence in my thoughts, in my speech and in my actions. I, then, also had an opportunity to ask the almost 500 people attending the plenary session for the Alliance for a New Humanityin Barcelona if they would join me in this commitment.
Marilyn Ferguson: An Appreciation
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 07, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Reagan was on the rise, the anti-war movement had sunk to a low ebb, and the New Age was barely christened when The Aquarian Conspiracy appeared in 1980. Overnight Marilyn Ferguson's book became famous and sold in the millions. I was a young doctor who had just learned to meditate when I picked up a dog-eared paperback copy at a Catskill spiritual retreat. Ferguson's message shot through me like electricity: a "benign conspiracy" was bringing about the greatest shift in consciousness in the twentieth century. In one stroke Ferguson unified a movement that seemed like small, isolated outposts on the fringes of respectable society.
Continue reading "Marilyn Ferguson: An Appreciation"
Economic Crisis as a Catalyst for Spiritual and Community Renewal
posted by Richard Flyer on November 03, 2008 at 09:01 AM
People take notice when “officialdom” makes pronouncements like this one from Bank of England Deputy Governor Charles Bean regarding the economic situation--- “This is a once in a lifetime crisis, and possibly the largest financial crisis of its kind in human history."
What an amazing time to be living---a time of great extremes—we are living on the edge. While the economic crisis may be the worst in human history, it could be paradoxically the greatest impetus to spiritual renewal and awakening of humanity to finally build a society that works for all—starting in each of our communities.
Continue reading "Economic Crisis as a Catalyst for Spiritual and Community Renewal"
Same Sex Marriage: Equality for All
posted by Mallika Chopra on October 14, 2008 at 08:57 PM
A few months ago, my two daughters were ring bearers in two of our closest friends wedding ceremony. My girls dressed up in their Indian clothes, thrilled to have the honor of being such VIPs.
Continue reading "Same Sex Marriage: Equality for All"
The Nature of Maya
posted by DK Matai on October 12, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Dear Friends, in Sanskrit, the Indian Veda treatise from 1500 BC describes Maya as money. Maya as material. Maya as Illusion. Perception makes Maya a reality...
Continue reading "The Nature of Maya"
Creating Conscious Community---Interview
posted by Richard Flyer on October 02, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Interview on Creating Conscious Community
Meeting Troy Davis: A Lesson in Faith and Forgiveness
posted by Kavita Chhibber on September 30, 2008 at 05:46 AM
Last Friday the 26th, I was under the surgeon’s scalpel undergoing surgery.
Continue reading "Meeting Troy Davis: A Lesson in Faith and Forgiveness"
Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 7)
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 27, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Continuing the daily themes for peacemakers, today’s peace practice is:
Sharing for Peace
Today, share your practice of peacemaking with two people. Give them this information and invite them to begin the daily practice. As more of us participate in this sharing, our practice will expand into a critical mass.
Continue reading "Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 7)"
Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 6)
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 26, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Continuing the daily themes for peacemakers, today’s peace practice is:
Creating for Peace
Today, come up with at least one creative idea to resolve a conflict, either in your personal life or your family circle or among friends. If you can, try and create an idea that applies to your community, the nation, or the whole world.
Continue reading "Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 6)"
Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 5)
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 25, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Continuing the daily themes for peacemakers, today’s peace practice is:
Acting for Peace
Today is the day to help someone in need: A child, a sick person, an older or frail person. Help can take many forms. Tell yourself, " Today I will bring a smile to a stranger's face. If someone acts in a hurtful way to me or someone else, I will respond with a gesture of loving kindness. I will send an anonymous gift to someone, however small. I will offer help without asking for gratitude or recognition."
Please support my intention for peace by going to Intent.com. Then create your own intention to add the power of your intention toward peace in the world. Share this message with all your friends to create a tidal wave of peace for the planet right now.
Continue reading "Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 5)"
Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 4)
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 24, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Continuing the daily themes for peacemakers, today’s peace practice is:
Speaking for Peace
Today, the purpose of speaking is to create happiness in the listener. Have this intention: Today every word I utter will be chosen consciously. I will refrain from complaints, condemnation, and criticism.
Your practice is to do at least one of the following:
Tell someone how much you appreciate them.
Express genuine gratitude to those who have helped and loved you.
Offer healing or nurturing words to someone who needs them.
Show respect to someone whose respect you value.
If you find that you are reacting negatively to anyone, in a way that isn't peaceful, refrain from speaking and keep silent. Wait to speak until you feel centered and calm, and then speak with respect.
Please support my intention for peace by going to Intent.com. Then create your own intention to add the power of your intention toward peace in the world. Share this message with all your friends to create a tidal wave of peace for the planet right now.
Continue reading "Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 4)"
Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 3)
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 23, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Continuing the week-long practices for peace, today’s theme for peacemakers is:
Feeling for Peace
This is the day to experience the emotions of peace. The emotions of peace are compassion, understanding, and love.
Continue reading "Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 3)"
Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 22, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Continuing the weeklong practices for peace, today’s theme for peacemakers is:
Thinking for Peace
Thinking has power when it is backed by intention. Today, introduce the intention of peace in your thoughts. Take a few moments of silence, then repeat this ancient prayer:
Continue reading "Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 2)"
To Trust or Not to Trust
posted by Diane Williams on September 22, 2008 at 10:07 AM
To Trust or Not to Trust?
How can each of us find more peace – personally, socially, globally and/or spiritually?
Continue reading "To Trust or Not to Trust"
Beyond Hate in '08--Community Weaver's Story
posted by Richard Flyer on September 22, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Hate. An awful word. According to the dictionary it is "to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward."
It is easy to see in others, but can we overcome it in ourselves? I must have received 5 emails this last week demonizing the Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin.
Continue reading "Beyond Hate in '08--Community Weaver's Story"
Our Intent for Peace
posted by Mallika Chopra on September 21, 2008 at 09:13 PM
My intent is ...
Continue reading "Our Intent for Peace"
Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 1)
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 21, 2008 at 12:05 PM
War is the plague that human beings bring upon themselves. It is also a plague we might be able to end. On any given day since you and I were born, some part of the world has been at war–in 2003 the total number of open conflicts was thirty. In the twentieth century at least 108 million people died in wars. Of the 20 largest military budgets on earth, 14 belong to developing countries. The United States spends more on its military than the next 16 countries combined.
Continue reading "Becoming a Unit of Peace Consciousness (Part 1)"
Fathering outside the Norm
posted by Joe Kelly on September 15, 2008 at 08:30 AM
What are you doing today to and for all the good dads who challenge the norms at work, at home, and in society-at-large about what it means to be a good father and what it means to create (sometimes out of whole cloth) time to fully and truly nurture children? There are a lot of men out here acting every day in ways that are simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary—ordinary because they are actions every good parent takes; extraordinary because the picture of a father fully involved and engaged in daily child-rearing is still so far outside our conception of “normal.”
Continue reading "Fathering outside the Norm"
Jezebel, Sheba, and Hillary?
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 03, 2008 at 02:44 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: Women are not allowed to become clergy in many conservative religious groups. Is it hypocritical to think that a woman can lead a nation and not a congregation?
Continue reading "Jezebel, Sheba, and Hillary?"
Im filled with light. Cut me...I don't bleed, I shine
posted by Gayatri Jayaraman on August 16, 2008 at 06:35 AM
I-day came and went, but the euphoria lingers. Abhinav Bindra, all of 25 took the gold, and though as Indians we all feel proud and take credit for him, fact is we never took responsibility for his talent when it was being nurtured, we played no part as a nation in contributing to his success. Funded solely by his parents' substantial means, overcoming medical injury, seeking out confidence building classes in Germany, Abhinav is symbolic of a generation of young Indians who won't stop chasing their dreams just because of the odds. India's gen-next is a kick-ass bunch!
Continue reading "Im filled with light. Cut me...I don't bleed, I shine"
The Power of Love and The Omega Point
posted by DK Matai on August 12, 2008 at 12:59 AM
The Omega Point
Dear Friends, the evolving black swan global crises pose some downside risks and what are the upside possibilities...
Continue reading "The Power of Love and The Omega Point"
Breathed By Brahman
posted by Deepak Chopra on August 01, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Imagining God in Color
posted by Deepak Chopra on July 31, 2008 at 05:57 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question:
Three in 10 Americans acknowledge feelings of racial prejudice, and yet 9 in 10 say they believe in God. How does racial prejudice reflect on one's religious beliefs?
Continue reading "Imagining God in Color"
There Is Nothing Other Than God
posted by Deepak Chopra on July 31, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Dawn of A Golden Age: How do you feel about it?
posted by DK Matai on July 31, 2008 at 12:08 AM
Dear Friends, with God's grace, your blessings and well wishes we are recovering from the accident step by step. What do you think of "Towards a Golden Age -- A Wisdom based Global Economy?".
Continue reading "Dawn of A Golden Age: How do you feel about it?"
The Pregnant Man
posted by Mallika Chopra on July 23, 2008 at 10:17 PM
I have to admit, I do not know how to react to the pregnant man - who has now given birth to his daughter. For anyone who knows me,
Continue reading "The Pregnant Man"
Why the Paranormal is Normal
posted by Deepak Chopra on July 17, 2008 at 03:39 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question:
Polls routinely show that 75 percent of Americans hold some form of belief in the paranormal such as astrology, telepathy and ghosts. All religions contain beliefs in the supernatural. Is there a link? What’s the difference?
Continue reading "Why the Paranormal is Normal"
Awakened World Through Awakened Communities
posted by Richard Flyer on July 15, 2008 at 08:59 AM
What Gets in the Way of Us Connecting with Others?
posted by Velcrow Ripper on July 15, 2008 at 08:20 AM
Expectation. When we are expecting, we are not connecting - we are just waiting for affirmation. To really connect, to really relate, we need to be open and not just be looking to get our buttons massaged. Expectation is a kind of contraction.
Continue reading "What Gets in the Way of Us Connecting with Others?"
Car Crash
posted by DK Matai on July 12, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Dear Friends, It is humbling to come close to death or permanent disability and one is thankful to Providence for saving all lives. My family and I have been involved in an 8 car pile up on a motorway (freeway) today near London, England, and it turns out that at 70+mph an argument began in the car way in front between a couple... and a few minutes later we were all involved in it... is nothing private in an interconnected world...
HQR: Synchronicity Showers -- Singularity Signs?
posted by DK Matai on July 10, 2008 at 01:34 AM
Dear Friends, increasingly one is showered with synchronicity reinforcing patterns of the unifying energy field -- the Singularity -- in everyone & everything: All manifest in real time as One!
Continue reading "HQR: Synchronicity Showers -- Singularity Signs?"
Rituals and Membership Cards
posted by Deepak Chopra on July 09, 2008 at 03:20 PM
A Washington Post On Faith article in response to their question:
What do you think about Sally Quinn, a non-Catholic, going to Communion at Tim Russert's Catholic funeral? What are some do's and don'ts for observing the religious rituals of others?
Continue reading "Rituals and Membership Cards"
Global Peace Meditation July 9th
posted by Intent on July 08, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Join us for the Global Peace Meditation
on Wednesday, July 9th!
Tomorrow, July 9th at 4pm (GMT) (8am PST) in Dublin, Ireland, Deepak Chopra and David Simon will lead a one-hour worldwide meditation for peace, harmony, and love on the planet.
Continue reading "Global Peace Meditation July 9th"
One dance around the world
posted by Mallika Chopra on July 08, 2008 at 07:26 AM
I LOVE this video!!
The Gem
posted by Richard Flyer on July 07, 2008 at 09:35 AM
MARCH 9, 1985
A gem of finest quality was waiting, one day, waiting to be seen. Cleansing water and natural forces helped it along its way to the surface. Sitting beneath dirt and rock it almost made it to the light. It almost touched the point where the human eye, a window of the Spirit could cast its gaze at its beautiful order and harmony, and wonder, why?
Know Thyself! Gnothi Seauton! Nosce Te Ipsum!
posted by DK Matai on July 04, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Dear Friends, my humble intent is to bow prostrate before all to acknowledge the Supra Universal Consciousness via: "Gnothi Seauton! Nosce Te Ipsum! Sat Sri Akal! Sat Naam! Jai Guru Deva! Dominus Illuminatio Mea! Domine Dirige Nos!"...
Continue reading "Know Thyself! Gnothi Seauton! Nosce Te Ipsum!"
Atheists and the Will to Believe
posted by Deepak Chopra on July 01, 2008 at 02:20 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: "According to a new Pew survey, 21% of American atheists believe in God or a universal spirit, 12% believe in heaven and 10% pray at least once a week. What do you make of this?"
Continue reading "Atheists and the Will to Believe"
Amor Fati
posted by Gayatri Jayaraman on June 28, 2008 at 10:17 AM
If you were freefalling through life, when would be a good time to stop and jerk the parachute cord? I'm guessing you'd end up with a sprained neck, a spoilt view, an aborted thrill and no real understanding of what that adventure was really all about. So let them all tut tut and tell you that's not the way to do it. It's like an adventure sport. Yes it may kill you in the, end, so please sign the release form here....
To See the World in a Grain of Sand and Heaven...
posted by DK Matai on June 28, 2008 at 12:17 AM
The Ancient of Days: God as Architect
William Blake
Continue reading "To See the World in a Grain of Sand and Heaven..."
A New World or No World? (Part 3)
posted by Deepak Chopra on June 27, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Continuing the list of what we need in terms of awareness to prevail in difficult times:
3 A vision of the future.
When people are asleep, the future is a repetition of the past, because inertia can do little else. Conservation, the party of inertia, represents the impulse in each of us not to wake up --it says "Leave me alone. I like the way I am."
Continue reading "A New World or No World? (Part 3)"
A Book That Peers into Eternity
posted by Deepak Chopra on June 26, 2008 at 09:14 AM
There's a single book that I reread every year: "I Am That" by Nisargadatta Maharaj (1897-1981). The title is a quotation. In India the goal of enlightenment is to see reality as a whole. When all illusion has fallen away, one looks around and can say, with complete confidence, "I am That, you are That, and all this is That."
Continue reading "A Book That Peers into Eternity"
Who Am I?
posted by Richard Flyer on June 24, 2008 at 09:15 AM
WHO AM l?
Bound to any group, clan or tribe to which I belong. Should I like you, for you are different from me.
I am loyal to, and will fight for a set of ideas, living in my country, surrounded by an imaginary boundary.
Why do otherwise ethical people steal?
posted by Gayatri Jayaraman on June 18, 2008 at 06:37 AM
I'm left of centre but this leftist arguement just leaves me in shock. My best friend of over 25 years, a PhD student in an illustrious American university, and one of the MOST ethical people I know, a confirmed socialist, just confessed, no proudly declared with no trace of remorse, that she steals from scabline stores.
Continue reading "Why do otherwise ethical people steal?"
Suffering is Never Alone But Shared
posted by Richard Flyer on June 15, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Suffering is never alone but shared.
I feel and see the flow of life and death inside and outside of me. Sometimes I resist in despair, saying why should this be, all the senseless misery? Tears are unleashed. Torrents of liquid stream from me, dripping onto the sunlit ground.
Continue reading "Suffering is Never Alone But Shared"
If There Is So Much Suffering in the World, Then Why is God Laughing?
posted by Intent on June 15, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Halcyon Interaction: Spending Time with Family!
posted by DK Matai on June 14, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Halcyon Interaction?
Dear Friends, the older we get the more it seems that the most valuable time is the time spent with family... What to make of this halcyon interaction?
Continue reading "Halcyon Interaction: Spending Time with Family!"
Tim Russert
posted by Mallika Chopra on June 13, 2008 at 01:13 PM
As someone who is a political junkie, the news that Tim Russert passed away today was a shock.
I also marvel at how fast the news spread. Apparently, NBC waited 15 minutes to report the news - Tim had a heart attack while at work - so they could first contact his family who was vacationing in Italy. I marvel at how
Continue reading "Tim Russert"
Faith Healing, from Jesus to Neurotransmitters
posted by Deepak Chopra on June 10, 2008 at 06:19 PM
An article in the Washington Post On Faith section in response to their question: "Do you believe that faith can effect your health or is that a lot of new age nonsense?"
Continue reading "Faith Healing, from Jesus to Neurotransmitters"
guru, guru.... who are you?
posted by Pallavi Guptaa on June 09, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Guru, Guru, where are you?
When I was little, it was explained to me by my grandmother that ancient India had one of the most evolved teaching lineage, called the Guru-Shishya Paramparya, where parents left their child with a guru at the age of twelve for learning.
Continue reading "guru, guru.... who are you?"
Love Has Asserted Supremacy in My Life
posted by Richard Flyer on June 04, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Love has asserted supremacy in my life.
I sit here helpless, I cannot hide. Oh, the pain of my open Heart in this world of Shadows. Shadows we surrender to, holding onto for security, thinking they are reality.
Continue reading "Love Has Asserted Supremacy in My Life"
WORSHIP - INDULGENCE, WEAKNESS OR JUST PLAIN HOPE?
posted by Tori Roy on June 03, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa and God are at what appears to be at a Starbucks. No, scratch that - it’s not Starbucks. It is my home – there are just these enormous cups of coffee before us. I am in my bed. The first two of the afore-mentioned three are mere bystanders. The third of them has never appeared to me in person – and perhaps never will. Right now, He is present only in my consciousness.
Continue reading "WORSHIP - INDULGENCE, WEAKNESS OR JUST PLAIN HOPE?"
On Meditation
posted by Carter Phipps on June 02, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Here is an interesting excerpt from spiritual teacher Andrew Cohen on meditation.
Continue reading "On Meditation"
Astrological Intents
posted by Gahl Sasson on May 16, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Aries – The intention to lead and boldly go where no one has gone before
Taurus – The intention to fulfill the five senses and make tons of money
Continue reading "Astrological Intents"
The body is saying f*ck me
posted by Max Simon on May 16, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Now that I'm finally feeling settled in LA, I've opened myself up to dating again. Yet because I've been so focused on building selfcentered, I kind of feel like I've lost touch with what to do. It's funny how that works....right?
Continue reading "The body is saying f*ck me"
Should Kids Learn to be Spiritual?
posted by Alison Rose Levy on May 16, 2008 at 06:16 AM
Instead of viewing spirituality as the holiest or the highest, what if we considered it to be a foundational coping skill, a guide for every action in our lives?
Continue reading "Should Kids Learn to be Spiritual?"
Evil and the Addiction to Pain (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on May 05, 2008 at 12:23 PM
In the generation before Shakespeare, the French essayist Montaigne remarked that cruelty and vengeance are so inherent in human nature that we wouldn't be ourselves without them. In so many words, Shakespeare said the same thing in his tragedies and histories. Would Hamlet be as interesting if he weren't bent on revenge, or Lady Macbeth without her blood lust? This is a serious question for anyone who wants human nature to transcend its base impulses. I think that what makes Buddha and Jesus so radical is that they gave up on hand-wringing, moralizing, and wishful thinking. Instead of healing human nature, they proposed radical surgery to completely alter it. Aiming at a spiritual revolution that far exceeds spiritual reform, they had to connect pain with a more profound problem: evil.
Continue reading "Evil and the Addiction to Pain (Part 2)"
Evil and the Addiction to Pain (Part 1)
posted by Deepak Chopra on May 02, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Common sense tells us that people naturally seek pleasure and avoid pain, but common sense is wrong. Pain is rarely a deterrent from destructive behavior. Sometimes the greater the pain, the more fiercely someone will cling to it. We see this on many fronts, from domestic abuse (when battered spouses repeatedly return to their abuser) to the Iraq conflict (where militias seem willing to slaughter each other until no one is left standing). Our addiction to pain is one of the toughest problems to solve in human psychology.
Continue reading "Evil and the Addiction to Pain (Part 1)"
Spooky Action at a Distance: DNA's "Impossible" Telepathic Properties
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on April 27, 2008 at 05:57 PM
I'm sure this is old news for this crowd:
DNA has been found to have a bizarre ability to put itself together, even at a distance, when according to known science it shouldn't be able to. Explanation: None, at least not yet.
Continue reading "Spooky Action at a Distance: DNA's "Impossible" Telepathic Properties"
Raccoon Adventures
posted by Mallika Chopra on April 21, 2008 at 08:56 PM
It's been a week of fear, frustration, anxiety, escapism, acceptance. To be honest, its been a nightmare week. Since my last post on raccoons, there have been many developments. You have no idea...
Continue reading "Raccoon Adventures"
21 Ways To Celebrate Life
posted by Mallika Chopra on April 15, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Dear friends, I wanted to share this beautiful tribute that my friend, Nancy Rothstein, sent to me to commemorate the 21st birthday of her son, Josh, who was tragically killed when he was 15. His 21st birthday would have been tomorrow, April 16th. Nancy writes to me:
After Josh was killed, I was seeking a way to offer a tribute for family and friends to honor his birthday. Out of such profound loss and sadness, I wanted to create something that would give people inspiration and help them find joy in the gift of life....while it is still theirs.
Continue reading "21 Ways To Celebrate Life"
The Ecumenical Age May Be Past
posted by Deepak Chopra on April 10, 2008 at 03:41 PM
An article in the Washington Post in response to the question: Pope Benedict's recent baptism of a well-known Italian Muslim has prompted criticism in much of the Islamic world. Has Benedict done enough to build bridges to Islam?
The Ecumenical Age May Be Past
God,the Brain and Science
posted by Intent on March 27, 2008 at 12:52 PM
One Prejudice, One Solution
posted by Deepak Chopra on March 26, 2008 at 11:00 AM
An article in the Washington Post in response to the question: Which "ism" is more entrenched in America, sexism or racism? Which should religion address?
One Prejudice One Solution
Non-Local Mind
posted by Intent on March 24, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Resurrection Times Three
posted by Intent on March 22, 2008 at 08:35 AM
An article in the Washington Post by Deepak Chopra on the Resurrection
The Resurrection
posted by Intent on March 21, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Deepak Interview on CNN on Sunday
posted by Intent on March 21, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Anchor, T.J. Holmes interviews Deepak Chopra. This segment airs this Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 7am and 9am (East Coast Time) on CNN Domestic TV (USA) , “To the Top”.
Check your local TV listings.
Deepak Interview on Jesus, God, and Spirituality
posted by Intent on March 20, 2008 at 09:02 AM
A Borders Bookstore in-depth interview with Deepak Chopra followed by open question and answer period with the public. Borders interviews Deepak Chopra
My Mother
posted by Mallika Chopra on March 16, 2008 at 02:41 PM
I walked into a room where my mother sat, taking just a moment for herself. We were in Costa Rica for a conference, and until 15 minutes before, she had watched my kids for two days so I could attend meetings. She was finally taking a moment for herself.
I told her that we needed help. My mother
The Crucial Wisdom – “Who Am I?” Part 2
posted by Avtar Singh on March 15, 2008 at 05:39 PM
The biggest hurdles to realize the crucial wisdom – “Who am I?” are the boundaries of the prison of the ego built upon acquired beliefs, convictions, information, and knowledge of the manifested-only world. The dissolution of the ego is not elimination but dilution of the ego via merging into the vast and unbounded absolute Truth.
Continue reading "The Crucial Wisdom – “Who Am I?” Part 2"
The Crucial Wisdom – “Who Am I?” Part 1
posted by Avtar Singh on March 08, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Imagine living thru the entire life with a false or unknown identity of the self. Unless we know who we are, whatever we do or accomplish in this world is counted against the personal identities that are either presumed by ourselves or given or imposed upon us by others. The life (biological) that ends in death without realizing the true identity of the Self is a wasteful life since it cannot have a genuine purpose without a genuine identity.
Continue reading "The Crucial Wisdom – “Who Am I?” Part 1"
The Jesus Inside Me
posted by Mallika Chopra on March 07, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Last night, I took my daughters to watch my father at his book signing at the local Barnes and Noble for his new book, The Third Jesus
Continue reading "The Jesus Inside Me"
The "Soul Hypothesis" (Part 5)
posted by Deepak Chopra on March 03, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Despite the secular nature of modern society, millions of people lead
a spiritual life, and more of them than ever want to strike out on
their own. The notion of self-exploration isn't novel, threatening, or
forbidden anymore. Yet how many seekers are certain that they are
making progress? Doubts and backsliding are common, because living in
modern times doesn't negate the age-old difficulties of navigating the
hidden recesses of the self. Distractions and false trails abound. I
would define progress more simply and clearly, however. You are moving
ahead spiritually if the following conditions are met:
Continue reading "The "Soul Hypothesis" (Part 5)"
Thanks, Supra Universal Consciousness for 40!
posted by DK Matai on March 01, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Dear Friends, we are thankful to the Supra Universal Consciousness for having brought me to 40 on 2nd March! The gift to you is Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose (1885-6) by John Singer Sargent. Thanks Keith, Mieke, North, Empyrius, Bonnie, Heath, Swordsman, Jean-François, Harb, Edmund, Ruth, Richard and Kate for your well wishes!
Continue reading "Thanks, Supra Universal Consciousness for 40!"
Deepak speaks to the Houston Chronicle
posted by Intent on February 29, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Watch the Video
Continue reading "Deepak speaks to the Houston Chronicle"
Divine Impulses
posted by Intent on February 29, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Video interviews of Deepak by Sally Quinn of the Washington Post on Hinduism, Christianity, death and healing.
Continue reading "Divine Impulses"
Lack of Touch
posted by Grace Wilson on February 28, 2008 at 11:35 PM
Not having as much physical contact with people these days is starting to get to me. Used to be I would come home from a busy day at work completely exhausted, having massaged four or more people, and having been very intimate with them as they worked through their panchakarma (detoxification) process. At those times, all I wanted was to
Continue reading "Lack of Touch"
Life and death, natures way
posted by Vijay Sappani on February 28, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Do you believe in God?
Continue reading "Life and death, natures way"
Raining on the AntiChrist Parade
posted by Intent on February 26, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Washington Post- On Faith: Raining on the AntiChrist Parade by Deepak Chopra
How do you let it flow when what's flowing doesn't work?
posted by Max Simon on February 22, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Over the last few months, I have noticed a shift in myself. Situations where I once felt totally comfortable make me a little nervous. Circumstances where I would normally feel afraid don't phase me. I've found myself feeling out-of-sorts more often then usual lately.
Continue reading "How do you let it flow when what's flowing doesn't work?"
The Audacity of Enlightenment
posted by Deepak Chopra on February 18, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Although Barack Obama's slogan is "the audacity of hope," the words have deeper connotations at this moment. One of the most powerful, I think, is the audacity to wake up. In order for the right wing to succeed in its reactionary agenda, the American public had to agree with it. On the surface it wouldn't seem that people could agree to freeze their incomes, give tax breaks to the least deserving, amass a huge national debt, ignore the rising cost of health care, and various other aspects of the right-wing agenda. To offer their agreement, the public had to vote against its own interest, and doing that required them to be asleep.
Continue reading "The Audacity of Enlightenment"
TIME Magazine Interview
posted by Deepak Chopra on February 15, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Dear Friends,
Here is a recent short interview segment I did with TIME magazine.
This Valentines Day
posted by Mallika Chopra on February 14, 2008 at 02:27 PM
I am grateful. I am grateful for
Continue reading "This Valentines Day"
The Family Field: A Valentine to Enduring Connection
posted by Alison Rose Levy on February 14, 2008 at 11:42 AM
When I first read The Field, I practically gulped it down like it was a mystery novel that I couldn’t wait to finish. As Lynne McTaggart writes in her beautiful sharing on this blog, the new science the book covers "suggests that at our essence, we exist as a unity, a relationship — utterly interdependent, the parts affecting the whole at every moment."
Continue reading "The Family Field: A Valentine to Enduring Connection"
The Maharishi Years – The Untold Story: Recollections of a Former Disciple by Deepak Chopra
posted by Deepak Chopra on February 12, 2008 at 06:36 PM
August 1, 1991 saw the publication of my book, Perfect Health
The Three Maharishis
posted by Deepak Chopra on February 06, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Even though I last sat with Maharishi more than ten years ago, he left an indelible impression, as he did on everyone. His extraordinary qualities are known to the world. Without him, it's fair to say, the West would not have learned to meditate. During the Cold War era a reporter once challenged him by saying, "If anything is possible, as you claim, can you go to the Soviet Union tomorrow with your message?" Without hesitation, Maharishi calmly replied, "I could if I wanted to." Eventually he did want to, and meditation arrived in Moscow several years before the Berlin Wall fell. In his belief that world peace depended entirely on rising consciousness, Maharishi was unshakable.
Continue reading "The Three Maharishis"
Growing Up With Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
posted by Mallika Chopra on February 06, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I learned transcendental meditation when I was 9. I think I met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi for the first time when I was 13, and for the next decade he was a major influence in my life. I remember sitting for endless hours with Maharishi -- sometimes in crowds of thousands of people, others times just with my parents and brother. Because of my father’s (Deepak Chopra) relationship with him, Maharishi was someone we knew, rather than someone we idolized.
Continue reading "Growing Up With Maharishi Mahesh Yogi"
Learning to Die, Mahasamadhi and St Francis
posted by DK Matai on February 06, 2008 at 02:21 AM
Dear Friends, today -- 6th February -- is the birthday of our family's Great Spiritual Master. His Holiness used to say, "When you know how to die, then there is no fear of death; you die daily." This is synchronous to Mahasamadhi and dear Deepak's recent post in regard to HH The Maharishi on 5th February, as well as "Jai Guru Deva" in the Beatles song "Across the Universe" beamed by NASA towards Polaris. The concatenation of events shines light on the final words of The Prayer of St Francis of Assisi, "It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life." Remember Space Odyssey 2001?! Love, DK
Continue reading "Learning to Die, Mahasamadhi and St Francis"
The "Soul Hypothesis" (Part 4)
posted by Deepak Chopra on February 04, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Most people relegate matters of the soul to their religion, which is a comforting choice. It's been said that religion is about someone else's experience while spirituality is about your own. The experiences of a Jesus or Buddha were exalted and holy. Attaching yourself to them feels safer than exploring the unknown by yourself. But there are reliable guides to the domain of the soul.
Continue reading "The "Soul Hypothesis" (Part 4)"
The "Soul Hypothesis" (Part 3)
posted by Deepak Chopra on February 01, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Most people, one imagines, would be fascinated to set out in search of their souls. But they would be held back by two immediate obstacles. First, we use the word "soul" very loosely, with no specific ways to validate what we mean. Second, the tools for exploring the spiritual domain are limited. Most people only know about faith and prayer, with the recent addition of meditation that still applies to a relative few. Both of these obstacles need to be overcome before one can intelligently experience the soul.
Continue reading "The "Soul Hypothesis" (Part 3)"
Tips for Dads and Daughters Watching the Super Bowl Together
posted by Joe Kelly on February 01, 2008 at 06:35 AM
Dads & Daughters watching TV sports together—one of life’s pleasures. But what about those
moments (like during some commercials) when you want to cover her eyes with your hands?
Here are a few simple tips I developed for the national nonprofit Dads & Daughters to help fathers and
stepfathers have more fun watching the Super Bowl (and other TV sporting events) together with their daughters.
Continue reading "Tips for Dads and Daughters Watching the Super Bowl Together"
The "Soul Hypothesis" (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on January 25, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Spirituality for many modern people has become a forced choice. Either one accepts a fixed belief system (organized religion or a New Age alternative), or one rejects belief for some variety of doubt (skepticism or atheism). What this forced choice overlooks is the possibility of progress, which means going beyond any fixed belief.
Continue reading "The "Soul Hypothesis" (Part 2)"
The "Soul Hypothesis"
posted by Deepak Chopra on January 04, 2008 at 08:32 AM
The current divisive atmosphere makes it appear that each of us must choose sides. In particular, a rash of books equating atheism and science poses the choice between rational materialism and organized religion -- God or Einstein, in effect, despite the fact that Einstein himself made room for God in his worldview. But why can't spirituality be aligned with reason? One doesn't have to blindly accept religious dogma to believe in the soul. Like any theory that needs proving, the soul is a hypothesis that can be tested. Such testing doesn't take place in a lab. Each person is a living example of the soul hypothesis, and throughout life we can use our own experience to prove whether the soul is valid and real.
Continue reading "The "Soul Hypothesis""
Cellular Cupcakes
posted by Sera Beak on December 26, 2007 at 04:15 AM
There is such a unique shift in my body, mind, and world when I’m in a state of gratitude. It’s like my cells turn into sparkly pink cupcakes and my heart puffs up like it’s supposed too and my perspective loans reality majesty, elegance, awe.
Continue reading "Cellular Cupcakes"
How Your Story Changes the World (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on December 21, 2007 at 11:03 AM
The only realistic way to think about the world is to see it as an unfolding process that encompasses billions of smaller processes. Our minds don't like to work that way. We prefer snap judgments and simplistic labels. We defend our story and defend against those that disagree with it.
Continue reading "How Your Story Changes the World (Part 2)"
As Above So What?!
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on December 08, 2007 at 06:59 PM
Did you feel ambivalent about the hard-sell, materially-driven style of “The Secret”? If so, check out the new book by my friend Maja D’Aoust (Co-edited with Adam Parfrey), The Secret Source: The Law of Attraction is One of Seven Hermetic Laws: Here Are the Other Six
Continue reading "As Above So What?!"
Spiritual History of the United Nations
posted by Diane Williams on November 19, 2007 at 04:55 AM
I have been a member of the United Nations NGO community for over a decade and have chosen to concentrate most of my time at the UN collaborating with individuals, organizations and committees to integrate spirituality and values into various areas of the United Nations agenda.
Continue reading "Spiritual History of the United Nations"
Achieve “house rules” harmony
posted by Joe Kelly on October 29, 2007 at 07:24 AM
Dads (and moms) are often frustrated by the “discipline” issue. Instead of clashing about problematic behavior, try these tips for creating respectful guidelines for house harmony.
Continue reading "Achieve “house rules” harmony"
HQR*: Homage to Supra Universal Consciousness
posted by DK Matai on October 21, 2007 at 12:45 AM
You are manifest in All, All are manifest in You
You manifest in myself, little self manifests in You
Encompassing One and All, with tender humility
One-in-All, we are All-in-One within Thy infinity
Each thought, intention,word and deed is You
Little me, humbled nothing, is none other than You!
Continue reading "HQR*: Homage to Supra Universal Consciousness"
Pourquoi? French President's Divorce Confirmed
posted by DK Matai on October 18, 2007 at 11:42 AM
Qu'est-ce que c'est? What? President of France's office has just announced the Sarkozys' divorce...
Continue reading "Pourquoi? French President's Divorce Confirmed"
HQR*: Golden Age of Peace - Spiritual Revolution
posted by DK Matai on October 13, 2007 at 11:33 PM
Dear Friends, there are numerous references to the arrival of the "Golden Age of Peace" in some of the key faiths of the world via a "Spiritual Revolution."
Continue reading "HQR*: Golden Age of Peace - Spiritual Revolution"
in the name of a mother
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on October 13, 2007 at 08:17 PM
It is the time of the year when in India we remember the dears ones that have left us and gone to another world.
Continue reading "in the name of a mother"
Politeness versus Humility
posted by Avtar Singh on September 30, 2007 at 09:49 AM
Just as belief is often mistaken as faith and religion is often mistaken as spirituality, politeness is often mistaken as humility. The differences between the two need to be understood to develop a thorough understanding of the secular or genuine spirituality.
Continue reading "Politeness versus Humility"
Play Ball! Ten Playoff/World Series Tips for Fathers of Girls
posted by Joe Kelly on September 26, 2007 at 10:02 AM
Major League Baseball playoffs start soon, followed by the World Series. This is an exciting time for dads to watch or listen to our national pastime with their children and stepchildren.
Continue reading "Play Ball! Ten Playoff/World Series Tips for Fathers of Girls"
Why I love being Vegan!
posted by Zappy on September 22, 2007 at 11:09 PM
French Fries, Pasta, Baguettes, Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate, Coconut Sorbet, Nuts, Avocados, Coffee, Wine, Etc.
Continue reading "Why I love being Vegan!"
the Christian-born-Jewish-Islamic-Hindu-Buddhist...
posted by Heiko Faass on September 19, 2007 at 03:29 PM
- OR: does it really matter?
About 2500 years ago the history of Buddhism started with a prince in Nepal setting in motion the wheel of the law and proclaiming the four Noble truths and the eightfold path. It seems to me as if Buddhism has what I would define as the parameters for the religion of the future if there is at all a need for religion…
Continue reading "the Christian-born-Jewish-Islamic-Hindu-Buddhist..."
Sudden Death is Calling from the Deep Azure Sky
posted by DK Matai on September 16, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Dear Friends, just as my back was slowly getting better, although I remain quasi-immobile, some further bad news has hit us hard. A young member of our spiritual community in London, in his early 30s, who has a lovely wife and child, has just died whilst playing hockey after suffering a brain haemorrhage. Beloved Dame Anita Roddick...
Continue reading "Sudden Death is Calling from the Deep Azure Sky"
Resistance is Futile; Acceptance is the Way - Is it?
posted by DK Matai on September 14, 2007 at 05:11 AM
Dear Friends, it happened suddenly and now I am unable to move much for the last 48 hours because of a severe pain in the back. Despite neither being able to move, nor being able to carry out daily activities properly, one wonders if the Supra Universal Consciousness has chosen this state for little DK for a purpose...
Continue reading "Resistance is Futile; Acceptance is the Way - Is it?"
Nothing is as it appears to be
posted by Heiko Faass on September 12, 2007 at 02:17 PM
Not too many years ago a farmer lived somewhere in the middle of nowhere together with his son. They didn't have much. Their only real possession other than the land they lived on and a simple wooden house on it, was a horse, with which they used to work on the field...
Continue reading "Nothing is as it appears to be"
Time
posted by Mallika Chopra on September 07, 2007 at 09:52 AM
Two years ago, I wrote a blog about Trusting The Universe when Tara, my elder daughter, started pre-school. Fast forward - Tara started Kindergarten this week and my baby, Leela, is starting pre-school. Time - how did it fly by so fast?
Einstein's God, or The Hopes for a Secular Spirituality (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on August 31, 2007 at 01:18 PM
Einstein spent decades in a search for a God that could survive the scrutiny of science. One may think at first that this has little to do with ordinary religious belief. The spiritual needs of a genius who formulated the General Theory of Relativity seem far removed from those of people whose contact with science is minimal. But each of us has a great deal in common with Einstein. Like him, we struggle with the possibility that God cannot survive rational scrutiny. Yet among his generation of brilliant physicists, Einstein was the most stubborn in insisting that God could survive all the obvious arguments.
Continue reading "Einstein's God, or The Hopes for a Secular Spirituality (Part 2)"
Commonalities between Einstein and Mother Teresa: Part 1
posted by Avtar Singh on August 30, 2007 at 05:46 PM
Ordinarily one may laugh at the very suggestion of any “commonalities” between Einstein and Mother Teresa. What could be common between a scientist like Einstein chasing photons and a saint like Mother Teresa serving the destitute in the slums of Calcutta? However, a deeper look into the recently revealed doubts of Mother Teresa about the existence of God sheds a new light on the commonalities of the faiths of the two apparently opposite personalities and pursuits.
Continue reading "Commonalities between Einstein and Mother Teresa: Part 1"
The Great Turning
posted by Velcrow Ripper on August 30, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Todays blog posting is by Fierce Light crew member extraordinaire, Sera Beak, who writes of our powerful empowering interview with Joanna Macy, the grandmother of deep ecology. It was clear that
Joanna is someone who sits in the lap of the God/ess and exhales the sacred fire....
Continue reading "The Great Turning"
Pasing Down Your Name
posted by Joe Kelly on August 23, 2007 at 11:35 AM
When our twin girls were pre-schoolers, they became best friends with a girl down the alley. Krista had great parents, and a priceless little brother named Jeris. For the next year or so, I was filled with a sometimes painful longing to have a son.
Continue reading "Pasing Down Your Name"
The Art of Happiness
posted by Saira Mohan on August 13, 2007 at 05:31 AM
Yesterday, I introduced Sri Sri Ravi Shankar prior to his talk at a wonderful new cultural event held in Beverly Hills called India Splendor...
Continue reading "The Art of Happiness"
You’re Dyeing Your Hair Orange?
posted by Joe Kelly on August 13, 2007 at 05:29 AM
Perhaps every father should be issued a football mouth guard when his daughter is born, since he’s liable to spend the next few decades biting his tongue.
Continue reading "You’re Dyeing Your Hair Orange?"
What Have They Got Against Girls' Sports?
posted by Joe Kelly on July 19, 2007 at 04:51 AM
A dad named John Humphreys recently wrote to me upon learning that the Department of Education is weakening Title IX, the federal civil rights law granting fair access to sports for girls and women. He asked “Why ever should there be any darn sex discrimination at all?” Like John, I’m stumped, too. But the fact of the matter is that discrimination still exists—which means we parents and others who care about girls need to do something about it.
Continue reading "What Have They Got Against Girls' Sports?"
How DO Boys Become Doofus Daddys?
posted by Joe Kelly on July 16, 2007 at 12:37 PM
With some regularity, I read opinion pieces bemoaning the fact that popular culture and media regularly portray Dad as Doofus (if that's the correct spelling....I'm a spelling Doofus). Of course, every parent has moments when she or he feels like an idiot and our kids usually feel free to tell us when we’re acting like one).
Continue reading "How DO Boys Become Doofus Daddys?"
HQR*: Socrates (469-399 BC), Dialogos & Apology
posted by DK Matai on July 15, 2007 at 01:07 AM
Please accept a sincere apology for any errors or omissions on our part. To think of Socrates is to think of apology and the need for forgiveness. What we remember most about Socrates is his quote...
Continue reading "HQR*: Socrates (469-399 BC), Dialogos & Apology"
You are a father. It looks like such a simple sentence.
posted by Joe Kelly on July 12, 2007 at 07:15 AM
You are a father. It looks like such a simple sentence. But your new role is actually profound; one you are a father, you can never be “not-a-father” anymore. By becoming a father, you’ve embarked on an amazing and fulfilling journey, powerful from the moment of birth.
Continue reading "You are a father. It looks like such a simple sentence."
HQR*: Remember Aristotle of Stagira (384-322 BC)?
posted by DK Matai on July 11, 2007 at 04:31 AM
Aristotle of Stagira, Greece, is usually upheld as one of the greatest philosophers of all times. Why?
Continue reading "HQR*: Remember Aristotle of Stagira (384-322 BC)?"
Marshall: Glasgow's Psyche; Re: Chopra & Carlson
posted by ATCA on July 11, 2007 at 02:42 AM
We are grateful to Elizabeth Marshall, born in Glasgow, Scotland, for "Understanding Glasgow's Psyche" in response to Dr Deepak Chopra's "Case of the Evil Doctors: Changing Perception" and Aurora Carlson's "The Other and Me."
Continue reading "Marshall: Glasgow's Psyche; Re: Chopra & Carlson"
Someone's Story...
posted by Mallika Chopra on July 10, 2007 at 10:06 PM
Once in a while, someone's story affects you to the core. And that someones story entangles itself into your own life, its details becoming your own, whispers echoing in your head, flashes of someone elses memories haunting you so that you cannot sleep at night, that you cry even though you dont know the names or faces of those you cry about...
Continue reading "Someone's Story..."
The Luminous Numinous
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on July 02, 2007 at 11:08 PM
To paraphrase the great Rudolf Otto, the Numinous can be described as a distinctive experience of God, ineffable and transcendent, the primary source of beauty and love. Feelings of awe, fascination and elements of overpowering-ness, urgency, and that which is "Wholly Other" are present in the numinous experience.
Continue reading "The Luminous Numinous"
Can a parent make unforgivable mistakes?
posted by Joe Kelly on July 02, 2007 at 09:17 AM
To my imperfect understanding of the universe, this question seems impossible to answer with certainty. But I think exploring effective responses to our mistakes—rigorous honesty, complete amends, and ongoing recommitment—is worthwhile no matter where we are in our parenting.
Continue reading "Can a parent make unforgivable mistakes?"
HQR*: Seven vices & virtues: Which ones fit you?
posted by DK Matai on July 01, 2007 at 02:52 PM
Continue reading "HQR*: Seven vices & virtues: Which ones fit you?"
"A Picture Says A Thousand Posts"
posted by Mallika Chopra on June 27, 2007 at 06:46 AM
Yesterday, Rosie O'Donnell put the above picture of her daughter on her website with the heading "a picture is worth a thousand posts." Many were outraged. Personally
Continue reading ""A Picture Says A Thousand Posts""
Sam's New Dad (aka Tiger Woods)
posted by Joe Kelly on June 26, 2007 at 03:17 PM
“My parents always told me they loved me every night, every time we said goodbye. That was just something that I was never afraid to go out there and push myself to the limit. And if I failed, so what?
Continue reading "Sam's New Dad (aka Tiger Woods)"
A Scientific-Spiritual Definition of Success
posted by Avtar Singh on June 25, 2007 at 06:44 PM
A successful life is the one that has fulfilled its purpose.
A fulfilled life is the life filled with contentment and gratitude for what is as is.
A fulfilled life is the one that has no more left to be filled – desire or objective.
Continue reading "A Scientific-Spiritual Definition of Success"
A Truly Unforgettable Experience
posted by Saira Mohan on June 25, 2007 at 11:38 AM
I had a very special...almost surreal experience that I want to share with you...
...just figuring out how to put into words.
Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment - Podcast 4
posted by Deepak Chopra on June 25, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Dear Friends,
Here's Part 4 of Deepak's Podcast on Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment.
Continue reading "Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment - Podcast 4"
HQR*: The Absolute Success
posted by DK Matai on June 25, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Dear Friends, dear Deepak asks, "What is your one key to success in life?" The One in All, manifest through Deepak and yourselves is Absolute -- and absolutely wonderful! In response to Deepak Chopra, Keith Alan Watson, Kristin Masterton, and Kate...
Continue reading "HQR*: The Absolute Success"
Love In Action
posted by Velcrow Ripper on June 24, 2007 at 06:11 PM
This week was a journey through the history of the American Civil Rights movement, a story we've all heard of time and time again. I thought I knew the story myself, but it was not until I actually set foot in the historic heart land of the movement -
Continue reading "Love In Action"
Immortal values in John D Rockefeller's 1941 speech
posted by DK Matai on June 22, 2007 at 07:30 AM
Dear Friends, I was discussing some distressing issues with a friend, in connection with taking a stand based on certain key principles. The immortal values espoused in the 1941 speech of John D Rockefeller, Jr, (1874-1960) flashed before my eyes...
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bell hooks
posted by Velcrow Ripper on June 20, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Today Sera and I drove to Kentucky, to interview bell hooks, the brilliant spiritual activist and visionary. She wrote a must read book for anyone who cares about Love, called "All About Love
What do You Tell a Pregnant Dad?
posted by Joe Kelly on June 19, 2007 at 08:08 AM
Have you ever met a man who is about to become a father for the first time? To an experienced father, such a man looks a bit like an alien—or at least someone who doesn’t yet fully grasp what it means to irrevocably cross over from not being a father to the “other side” of fatherhood.
Here’s what I might say:
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What is Your Definition of Success?
posted by DK Matai on June 17, 2007 at 02:03 AM
Dear Friends, recent events and happenings in my life have led me to conclude that defining success is very important in order to build a better world for ourselves and others around us. What is your definition?
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Mindful Awareness in the Classroom
posted by Kanika Sethi on June 16, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Students at some elementary schools in California are being taught "Mindful Awareness". Supporters and skeptics in the schools discuss. An interesting article.
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Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment Podcast - Part 1
posted by Deepak Chopra on June 14, 2007 at 10:26 AM
Dear Friends, I hope you enjoy watching this four part series with Deepak and Wild Divine: Part 1.
Continue reading "Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment Podcast - Part 1"
HQR*: Vasudaiva Kutumbhkum: One World Family
posted by DK Matai on June 14, 2007 at 06:43 AM
Dear Friends, in Sanskrit we have a philosophical saying "Vasudaiva Kutumbhkum" which means that for a wise person the entire world is one family.
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The Third Fire
posted by Velcrow Ripper on June 12, 2007 at 07:59 AM
It was an exciting first day of shooting on this mid western wing of the Fierce Light journey, which will bring us face to face with some of the greatest spiritual activists of today. I'm travelling with Sera Beak, aka The Spiritual Cowgirl (www.serabeak.com) author of "The Red Book: A deliciously unorthodox approach to igniting your divine spark.".
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What if you had only a few more minutes with your child?
posted by Joe Kelly on June 11, 2007 at 02:33 PM
Early one morning a year ago, in the lobby of a Michigan motel, I read an online group where some fathers were discussing how to get the upper hand in arguments and legal battles with their exes—the mothers of their children.
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Packing
posted by Velcrow Ripper on June 11, 2007 at 07:45 AM
I’m packing!!! Heading for another wing of the Fierce Light Journey, my new feature documentary about spiritual activism around the world. I’ll be on a plane to Chicago soon, to interview Andrew Harvey, then i’ll be renting a car and driving down to Kentucky for the brilliant visionary bell hooks, onwards to Alabama for the birth place of Martin Luther King, and then to Washington DC to interview Archbishop Desomnd Tutu, as well as some surprises along the way. Join me!
-Velcrow Ripper
Buddha and the World (Part 4)
posted by Deepak Chopra on May 28, 2007 at 01:43 PM
In the end, how does Buddha fit into the world? I think we will have an answer only after the question is put a bit differently. How does Buddha's purpose fit into the world? His purpose was to bring a kind of spirituality that frees people to live in peace. Right now we desperately need secular spirituality. God has been hijacked by fundamentalism to the point that seekers who don't want to be coerced by a fanatical concept of faith have few places to turn. Buddha opens a path to truth without a church.
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Buddha and the World (Part 3)
posted by Deepak Chopra on May 25, 2007 at 11:09 AM
One reason that people revere Buddha but don't follow him is that they don't feel motivated enough to seek change. They hold an image of Buddhist monks perpetually meditating, observing strict discipline, and avoiding the world. The images aren't false, but they aren't complete, either. Like every great spiritual teaching, Buddhism turned into an organized religion, and in so doing it offered a way of life to ordinary people as well as renunciant monks.
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Questions and Religion
posted by Mallika Chopra on May 23, 2007 at 08:37 AM
I rearranged my schedule this morning to participate in a radio show. Waited for the call, didn't get one, so I called them. The woman on the other line curtly stated, "We are Christian radio station, and we have decided not to discuss your book." I laughed and said "ok." Who knew that kids questions were so loaded with dangerous ideas?
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Buddha and the World (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on May 21, 2007 at 09:28 AM
Buddha stood for peace, and one would think that he would praise us if we ended the present war (and all wars.) We are told that the American people have now woken up to the folly of the invasion of Iraq. Since wars are where illusions die the fastest, Buddha would also want us to end a war because we became more awake. I think these things are true, but Buddha was more radical. He wanted us to wake up in general, to see through all illusions. That is the only way to escape suffering before it occurs. Learning after the fact, as we are doing in Iraq, doesn't really accomplish Buddha's goal.
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Buddha and the World (Part 1)
posted by Deepak Chopra on May 18, 2007 at 10:17 AM
Since 9/11 there has been a pervasive sense of anxiety in the world, and at the same time a search for spiritual answers. Is violence an aspect of human nature that can be cured, or are we caught in an endless cycle of violence that will never end? One of the most optimistic answers to that dilemma came from Buddha more than two thousand years ago. In the light of what he taught, I wanted to post my thoughts about the Buddhist solution and what it means for you and me as we seek to live in a troubling world.
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I AM SO WICKED SPIRITUAL
posted by Gotham Chopra on May 17, 2007 at 01:31 PM
FOR EXAMPLE:
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Towards Higher Consciousness in the 21st Century: Global Sustainability, Peace and Total Wellbeing!
posted by DK Matai on May 17, 2007 at 11:53 AM
When we look at any complex global challenge which has hitherto proved to be intractable, it appears to be deeply interlinked to other complex global challenges. When addressing the subject of clean energy and climate chaos in developing countries, one cannot ignore the parallel need to raise masses out of poverty...
The Dharma Drug: Buddhism as a Psychoactive Agent
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on May 15, 2007 at 04:49 PM
The Buddhist and psychedelic paths share some certain commonalities in the expansion of consciousness in both theory and practice. Both philosophies can serve to make one a more compassionate, sentient being. Practice in Buddhism's mindfulness, as do well-planned and intentioned sessions with psychedelics give people the power to overcome habitual behaviors and attachments.
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Asking for Help
posted by Mallika Chopra on May 15, 2007 at 06:02 AM
A friend of mine recently told me how for the first time in her life, she openly asked people around her for help. It transformed her life. I realized
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The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success Trailer
posted by Intent on May 09, 2007 at 10:29 PM
Watch the trailer of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success...
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A DIALOGUE WITH HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA
posted by Deepak Chopra on May 09, 2007 at 06:23 PM
Dear Friends, I am posting a transcript of a conversation between His Holiness the Dalai Lama, several leading scientists, and Deepak Chopra.
Warm regards, Carolyn
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Reports from the Edge of Evolution. Or Something.
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on April 23, 2007 at 07:49 AM
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."
-Arthur Schopenhauer
I am amused and shocked @ what ire was raised, simply by stating I'm attending the SCIENCE & CONSCIOUSNESS conference in Sante Fe.
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HQR*: HH Kirpal: Surat Shabda Yoga & Relativity
posted by DK Matai on April 21, 2007 at 02:26 AM
Surat Shabda Yoga means Soul Word (Vibration) Union -- The two things that emerge from an examination of the popular forms of yoga that were evolved after Patanjali are:
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Greetings from the Science and Consciousness Conference in Sante Fe!
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on April 20, 2007 at 08:30 PM
A paradigm-shifting gathering of minds is commencing this evening,
4/20
in Sante Fe, New Mexico.
The exploration of consciousness is a new frontier for the psychonaut. The conference is bringing together a multi-disciplinary team of experts who will share their knowledge through lecture, discussion and experiential sessions.
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A Moral Obligation to Transform
posted by Craig Hamilton on April 19, 2007 at 02:54 AM
We might call it the malady of contemporary spirituality. As a speaker, workshop leader and transformative life coach, I hear it all the time. The refrain usually goes something like this:
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Mom, why did that boy shoot all those people?
posted by Mallika Chopra on April 18, 2007 at 03:50 PM
Today, I have been doing back to back radio interviews for my new book, 100 Questions From My Child
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HQR*: HH Kirpal: Don't Think Evil Of Others
posted by DK Matai on April 17, 2007 at 03:43 AM
Never hurt anybody. We hurt others by thinking ill of them. We think ill of others, we scheme...
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Science, Experience, & Reality
posted by Avtar Singh on April 16, 2007 at 11:59 AM
It is hard to disagree with most of the comments forwarded by Dr. Parmjit Singh in his IB weekly intent post - God as a Mental Construct on April 15, 2007. However, his post misses some important and deeper insights embedded in my earlier IB post – Science vs. God on April 6, 2007, which I would like to reiterate in this post.
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Materialism to the Pipes o' Panpsychism: What is your TRUTH?
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on April 15, 2007 at 05:45 PM
A few years ago, I was wonderfully lost, wandering around the streets of Paris. Trying to get my bearings in a beautifully historic neighborhood, I’d stopped by chance, in front of a row of lovely old homes. Turning around, I noticed a small plaque on one wall, claiming the house was a former home of famed French philosopher Rene Descartes.
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HQR*: John Outram: The Birth of Consciousness
posted by DK Matai on April 14, 2007 at 12:43 AM
Dear Friends, the following is worth bearing in mind in the context of Holistic Quantum Relativity as submitted by Fresporta on IntentBlog.
Continue reading "HQR*: John Outram: The Birth of Consciousness"
The Mystery of the Real Heaven
posted by Saira Mohan on April 13, 2007 at 10:23 PM
Looking at the history of civilization, there is something curious about the various portrayals of paradise: they all seem to conform to the earthly life, needs, and desires of the particular people concerned…
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The Mystery of the Real Jesus (Part 5)
posted by Deepak Chopra on April 13, 2007 at 10:07 AM
The search for the real Jesus will continue for as long as anyone can foresee. One can predict that the rise of skepticism and the decline of faith will both increase, as they have for more than a century. Where does that leave us in regards to Jesus of Nazareth? Will he continue to polarize the religious world and become more irrelevant to the secular one? This leads directly to the last argument:
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Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives
posted by Mallika Chopra on April 10, 2007 at 07:13 AM
If you are pregnant or know someone who is, you may want to take advantage of a special promotion around Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives.
When you’re pregnant, you dream of holding your precious baby in your arms. But do you realize
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The Mystery of the Real Jesus (Part 4)
posted by Deepak Chopra on April 09, 2007 at 06:46 AM
In our time the main divisions in Christianity appear to be political: fundamentalists are struggling for power against their liberal adversaries. In terms of church attendance and attracting coverage from mass media, the fundamentalists have the upper hand. But t
Continue reading "The Mystery of the Real Jesus (Part 4)"
HQR*:Kirpal: Love, Concentration & Self-Surrender
posted by DK Matai on April 08, 2007 at 03:35 AM
Dear Friends, Happy Easter! Circular 17 by His Holiness Master Kirpal is worth noting within HQR* -- Love, Concentration and Self-Surrender -- The Psychology of Mysticism, including the importance of self-surrender as a means of transcending the limitations of ego, and the identity of love and concentration.
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Reality and Truth
posted by Deepak Chopra on April 07, 2007 at 11:02 AM
Dear Friends, I normally post blogs only twice a week, but Avtar Singh complelled me to post prematurely.
Consider the following statement: "I am a liar."
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From Ectoplasm to EVP: a skeptic's seance
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on April 06, 2007 at 08:56 PM
My skepticism in contact with the afterlife started as a child over a piece of silky, black fabric.
Snatching it off my parent’s dresser, I asked what it was. My father, local magistrate and upstanding real estate broker had acquired the cloth sample as “evidence”.
“That, my dear, is ectoplasm” he said.
Ectoplasm?!
It was the seventies.
Continue reading "From Ectoplasm to EVP: a skeptic's seance"
...but why so mysterious?
posted by Saira Mohan on April 06, 2007 at 07:57 PM
Aren't some things as complicated as one wants to make them? At the time of Jesus' life, Rome was a THRIVING city with a population of around one million people. Even today on a map, such a city gets a big red dot. However, when many people think of Jesus, they think of Mary, God, Mark, and a few sheep walking around in scant desert. Fact is that there are myriad independent sources recounting the life of Jesus, offering many opportunities to draw a few reasonable conclusions...
Continue reading "...but why so mysterious?"
The Mystery of the Real Jesus (Part 3)
posted by Deepak Chopra on April 06, 2007 at 08:13 AM
It’s surprising that our own times should see such an intense search for the real Jesus. Long ago Christianity settled upon the mystical Jesus, who rose from the dead and will reappear on Judgment Day, as the focus of belief. The flesh-and-blood Jesus became secondary to the spiritual supremacy of the risen Christ.
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Faith
posted by Saira Mohan on April 06, 2007 at 12:13 AM
The word "Faith", in my mind, means "confidence".. meaning that whatever I am talking about is reliable. For example, "My boy has 'faith' that his mommy will feed him". Therefore, any sort of conflict between faith and reason doesn't exist with me...
HQR*: Whitehouse: Unifying Theory of One Creator
posted by DK Matai on April 05, 2007 at 01:23 PM
Dear Friends, Happy Easter! Events have been woven by the One-in-All in a way that Holistic Quantum Relativity has to be resurrected as HQR* at the time of Easter in view of: 1. Anthony Whitehouse's thought-provoking comments received today from Geneva, Switzerland; 2. The new HQR Discussion Group; and 3. The new HQR Live Chat.
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The Mystery of the Real Jesus (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on April 02, 2007 at 08:07 AM
Jesus left more than one riddle behind after he died, not the least of which was his identity as a real person. How much can we know about the actual living person known as Jesus of Nazareth? In the first post we touched on looking at Jesus strictly from the accounts left in the four gospels. To devout believers there is no need to hunt further, but skeptics and scholars both disagree on the historical accuracy of those documents. There are other credible arguments for trying to prove or disprove who the real Jesus was. Here is the second.
Continue reading "The Mystery of the Real Jesus (Part 2)"
The Mystery of the Real Jesus (Part 1)
posted by Deepak Chopra on March 30, 2007 at 08:34 AM
A stir was made recently by the documentary film from 'Titanic' director James Cameron that claimed to have found the final resting place of Jesus and his family, and although the evidence presented wasn't satisfying to the vast majority of biblical scholars, the search for the real Jesus has become a preoccupation, even obsession. Modern people want evidence that a wandering rabbi, or teacher, actually preached in northern Galilee two thousand years ago, yet outside the New Testament, even the simplest facts about Jesus are essentially non-existent. This has given rise to a number of contending views:
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HQR: Dissolution on 100th Post: Thanks with Love!
posted by DK Matai on March 26, 2007 at 12:49 AM
Dear friends, as The Holistic Quantum Relativity Socratic Dialogue resolves and dissolves this is our last post together for the time being...
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Atman and Robin
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on March 25, 2007 at 01:01 PM
Ken Wilber’s in my yoga class again. He appears shiny headed, stocky and strong.
But I think I can take him. I am 6 feet tall in my stocking feet and I’ve been working out. My takedown fantasy includes spandex, a Mexican wrestling mask and really good boots.
Not on me silly…. That’s what he’s wearing!!
Continue reading "Atman and Robin"
FIERCE LIGHT FLASH # 1
posted by Velcrow Ripper on March 25, 2007 at 11:53 AM
WHAT WOULD LOVE DO?
Ever asked yourself that question? Want to see your life change, in a flash?
Starting now, see how your day is transformed when you live out that question. How would Love make breakfast? What would Love say to the people you meet today: to your beloved, to your family, to the dog, the bird, the people on the street? The guy who drives you crazy at work? The beggar on the corner? Love might give her change, or maybe just smile and acknowledge her as a human being - Love is not guilty or dogmatic. Love knows what to do, if you let it guide your steps.
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HQR: HH Master Kirpal -- Humility
posted by DK Matai on March 23, 2007 at 01:03 PM
In regard to the Holistic Quantum Relativity Socratic Dialogue, the excerpt of His Holiness Master Kirpal's talk on "Humility" is worth noting.
Humility
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HQR:HH Sant Ajaib:Truth Connected is Never Alone
posted by DK Matai on March 21, 2007 at 08:32 AM
Before Sukhdev Muni [Sanskrit: Sage] went to King Janak to get Initiation, he used to think, "How can a worldly person become the Master of a renunciate?"
The Ocean of Love
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Knut The Polar Bear
posted by Mallika Chopra on March 20, 2007 at 08:27 PM
Baby Knut was abandoned by his mother, and adopted by a zoo keeper at the Berlin Zoo. Some animal rights activists think Knut should not be coddled like a baby and should actually be killed. The zoo
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HQR: Energy & the Bizarre Danger in Calling Spirits
posted by DK Matai on March 18, 2007 at 02:23 AM
A few years ago in Zurich, Switzerland, we met a beautiful lady involved in computing systems for major banks at a "Sechseleuten" party, which celebrates the coming of spring and the melting of snow by burning a Böögg or Giant Snow Man...
The Burning of The Böögg at Sechseleuten, Zurich
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Sex and the Siddhi
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on March 18, 2007 at 01:07 AM
Ooh, The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali get me hot.
What?! I had to tie-in the title early, people. You blog people can be such pervs!
A tantric glossary defines “siddhi” as "a magickal or spiritual power for the control of self, others and the forces of nature".
I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.
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HQR: Sir Karl Popper: Paradox of Science & Truth
posted by DK Matai on March 13, 2007 at 05:02 PM
The modern notion of the relationship between Science and Truth, was espoused by Sir Karl Popper. Quantum Mechanics is a good Scientific theory precisely because it is falsifiable and the same can be said to be the case for General and Special Relativity when beyond certain boundary conditions they all becomes false. That which is falsifiable is Science! That which is True may Not be Science at all! Such is the paradox humanity has created!
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The Art of Healing
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on March 11, 2007 at 03:39 PM
I have a friend who convinced she is not creative. She’s always telling me what a great artist I am, and that she’s my biggest fan. What she fails to realize is, that I am her biggest fan. She too is an artist. Her Medium? Healing.
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HQR: HH Master Kirpal: Consciousness & Free Will
posted by DK Matai on March 11, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Holistic Quantum Relativity's Glossary v0.3 sparked a welcome Socratic Dialogue on "Free Will": The Q & A session with HH Master Kirpal is worth noting.
His Holiness Sant Kirpal Singh (1894-1974)
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RELIGIOUS AWAKENING OR MEGALOMANIA?
posted by Suchitra Krishnamoorthi on March 11, 2007 at 01:30 AM
Shahrukh Khan proclaims in an exclusive to an Indian paper“I see myself as an ambassador of Islam” Earlier I had read a quote by him that said ”Look at me-I am the face of Islam” See he’s got a great face-I absolutely adore the guy. Infact I love everything about the man-especially the huge mansion that he resides in and rules from. After all he symbolizes personal achievement, goodness, peace ,religious tolerance(beautiful Hindu wife and all) and is known to be a great contributor to various charitable causes. But is it necessary to bring one’s religion into everything we do? Especially from an icon who has such a powerful influence on young minds and hearts in the eastern world? Isn’t humanity the greatest religion we can spread to the world? Is religion not merely the skin of the fruit of spirituality and not the sweet core itself?
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Holistic Quantum Relativity Project: Glossary v0.4
posted by DK Matai on March 10, 2007 at 01:22 AM
Dear Friends, the excellent HQR Socratic Dialogue in regard to Glossary v0.3 has shaped the latest version v0.4. Thanks! Step-by-step as we have common definitions for the significant terms, we can advance patiently to the next pre-determined phase in Holistic Quantum Relativity's evolution, with love. The first step lies in defining HQR itself, which Harbhajan Singh has attempted to do as a first draft. Please check!
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arranged marriage
posted by Sandeep Sood on March 09, 2007 at 10:28 PM
Mira Nair talks about her new movie, The Namesake, on Fresh Air. Early in the interview, she hits on what I've always admired about successful arranged marriages:
"It's an exquisite love story of an adult romance...of people I know of from my parents' generation... who are content to be still...who don't need roses and diamonds and hallmark cards and 'I love yous' and proclamations and public displays of love.
Continue reading "arranged marriage"
Family Values
posted by Mallika Chopra on March 09, 2007 at 09:16 PM
Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of The House,has admitted he was having an affair while leading the charge against President Clinton's impeachment over his White House affair with Monica Lewinsky. Fellow hopeful Republican president hopefuls, Rudy Guiliani and John McCain, have
Continue reading "Family Values"
Re-branding Meditation
posted by Max Simon on March 09, 2007 at 05:53 AM
Hi everyone and thank you for reading my first post. I am honored and grateful that I have been asked to contribute to this wonderful initiative.
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Holistic Quantum Relativity Project: Glossary v0.3
posted by DK Matai on March 06, 2007 at 03:35 PM
Dear Friends, as HQR integrates relevant terms from Physics, Computing & Mathematics to analogous terms from Oriental faiths of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sant Mat, Shinto, Sikhism, Sufism, Taoism & Zoroastrianism as well as Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Islam & Judaism, the Union of Science & Spirituality's Glossary v0.3 unfolds. 431 terms & rising!
Continue reading "Holistic Quantum Relativity Project: Glossary v0.3"
DEATHYOGA II-A humble continuation of DEATH YOGA IN THE KALI YUGA
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on March 05, 2007 at 11:53 PM
For a donation of $5.00 per word (5 word minimum), Afterlifetelegrams.com claims to deliver telegrams to people who have passed away. Terminally ill volunteers are recruited to memorize telegrams before death, and then deliver said telegrams to the recipient on the other side. Apparently, Afterlifetelegrams.com does not keep any of the fees or their unusual service. The money, depending on the wishes of the sender, is either given to a relative, donated to charity or used to pay medical bills.
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HQR: Bringing All Together & Another Perspective
posted by DK Matai on February 24, 2007 at 05:29 AM
Heather Quinn from NY has suggested that we reproduce #77 of the Socratic Dialogue "HQR: Quantum Physics and The Holotropic State" because "it expresses the essentials of this project with passionate clarity..." Another perspective follows:
Holistic Reality, Quantum Illusion and Relativity
Continue reading "HQR: Bringing All Together & Another Perspective"
HQR: Quantum Physics -- The Holotropic State
posted by DK Matai on February 22, 2007 at 03:08 AM
The key findings of Quantum Physics point towards Holistic Quantum Relativity and the Holotropic State, especially: 1. Dr David Bohm's work about the universe being made up of an "interconnected unbroken wholeness"; 2. The Non-Locality phenomena, ie, Bell's Theorem; and 3. The 'Observer Effect' implying that consciousness underlies all reality.
The Holotropic State
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HQR: HH Master Kirpal -- Indira Gandhi & Quotes
posted by DK Matai on February 21, 2007 at 11:04 AM
In the context of Holistic Quantum Relativity, we pesent some well known Quotes of His Holiness Master Kirpal -- including Words of Welcome to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1974 at The Unity of Man Conference -- on Daily Living, Inner Life, Love, Mind and Self Introspection.
HH Master Kirpal with Indian PM Indira Gandhi, 1974
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HQR: HH Master Kirpal -- Nature of Thought
posted by DK Matai on February 21, 2007 at 12:10 AM
In the context of Holistic Quantum Relativity, we pesent the Socratic Dialogue "Nature of Thought -- Right Understanding" between His Holiness Master Kirpal and disciples from 15th January 1971.
His Holiness Sant Kirpal Singh (1894-1974)
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The Real Evolution Debate -- Part 3
posted by Carter Phipps on February 19, 2007 at 09:04 AM
In my last post which featured another in a series of different views and theories regarding the nature of evolution, one of the responders asked an interesting question. Do I believe there is evidence for a supernatural God?
Continue reading "The Real Evolution Debate -- Part 3"
HQR: Albert Einstein Quotes on Spirituality
posted by DK Matai on February 19, 2007 at 05:54 AM
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
In the context of Holistic Quantum Relativity's Socratic Dialogue it is useful to note Albert Einstein's Quotes on Spirituality. Einstein contributed more than any other scientist to the modern vision of physical reality. His special and general theories of relativity are still regarded as the most satisfactory model of the large-scale universe that we have.
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Death Yoga in the Kali Yuga
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on February 18, 2007 at 12:22 AM
"I'll be fine." she said.
"You don't have to worry about me."
"Do you hurt?" I asked.
"No." she replied, smiling.
Her lips never moved with her speech, however. The conversation was telepathic.
Continue reading "Death Yoga in the Kali Yuga"
The Holy Fool
posted by Velcrow Ripper on February 17, 2007 at 12:58 AM
Let me don my clown wig and big shoes, and tell you a little bit about the wisdom of the fool. In the tarot there is always a dog biting at the heels of the fool. That dog represents the constraints of society. The fool does not notice-she continues merrily on her way, with a grin that says, ‘If I can’t laugh in your spiritual revolution, then count me out.’
Continue reading "The Holy Fool"
Holistic Quantum Relativity Evolution on IntentBlog
posted by DK Matai on February 16, 2007 at 03:02 AM
Dear friends, Mieke van der Poll based in the Netherlands has put together a very detailed presentation on the Evolution of Holistic Quantum Relativity on IntentBlog.
On a related note, the Sector Star Target star image shows four focus points emerging from one source... just scroll up or down!
Continue reading "Holistic Quantum Relativity Evolution on IntentBlog"
What's in a name?
posted by Velcrow Ripper on February 15, 2007 at 10:10 PM
Recently a poster took offense to my name - Velcrow Ripper. In fact, became quite rude. This does happen on occasion, though rarely. I've found that my name serves as an excellent idiot filter. If someone is unable to get past something as simple as a name, which was given to me, and I've kept for some twenty years, then my message of radical inclusion has gone over their heads.
Continue reading "What's in a name?"
a farmer and a potter
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on February 15, 2007 at 09:49 PM
We often find ourselves remembering God in times of strife. We also often find ourselves asking God for help and favours.
Continue reading "a farmer and a potter"
Guru Brahmanand: Anhad Ki Dhun Pyari Sadho
posted by DK Matai on February 15, 2007 at 11:30 AM
O Sage, the Inner Sound of the Infinite is loving.
Continue reading "Guru Brahmanand: Anhad Ki Dhun Pyari Sadho"
Letting go
posted by Shekhar Kapur on February 15, 2007 at 11:20 AM
how wealthy can you be if
you are afraid to let go
of your wealth ?
The Real Evolution Debate cont.
posted by Carter Phipps on February 14, 2007 at 01:34 PM
As the evolution debate these days in the media seems to be as hot as ever, I thought I would continue the thread I started regarding alternative ways in which to view evolution.
Continue reading "The Real Evolution Debate cont."
Heroine Chic- The SHEro’s Journey
posted by Renee Reeser Zelnick on February 12, 2007 at 08:04 PM
I wanted a pony for my twelfth birthday. Dad gave me a .22 rifle and an NRA membership.
It has been said (or argued) that there are seven, or eleven comedies and dramas, depending which school of thought you subscribe to. Unless we’re talking about a game of craps or a convenience store, I don’t agree with those numbers. I contend there is but one story-
Continue reading "Heroine Chic- The SHEro’s Journey"
Holistic Quantum Relativity Project: Glossary
posted by DK Matai on February 12, 2007 at 05:23 PM
Here is a preliminary glossary of terms for the Holistic Quantum Relativity Project. We will modify the terms, add new ones and delete old ones as we get feedback. Please forgive errors and omissions in the interim, as this is work in progress...
Continue reading "Holistic Quantum Relativity Project: Glossary"
Holistic Quantum Relativity: Spirituality and Science
posted by DK Matai on February 09, 2007 at 01:00 AM
Holistic Quantum Relativity seeks to integrate spirituality and science.
Continue reading "Holistic Quantum Relativity: Spirituality and Science"
A People Rising
posted by Velcrow Ripper on February 04, 2007 at 01:18 AM
The second Fierce Light video diary is now up! It continues the journey into the heart of the peoples struggle in Oaxaca, Mexico...
Continue reading "A People Rising"
Climate, Vegetarian Meal, Moment of Truth & Prayer
posted by DK Matai on February 03, 2007 at 07:30 AM
Recently we had a friend -- David Plattner -- visit us in London from Bangkok on his way to New York and then onwards to Los Angeles and Sao Paolo. Before we sat down for the usual vegetarian meal he said, "It is all about the prayer before we eat. It is the moment of truth and you are what you eat."
Continue reading "Climate, Vegetarian Meal, Moment of Truth & Prayer"
A Brutal Murder
posted by Kavita Chhibber on January 30, 2007 at 12:43 PM
Many Questions –is it all karma?
Continue reading "A Brutal Murder"
Holistic Pyramid, Sahasrara, Sri Yantra, Creation
posted by DK Matai on January 30, 2007 at 04:45 AM
We began with trying to unify the four forces into the fifth through Socratic Dialogue. We are grateful to the Creator manifest through direct inspiration and via IntentBloggers for having brought us this far in the Unified Holistic Pyramid's quest. A possible illustration of the one-thousand-petal Sahasrara Lotus manifest fully from the causal plane:
Continue reading "Holistic Pyramid, Sahasrara, Sri Yantra, Creation"
All About Love
posted by Velcrow Ripper on January 28, 2007 at 05:15 AM
I'd like to respond to this comment from Amelia about my blog on freedom, from a while back:
"Intriguing statement you made:
"Freedom, like love, is a choice. We choose to love - though sometimes it seems to just magically appear - falling in love - but we need to create the conditions. We need to open our hearts, our souls even, to the possibility."
Continue reading "All About Love"
Simple Holistics: Hegel Triangles & Unified Pyramid
posted by DK Matai on January 24, 2007 at 02:42 PM
Continue reading "Simple Holistics: Hegel Triangles & Unified Pyramid"
Prof Cook: More than Human & Transhumanism
posted by ATCA on January 24, 2007 at 02:28 PM
We are grateful to Prof E David Cook, based in Oxford, England, for "More Than Human" in response to the ATCA think-piece "The Supra-Universal Consciousness and Better Humans on the one hand and Human Extinction and The Post Human Entity on the other."
Continue reading "Prof Cook: More than Human & Transhumanism"
Sex, Money, and Women
posted by Saira Mohan on January 23, 2007 at 02:29 PM
Stuff for Sex
posted by mindyourmind.ca on January 22, 2007 at 05:49 PM
written by Heather, a member of the www.mindyourmind.ca crew
“I was 13 years old trying to get someone to buy me cigarettes at a variety store in the fairly good neighborhood of my city. I was approached by a middle-aged man with a car seat in the back of his mini van, who had exposed himself to me and propositioned me to watch him masturbate and in return he would buy me smokes. He was insistent and conniving with his words and behavior, I didn’t feel like I had a choice. I felt sick to my stomach and anxious, I wanted someone to help me but I really wanted smokes too.”
(quoted by an anonymous youth)
Continue reading "Stuff for Sex"
Complex Holistics: Hegel's Logic, Spirit and Mind
posted by DK Matai on January 19, 2007 at 08:10 AM
Hegel is short form for the great German philosopher by the name of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770 – 1831) who sought to reconcile the System of Science, Logic, Nature, Spirit and Mind. A slightly edited excerpt of the 1911's Encyclopaedia Britannica "Hegel" article follows which carries the seeds of 21st Century Holistics within it as viewed from an early 20th Century perspective.
Continue reading "Complex Holistics: Hegel's Logic, Spirit and Mind"
Unified Force, Sub-nuclear Physics & Love of Rumi
posted by DK Matai on January 17, 2007 at 03:41 PM
Harbhajan "Harb" Singh [Self-Designed Universe] and other IntentBloggers have started an interesting dialogue on the Unified Force, Sub-nuclear Physics and Spirituality developing under Maulana Rumi. Synthesising the views of The Great Spiritual Masters and Philosophers including Socrates, Plato, Lao Tsu, Rumi, Kabir, Kirpal and Indian Vedanta, alongside nuclear physicists like Prof Hans-Peter Duerr and Prof Richard Feynman begins to unify all.
Continue reading "Unified Force, Sub-nuclear Physics & Love of Rumi"
Supra-Universal Consciousness and Better Humans
posted by ATCA on January 15, 2007 at 02:46 AM
Collectively the must-know terms for the 21st Century herald our joint capacity to give rise to the discovery of The Supra-Universal Consciousness and Better Humans on the one hand and Human Extinction and The Post Human Entity on the other.
Continue reading "Supra-Universal Consciousness and Better Humans"
A Birthday in India
posted by Mallika Chopra on January 14, 2007 at 07:39 PM
5 cakes to turn 5. Celebrating her birthday in India,
Continue reading "A Birthday in India"
Feathers of Peace
posted by Velcrow Ripper on January 12, 2007 at 05:10 PM
The symbol of Parihaka, where I am now, is three white feathers - albatross feathers. During the time of the peace village here, back in the 1800s, an albatross landed, which they never do (they are deep sea birds) in the middle of the village, then flew away, leaving behind three feathers. The prophet of the people here, Tawhiti, decided it was a powerful omen, like the dove in noah's ark that went out to find land - a symbol of hope.
Continue reading "Feathers of Peace"
Guru Brahmanand: Sat Sangat Jag Sar Sadho
posted by DK Matai on January 11, 2007 at 06:58 AM
Sat sangat jag sar sadho, sat sangat jag sar re
O Sage, the company of Truth is the only reality in this world
Continue reading "Guru Brahmanand: Sat Sangat Jag Sar Sadho"
Village of Peace
posted by Velcrow Ripper on January 09, 2007 at 03:44 PM
We arrive at the airport in Aeroteroa (New Zealand), exhausted from two days in a plane, traveling from Canada, via Hong Kong. No doubt we look as bad as we feel. Waiting for us at the airport is the Maori healer, Mahinekura Reinfelds, a stocky woman in her fifties, with grey hair pulled back in a bun, chin and lips adorned with an elaborate Moku – a blue tinted tattoo of swirling patterns.
Continue reading "Village of Peace"
Great Spiritual Masters: The Power of Forgiveness
posted by DK Matai on January 08, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Our Great Spiritual Master His Holiness Sant Sadhu Ram once said: The one who is greedy, manifests sin; The one who is angry, manifests time or judgement; and The one who forgives, manifests The Lord Himself.
Continue reading "Great Spiritual Masters: The Power of Forgiveness"
Creating Your Afterlife
posted by Deepak Chopra on January 03, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Q: One of the most fascinating aspects of Life After Death is your belief that we are the author of our afterlife. Can you explain?
A: I don't mean authorship by trying to live a good life so you can get into heaven. There's certainly nothing wrong with either, but to the ancient rishis of India, there was no strict division between this life and the afterlife. Both are created in consciousness. Your level of awareness is the one and only thing that determines how life turns out. Every person you know, everything that happens to you, originates at the deepest level of your own consciousness.
Continue reading "Creating Your Afterlife"
A Morbid Night
posted by Mallika Chopra on December 30, 2006 at 08:38 PM
James Brown. Gerald Ford. Saddam Hussein. Reading the headlines this evening, dead bodies is definitely the dominant theme. The ritual of death itself is a fascinating one to me.
Continue reading "A Morbid Night"
Savitri Allegory
posted by Deepak Chopra on December 27, 2006 at 11:42 AM
Q. Why did you choose to use allegory, such as the story of Savitri and Yama, in writing Life After Death?
Continue reading "Savitri Allegory"
Merry Christmas: Silent Night (Stille Nacht)
posted by DK Matai on December 25, 2006 at 02:23 AM
Dear friends, Silent Night is a must see. Please Click here.
Continue reading "Merry Christmas: Silent Night (Stille Nacht)"
Here comes Santa!
posted by Mallika Chopra on December 24, 2006 at 09:17 PM
We left a letter for him. And, we moved the sofa a bit further from the fireplace to make it easier for him to get into the house. Now we are in bed, trying to fall asleep. It is, oh so hard,
Continue reading "Here comes Santa!"
“All In” Relationships
posted by mindyourmind.ca on December 23, 2006 at 05:52 PM
Poker’s all the rage. Even some of our youngest users at mindyourmind.ca are familiar with the basic rules of texas hold ‘em and engage in a game or two after school or on the weekends with their buddies. Not sure which activity in their lives its replacing -in some instances its problematic, for obvious reasons. But that’s not the point of this entry.
Continue reading "“All In” Relationships"
Solved: Christmas Carol - The 12 Days of Christmas
posted by DK Matai on December 22, 2006 at 10:21 PM
Dear friends, The Twelve Days of Christmas refers to an important part of the church year amongst Christians. Contrary to much popular belief, these are not the twelve days before Christmas, but in most of the Western Church are the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th). The twelve days count from December 25th until January 5th. The original carol can be accessed from here.
Continue reading "Solved: Christmas Carol - The 12 Days of Christmas"
Riddle: Christmas Carol - The 12 Days of Christmas
posted by DK Matai on December 22, 2006 at 10:19 AM
Dear friends, here in Europe the Christmas carols are playing and this is a beautiful time. People are coming together in love and in harmony, in remembrance of more important things in life, like their near and dear ones. We are sure you recognise, The Twelve Days of Christmas. However, there is a mystery...! The resolution of the riddle can be accessed from here.
Continue reading "Riddle: Christmas Carol - The 12 Days of Christmas"
Kirpal: Love and all things shall be added unto you
posted by DK Matai on December 17, 2006 at 03:55 AM
Their Holinesses Masters Kirpal, Ajaib and Sadhu Ram: "Love and all things shall be added unto you." It was a great pleasure to relish the indelible blessed moments of melancholia -- to be with friends together at the lotus feet of The Great Spiritual Masters on their world tours -- resonant in Their Divine Will.
Continue reading "Kirpal: Love and all things shall be added unto you"
Beautiful Agony
posted by Saira Mohan on December 16, 2006 at 08:25 AM
Ok...so I think I have come across one of the most human, honest, real, sensual and erotic websites I think I've ever encountered....
Continue reading "Beautiful Agony"
To all our friends in this Happy Holiday Season
posted by DK Matai on December 14, 2006 at 04:16 PM
We send you our greetings of peace, joy and felicity during this blessed holiday season. Thank you for touching our lives. We wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Continue reading "To all our friends in this Happy Holiday Season"
This Christmas Thing.
posted by Mallika Chopra on December 13, 2006 at 08:03 PM
We do not celebrate Christmas. Well, we dont, or didnt. Actually, I really dont plan to. But, I seem to be getting sucked into it, unwillingly. Tara is asking why we don't have a tree. I told her we dont celebrate Christmas, but then I felt bad and got stockings that I put up on the fireplace. So now she is confused. And, I am confused. Leela actually is not confused. She
Continue reading "This Christmas Thing."
Awareness Training for Afterlife
posted by Deepak Chopra on December 13, 2006 at 12:58 PM
Q: One of the unique ideas in Life After Death is that each of us can prepare for the afterlife by training our awareness. Can you go into that a bit more?
A: Training in consciousness is rooted in the East, and I am most convinced by the schools in India that are loosely known as Yoga. Because it's universal, Yoga can be adapted to ordinary Western life. The only exotic thing you need to know is that your mind-body system is divided into five levels, or Koshas:
Continue reading "Awareness Training for Afterlife"
God as a Field Interfacing the Spiritual World and Our Own Minds
posted by Candace Pert on December 11, 2006 at 06:34 AM
In 2004 I appeared in the film What the Bleep Do We Know?!? and spoke as a serious scientist lending my research background to the notion that we create our own reality. In 2006 I wrote Everything You Need to Know to Feel Go(o)d with my lifelong friend Nancy Marriott and in it I explored the further reaches of science and spirituality.
Continue reading "God as a Field Interfacing the Spiritual World and Our Own Minds"
Developing After Life Skills
posted by Deepak Chopra on December 06, 2006 at 01:14 PM
Question: You spoke last time about developing skills that can be used after we die. Can you go further into this?
Continue reading "Developing After Life Skills"
Lost Dad's Body Found
posted by Mallika Chopra on December 06, 2006 at 01:04 PM
For those of you following the story of James Kim, the dad who went to search for help, while his wife, 4 yr old and 7 month old, waited at their snowbound car in the Oregon wilderness, the sad news is that he did not survive. I was thinking about why his story is particularly heartwrenching for me on a day when 10 US troops were killed, when millions of children
Continue reading "Lost Dad's Body Found"
God is Within, the Sufi Poet Wrote
posted by Salman Ahmad on December 06, 2006 at 01:01 PM
Just over 300 years ago, the Muslim Sufi poet Bulleh Shah, while a student at a madrassa (Islamic school) in what is now Pakistan, asked his religious teacher this question: "What is the point of washing one's hands and feet before prayers if the heart wasn't clean?"
Continue reading "God is Within, the Sufi Poet Wrote"
Guru Arjan Dev: Tu Mera Pita, Tu Hai Mera Mata
posted by DK Matai on December 03, 2006 at 03:11 PM
Tu mera pita, tu hai mera mata,
tu mera bandhap, tu mera bhrata.
You are my father, You are my mother,
You are my kinsman, You are my brother.
Continue reading "Guru Arjan Dev: Tu Mera Pita, Tu Hai Mera Mata"
Death As Fulfilling Our Purpose
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 29, 2006 at 07:35 AM
Q. What do you mean when you say that death is a fulfillment of our purpose here on earth?
A. The ultimate purpose of life is to evolve, to discover who you are. The more self-knowledge you have, the more you can shape your future. Nobody disputes, even in the materialist camp, that the mind shapes a person's life. To think and feel at a deep level gives you much more control over your destiny than someone who is buffeted around by momentary impulses, desires, fears, and fantasies.
Continue reading "Death As Fulfilling Our Purpose"
Please, just let them be kids!!
posted by Mallika Chopra on November 28, 2006 at 10:12 AM
My daughters are growing up too fast -- Leela (2 1/2) is talking all the time now, Tara (almost 5) is starting to read. My little babies are growing up. I read an article this morning about how 10 is the new 15. Please no!! I wonder
Continue reading "Please, just let them be kids!!"
Existence of God
posted by Candace Pert on November 27, 2006 at 09:11 AM
Deepak invited me to this blog after we both got a good laugh at the increasingly more vocal men (yeah, no women in this crowd!) who think all human experience can be reduced to the sequence of a strand of DNA with no place for a Higher Intelligence.
Continue reading "Existence of God"
Deus Esta Com Vosco -- God is with you!
posted by ATCA on November 26, 2006 at 02:58 PM
In response to "The God Delusion?" debate initiated by Dr Chopra on ATCA, the responses are:
. Deus esta com vosco: God is with you - Whitehouse;
. Many Scientists do believe in God - Prof Guptara; &
. Are both trying to save the world pain? Dr Cohen.
Continue reading "Deus Esta Com Vosco -- God is with you!"
The God Delusion? Part 4
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 24, 2006 at 01:25 PM
At a certain point we must leave Dawkins behind, since he is riding a hobby horse. He feels compelled to attack the onslaught of irrational forces that pose a crisis to the very existence of science. I doubt the crisis is so dire. Without screaming that the sky is falling down, one can say that two broad rivers of human experience have run into each other. One river carries science and objective observation of the world. The other river carries subjective experience and our craving for meaning, beauty, love, and truth.
Continue reading "The God Delusion? Part 4"
What Happens After We Die? (Part 3)
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 22, 2006 at 11:05 AM
Q. What may shock or surprise readers most about this book?
A. They may be shocked to find that the afterlife is a rational subject that is knowable to us before we die. Most people, even from educated backgrounds, accept the stories of heaven and hell they were told as children, and from that point on they assume that the afterlife is a matter of faith.
Continue reading "What Happens After We Die? (Part 3)"
The God Delusion? Part 3
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 20, 2006 at 06:43 AM
One of the reasons that Dawkins' book has touched a nerve is that many scientists are outraged by the religious tide in world affairs. Using theology as a shield, politicians are undermining the whole rational structure of scientific progress. This bring us to another major point for Dawkins.
Continue reading "The God Delusion? Part 3"
Choose to Be Free
posted by Velcrow Ripper on November 18, 2006 at 07:50 AM
Recently one of the comments on my blog stated - ‘one doesn’t choose to be free.’ Kind of like the idea that we are already enlightened, we just need to recognize that we are. Most certainly we are born free - then slowly, we begin to build our prisons, with more than a little help from society. We take a journey in life, away from the kingdom, out into the world, yet one day we can return to freedom.
Continue reading "Choose to Be Free"
God for Thought
posted by Saira Mohan on November 18, 2006 at 04:30 AM
I was doing some research on the subject of surrogate motherhood and came across the Church's 1987 statement by the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith entitled "Instruction on Respect for Human Life in Its Origin and on the Dignity of Procreation". In it, it basically says that surrogate mothers, and surrogacy in general, are not only unacceptable to the Church, but will leave you holding a jump-to-the-front-of-the-line first class ticket to hell.
...but wasn't Mary a surrogate mother?
Hey, you can't get married!!
posted by Mallika Chopra on November 16, 2006 at 08:44 PM
There have been two decisions related to marriage this week which I find interesting. First, the South African parliament ruled that gay marriages are legal. Second, Pope Benedict reaffirmed that Catholic priests must remain celibate. What I find fascinating
Continue reading "Hey, you can't get married!!"
What Happens After We Die? (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 13, 2006 at 10:07 AM
Q. Why did you wait 20 years to write this book? Is a discussion of the afterlife particularly important today?
Deepak Chopra’s Answer: Based on his book, Life After Death: The Burden of Proof
Continue reading "What Happens After We Die? (Part 2)"
Prayer: Intention or Attention?
posted by Deepak Singh on November 12, 2006 at 06:47 PM
I believe in God and often pray to him (our religion depicts male Gods), for a specific issue, while including others who are undergoing difficulties.
I am also aware of the “Power or Intention” vs. the “Power of Attention”
Continue reading "Prayer: Intention or Attention?"
Deepak on CBC in Canada
posted by Intent on November 11, 2006 at 05:23 PM
We wanted to share this interview of Deepak Chopra speaking about Life After Death: The Burden of Proof
Dr Deepak Chopra: Building Peace Consciousness
posted by ATCA on November 11, 2006 at 03:09 PM
Dr Deepak Chopra, a regular ATCA contributor, gave a talk on the afterlife based on his latest book "Life After Death -- The Burden of Proof" on Friday night at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Canada. A number of questions and answers have been published in Canada in response to his visit.
Continue reading "Dr Deepak Chopra: Building Peace Consciousness"
What Happens After We Die? (Part 1)
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 10, 2006 at 12:53 PM
Writing a book that tries to prove the existence of the afterlife was a fascinating challenge. Over the next few weeks I will post questions and answers that were posed about Life After Death: The Burden of Proof
Continue reading "What Happens After We Die? (Part 1)"
A New Journey
posted by Velcrow Ripper on November 10, 2006 at 06:24 AM
Many blessings!
Please allow me to introduce myself (said the Rolling Stones) I’m a....and here we’ll begin to change the tune - I’m a man, it’s true, and perhaps of the most interest to you here at intent blog, someone who could be described as a ‘Spiritual Media Activist.’ My last feature doc was called ‘ScaredSacred’ , a film about the search for hope in the Ground Zero’s of the world - places like Afghanistan, Hiroshima, Israel and Palestine, Bhopal, Cambodia and Bosnia. A film about unwrapping the darkness, to reveal the light.
Continue reading "A New Journey"
My Daughters Prayers
posted by Mallika Chopra on November 09, 2006 at 08:23 AM
As I was cleaning up this morning, my daughters (4 1/2 yr Tara and 2 yr Leela) were playing by themselves. Suddenly, I heard them singing "Om Jai Jagadish", an Indian prayer. I peeked to the other side of the house, and they were both sitting in front of a statue of Ganesh, hands folded, singing. After
Continue reading "My Daughters Prayers"
speaking in tongues is not a funny time (just ask Senator Allen)
posted by Sandeep Sood on November 07, 2006 at 11:54 PM
In Borat, Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (it just isn't the same if you don't list the entire title), Borat makes it to an evangelical church where fervent believers speak in tongues. When the mood takes him, and he himself starts speaking in tongues ("alalalalalala"), the movie reaches one of its most ludicrously funny points.
But, according to the NY Times, he is making fun of a real scientific phenomenon ("is not a funny good time?", asks borat)
Continue reading "speaking in tongues is not a funny time (just ask Senator Allen)"
Life After Death, Part 12: The Dream continues
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 06, 2006 at 12:00 PM
How does Savitri’s tale end? The sun had already dipped beneath the treetops when she ran into the hut and peered out the front window. Yama was still sitting in the dust, only now the long shadows of the pines completely covered him. Savitri braced herself, saying one last prayer, and went out to face him.
Continue reading "Life After Death, Part 12: The Dream continues"
The math in relationships
posted by Rayman Mathoda on November 05, 2006 at 12:39 PM
Is there a math in relationships? Does there need to be an equal exchange of value (financial, emotional, social, spiritual....real or perceived) for any relationship to work long term? I don't know. I think there's more math involved than most let on. Although I don't think the math is simple (or can be simiplified)...as humans are complex and so are those things that we care about.
Continue reading "The math in relationships"
Inter-faith Spiritual Dialogue: St Francis of Assisi
posted by DK Matai on November 04, 2006 at 12:58 AM
In exploring spiritual thought from across the world, we may derive solace, comfort and inspiration from St Francis of Assisi's prayer of humility. Whether we seek to address the complex global challenges of climate chaos, radical poverty, organised crime and extremism...
Continue reading "Inter-faith Spiritual Dialogue: St Francis of Assisi"
Life After Death, Part 11: Guides
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 03, 2006 at 08:11 AM
Note: Excerpted from the new book, Life After Death: The Burden of Proof.
“Have I learned enough now?” Savitri asked. She was beginning to change, she could feel it.
Continue reading "Life After Death, Part 11: Guides"
In the words and spirit of Mother Theresa....
posted by Suchitra Krishnamoorthi on November 02, 2006 at 07:56 AM
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centred
Forgive them anyway
Continue reading "In the words and spirit of Mother Theresa...."
Surviving the Storm
posted by Deepak Chopra on November 01, 2006 at 12:32 PM
Note: This is Part 10 of an extended excerpt from the new book, Life After Death: The Burden of Proof
Savitri trusted Ramana, but as the hours grew long, she worried about the time. She had to return home to face Yama, and her mind was filled with a vision of Satyavan’s strong body turned cold and lifeless with a glance from Yama. I would lose everything, she thought, in greater pain than ever.
Continue reading "Surviving the Storm"
Life After Death, Part 9: Two Magical Words
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 30, 2006 at 02:24 PM
(For Part 1 of the Life After Death series, click here.)
The Invisible Thread
"Look, do you see that?" said Ramana. He pointed ahead, and Savitri could make out a wisp of smoke above the trees.
"A home fire?" she guessed.
"Follow it and find out. I'll stay here until you return." Ramana sat on a stump, waiting.
Continue reading "Life After Death, Part 9: Two Magical Words"
IntentBlog: Thou hast made me known to friends...
posted by DK Matai on October 29, 2006 at 10:32 AM
Dear fellow IntentBloggers, Donatella Riback has submitted a poem by Rabindranath Tagore under the Kahlil Gibran Socratic Dialogue, which embodies the spirit of Dr Deepak Chopra and Shekhar Kapur...
Continue reading "IntentBlog: Thou hast made me known to friends..."
Life After Death: Part 8 - Seeing the Soul
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 28, 2006 at 11:06 PM
(For Part 1 of the Life After Death series, click here.)
Part 8 -- Seeing the Soul continues below:
The moment she woke up, Savitri saw that they were back at the banyan tree where they’d started. She sat up, squinting at the sun overhead. How could it be so high in the sky? Then she saw Ramana standing over her. He wore a mysterious look.
Continue reading "Life After Death: Part 8 - Seeing the Soul"
Deepak and Zappy's Billboard Censored
posted by Zappy on October 28, 2006 at 10:40 PM
Kabbalah Centre puts the Kibosh on Kabala Billboard
The Kabbalah Centre in Beverly Hills ordered Clear Channel to remove
Continue reading "Deepak and Zappy's Billboard Censored"
Kahlil Gibran: Quotes & The Prophet
posted by DK Matai on October 28, 2006 at 05:40 PM
. I have learnt silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet strange, I am ungrateful to these teachers.
Continue reading "Kahlil Gibran: Quotes & The Prophet"
William Blake: Auguries of Innocence
posted by DK Matai on October 27, 2006 at 01:06 PM
To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.
Continue reading "William Blake: Auguries of Innocence"
Life After Death, Part 6 - Ghosts
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 25, 2006 at 01:28 PM
“I am deeply grateful for all that you have taught me,” Savitri said. It was getting late, and to tell the truth she was beginning to lose hope of returning home. “I am resigned to living alone, and perhaps I can visit you to learn more.”
Continue reading "Life After Death, Part 6 - Ghosts"
Life After Death, Part 5 - The Path to Hell
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 24, 2006 at 10:26 AM
“I wonder if Yama fools himself?” Ramana mused. “He certainly fools everyone else.”
“You talk as if he’s pulling some kind of trick,” Savitri said. It was wearing on her to be in the forest this long. She knew that very soon time would run out.
Continue reading "Life After Death, Part 5 - The Path to Hell"
Life After Death, Part 4 - Escaping the Noose
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 23, 2006 at 12:29 PM
The moment she ran away from home, Savitri began counting the minutes until Satyavan would return from woodcutting. But now her mind grew quieter. This wasn’t just the influence of Ramana’s wisdom or the silence of the woods. Fate had a scheme in mind for Savitri. Fate was leading her in circles until it was satisfied that she could face Yama on her own.
Continue reading "Life After Death, Part 4 - Escaping the Noose"
Should I worry about reincarnation?
posted by Deepak Singh on October 22, 2006 at 10:37 AM
The other day I called someone to wish him on his birthday, and he jokingly responded that all it was, was that he was a day closer to dying. I related this to my son, and without a moment of hesitation he responded: “Surely he is a day closer to reincarnation?
Continue reading "Should I worry about reincarnation?"
YAHOO QUESTIONS
posted by Gotham Chopra on October 21, 2006 at 02:48 PM
Check out this promo running on Yahoo.
Link after the jump. Leave an answer.
Continue reading "YAHOO QUESTIONS"
Life After Death, Part 3 - Death Grants Three Wishes
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 20, 2006 at 07:36 AM
After two hours of walking through the woods, Savitri and Ramana came to a fork in the path.
“If we went that way we would arrive at Yama’s castle. Did you know that Death lives so close by?”
Savitri shuddered. “I’m happy not to know.”
Continue reading "Life After Death, Part 3 - Death Grants Three Wishes"
Life After Death, Part 2 - The Cure For Dying
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 19, 2006 at 02:25 PM
As they wandered further up the mountain, Savitri became more and more anxious, but the monk Ramana paid no attention to her. After a while he left the deer path to follow a cut among some huge boulders and was lost from sight. Scrambling after him, Savitri spied a stream, and beside it sat Ramana. “You must be tired and thirsty,” he said, pointing to the stream. He pulled out his reed flute, which was tucked into his saffron robe, and began to play.
Continue reading "Life After Death, Part 2 - The Cure For Dying"
Politicians – Harbingers of War or Peace?
posted by Deepak Singh on October 18, 2006 at 01:51 PM
I often wonder how hard our politicians are trying to bring (let alone maintain) peace.
Continue reading "Politicians – Harbingers of War or Peace?"
Life After Death, Part 1 - Death At the Door
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 18, 2006 at 10:53 AM
While writing a new book on the afterlife, Life After Death: The Burden of Proof
Continue reading "Life After Death, Part 1 - Death At the Door"
Separation Anxiety
posted by Mallika Chopra on October 18, 2006 at 07:59 AM
I am leaving my children
Continue reading "Separation Anxiety"
Life After Death: The Burden of Proof
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 17, 2006 at 10:20 AM
What happens to us when we die?
Continue reading "Life After Death: The Burden of Proof"
Limiting Adoptions
posted by Mallika Chopra on October 15, 2006 at 11:40 PM
In the last week, I have had 3 American friends ask me if I can help them with the adoption process for a baby from India. In parallel, I have been reading about the controversy around Madonna and a little boy in Africa. I am still trying to process the whole thing...
Continue reading "Limiting Adoptions"
Simple Things
posted by Ayesha Hakki on October 11, 2006 at 10:07 AM
If today is that day in which a slice of time is captured for future generations to decipher, and the theme of peace is the banner, but a world of peace is an enigma, in my own tiny sphere of the earth, peace will be found within me, as an individual, as a unique person at this very moment in time, at this very place in the universe.
Continue reading "Simple Things"
Paradise regained: India Calling
posted by Kavita Chhibber on October 11, 2006 at 08:05 AM
And so I made this sudden trip to India after a long gap to surprise
Continue reading "Paradise regained: India Calling"
Peace Is Not Enough
posted by Carter Phipps on October 10, 2006 at 06:40 PM
The heartfelt desire to participate in the ongoing evolution of this vast universe may be joyful, difficult, overwhelming, thrilling, and even liberating. But one thing is for certain: it is not peaceful.
Continue reading "Peace Is Not Enough"
Peace Within
posted by Vikas Khanna on October 10, 2006 at 04:29 PM
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world"
Continue reading "Peace Within"
Entelechy Arts: London’s cultural peacemongers
posted by Aladin on October 10, 2006 at 03:59 PM
This remarkable arts company and charity sprang out of everyday encounters almost 20 years ago between people who would not ordinarily come into contact with each other.
Continue reading "Entelechy Arts: London’s cultural peacemongers"
Peace for our Children
posted by Mallika Chopra on October 10, 2006 at 09:05 AM
Peace is the sound of my babies giggles, the feel of their little arms embracing me, the soft
Continue reading "Peace for our Children"
Peace Equals Prosperity
posted by Zappy on October 10, 2006 at 07:00 AM
Peace. Zappy
Give peace a chance
posted by Mary Occhino on October 10, 2006 at 06:45 AM
Those who are 'baby boomers' as I am can remember oh so well the peace marches of the 1960's where we all hoped and dreamed for a brighter tommorow in a world without war and hate.
Continue reading "Give peace a chance"
Master Kirpal: Peace will Come!
posted by DK Matai on October 10, 2006 at 05:13 AM
DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS -- the people are crying for peace. How can we have it? Peace should start from our hearts. We should give out peace as prayed by Guru Nanak: "Peace be unto all the world over, under Thy Will, O God." And for this, naturally, there must be a spiritual revolution.
Continue reading "Master Kirpal: Peace will Come!"
For the last time
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on October 09, 2006 at 06:25 PM
I have not posted on this blog for a long time. Maybe it is because i needed to check out and travel inwards to fill an emptiness that was devouring me.
Continue reading "For the last time"
ATCA marks Five Years - Thanks to you & Socrates
posted by DK Matai on October 08, 2006 at 12:19 AM
Thank you for all your support over the last five years to ATCA, the philanthropic initiative dedicated to understanding and addressing complex global challenges through Socratic Dialogue and Executive Action to build a Wisdom based Economy.
Continue reading "ATCA marks Five Years - Thanks to you & Socrates"
In Search of Radical Evolution
posted by Carter Phipps on October 07, 2006 at 08:42 AM
Last Saturday night the offices of What Is Enlightenment? magazine played host to a rather interesting thinker, Joel Garreau. My last post was on evolution and spirituality, and while Garreau doesn’t venture into the spirituality part of the equation,
Continue reading "In Search of Radical Evolution"
Master Kirpal: Know this that we are all one!
posted by DK Matai on October 05, 2006 at 03:15 PM
All Masters who came said the same thing: God is Light and we are all children of Light. The same Light enlivens all creation.
Continue reading "Master Kirpal: Know this that we are all one!"
Social Ails and Our Children
posted by Mallika Chopra on October 02, 2006 at 04:40 PM
In the last week, there have been several disturbing, high profile, tragic events that have affected children in America -- the killing today of Amish girls at a school in Pennsylvania, shootings last week in Colorado which also targeted girls, and the Foley Page scandal. As a mother
Continue reading "Social Ails and Our Children"
Towards Non-Violence - Happy Birthday Gandhi ji!
posted by DK Matai on October 02, 2006 at 02:47 AM
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869 and it is a great honour and privilege to remember his unique contribution to the cause of global humanity and India's exemplary struggle for democratic freedom through non-violent means: non-cooperation and civil resistance. Albert Einstein wrote: "Mahatma Gandhi's life achievement stands unique in political history..."
Continue reading "Towards Non-Violence - Happy Birthday Gandhi ji!"
Ashtavakra's Response to Eliminating Desire
posted by DK Matai on September 29, 2006 at 11:04 PM
"Of all four categories of beings, from Brahma (Creator of the natural world) down to the last clump of grass, only the man of knowledge is capable of eliminating desire and aversion... 'I am infinite like space, and the natural world is like a jar', 'I am like the ocean, and the multiplicity of objects is comparable to a wave' and 'I am in all beings, and all beings are in me.' To know this is knowledge, and then there is neither renunciation, acceptance, or cessation of it."
Continue reading "Ashtavakra's Response to Eliminating Desire"
Beyond Desire -- Ashtavakra Gita and Advaita
posted by DK Matai on September 28, 2006 at 12:14 PM
When we have met friends on various world tours of The Great Spiritual Masters, the challenge of going "Beyond Desire" has often come up. The Ashtavakra Gita has been universally cited as a step in the right direction
Continue reading "Beyond Desire -- Ashtavakra Gita and Advaita"
Life After Death: The Burden of Proof
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 27, 2006 at 06:24 PM
Click here for details and all editorials reviews.
“Chopra presents a fascinating account of life after death for Westerners that will certainly please his avid fans and draw in new readers as well.” -- Publishers Weekly, starred review
Continue reading "Life After Death: The Burden of Proof"
Ultimate Triumph of Good over Evil
posted by DK Matai on September 21, 2006 at 03:13 PM
In 1963, His Holiness Master Kirpal was asked in the USA, "Will there be a Third World War?" Master said, "Father cannot see His children dying." His Holiness explained:
Continue reading "Ultimate Triumph of Good over Evil"
Beyond Delusion -- Ashtavakra Gita and Advaita
posted by DK Matai on September 20, 2006 at 01:35 PM
When we have met friends on various world tours of The Great Spiritual Masters, the paradox of "Afflicted with Delusion" has often come up. The Ashtavakra Gita has been universally cited as a step in the right direction
Continue reading "Beyond Delusion -- Ashtavakra Gita and Advaita"
Kablalistic Thinking (Timothy Leary)
posted by Zappy on September 13, 2006 at 10:07 PM
"The most interesting time of human life, I think, is when your heart stops, and for between two and 15 minutes, your brain is still running.
Continue reading "Kablalistic Thinking (Timothy Leary)"
ME NOT SO SPIRITUAL
posted by Gotham Chopra on September 13, 2006 at 10:21 AM
Growing up Chopra is an interesting experience. You have the big spiritual target on your back at all times. People freak out when your drink a coke, taste some steak, or curse.
Continue reading "ME NOT SO SPIRITUAL"
Desire and the Chain of Command
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 11, 2006 at 11:51 AM
If Vedanta is right and there is only one reality, then all desires must follow the same mechanics. Desires arise and are fulfilled in consciousness. Making yourself happy involves
Continue reading "Desire and the Chain of Command"
Dalai Lama -- World Peace begins with Inner Peace
posted by ATCA on September 10, 2006 at 12:55 AM
Winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1989, His Holiness the XIV (14th) Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people, and an occasional ATCA Contributor, joined scientists -- including Dr Deepak Chopra and Prof Allan Young -- on Saturday in Vancouver, Canada, to discuss how stress can affect health.
Continue reading "Dalai Lama -- World Peace begins with Inner Peace"
The Tao Te Ching of Lao Tsu -- Towards Taoism
posted by DK Matai on September 08, 2006 at 11:08 PM
Amongst the Great Spiritual Masters espousing the "Path of the Saints", the name of Lao Tsu from China, often comes up. He is as much a legend as their Holinesses: Socrates and Pythagoras from Greece, Jesus Christ from Jerusalem, Rumi and Hafez from Persia, and Kabir and Kirpal from India.
Continue reading "The Tao Te Ching of Lao Tsu -- Towards Taoism"
Cultivating Detachment
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 08, 2006 at 10:56 AM
In Eastern thought, detachment is a state that doesn't condemn desire or give in to it, either. This is a strange alternative, since 99% of the time our natural inclination is to either give in to a desire or push it away, usually for a competing desire. We eat when we're hungry, we diet when we think hunger doesn't serve us well and we want to be thinner instead. What would it even mean to be detached from hunger? The twists and turns of the detachment argument have worried generations of seekers, and still do.
Continue reading "Cultivating Detachment"
Do We Have a Self? (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 04, 2006 at 11:56 AM
I won't recap the earlier post except to say that there does seem to be a good argument for a higher self that gives us a sense of having a self at all. I took awhile to reach that conclusion, but I think we're there. The entire universe is discontinuous but appears to be continuous. Every subatomic particle has no location but seems to be somewhere. It's very necessary to feel that you have a self, in the sense of an ego and personality, a home base for "I". Otherwise, experience would float like a cloud, applying to nothing but isolated events.
Continue reading "Do We Have a Self? (Part 2)"
Could Ganesha be my soulmate?
posted by Suchitra Krishnamoorthi on September 02, 2006 at 09:15 PM
... do soulmates really exist?
Continue reading "Could Ganesha be my soulmate?"
Do We Have a Self? (Part 1)
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 01, 2006 at 09:18 AM
We have to use the same words to communicate, and one of the terms we share is "self." Myself, yourself, himself, herself. This everyday word has leaked into spirituality as the Self or higher self, and people have become comfortable with it. "God is really your higher self." There's a fairly acceptable sentence among many kinds of seekers.
Continue reading "Do We Have a Self? (Part 1)"
How to Know God
posted by Intent on August 31, 2006 at 07:02 AM
The Video's now working!Watch the trailer for the film, How To Know God with Deepak Chopra. Coming this Fall on DVD.
Continue reading "How to Know God"
Is Love Enough?
posted by Kavita Chhibber on August 27, 2006 at 06:38 AM
Or is monogamy
Continue reading "Is Love Enough?"
Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path & The Paradox of our Times
posted by DK Matai on August 27, 2006 at 12:05 AM
The Noble Eightfold Path, re-discovered by The Buddha and other great holy Saints, is often described as the way to Nirvana, ie, rising above the Physical and Astral planes towards the Causal. Nirvana is desribed as the ineffable ultimate in which one has attained disinterested wisdom and compassion. There are the two other planes beyond that -- Par Brahamand and Sach Khand -- as Perfect Masters explain.
Continue reading "Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path & The Paradox of our Times"
The relationship between evolution and spirituality
posted by Carter Phipps on August 22, 2006 at 04:06 AM
Hello blogosphere! :) Okay, not exactly the most original start to my online career as an intentblog.com contributor, but hey, you gotta start somewhere. I’ve actually been intending to start blogging for some time, but it was only recently, with a little nudge from the Chopra family, that I decided to take the plunge.
Continue reading "The relationship between evolution and spirituality"
How to be happy? -- Ashtavakra Gita and Advaita
posted by DK Matai on August 20, 2006 at 02:09 PM
When we have met friends on various world tours of The Great Spiritual Masters, the eternal question "How to be happy?" has often come up. The Ashtavakra Gita has been universally cited as a step in the right direction because it presents the traditional teachings of Advaita (Non-Dualism) Vedanta with a clarity and power very rarely matched.
Continue reading "How to be happy? -- Ashtavakra Gita and Advaita"
Point of View
posted by David Simon on August 18, 2006 at 09:08 PM
My 8 year-old daughter, Sara went to a Padres baseball game the other night, so we watched the game on television, hoping to get a glimpse of her in the crowd of 30,000 (the camera actually focused in on her for 5 seconds!) As I watched the plays, I realized that every action that occurred was interpreted as either desirable (good) or undesirable (bad) depending upon whether you were a San Diego or San Francisco fan.
Continue reading "Point of View"
Men and "The Older Woman"
posted by Ayesha Hakki on August 16, 2006 at 06:28 PM
Ashton and Demi aside, what is it with young guys and dating these days? My girlfriends and I can’t figure out if it’s the newest vitamin water they are drinking or what, but it seems that a whole generation of guys are now fascinated with the concept of “the older women.”
Continue reading "Men and "The Older Woman""
Is seeking divinity, just an excuse for failure?
posted by Suchitra Krishnamoorthi on August 15, 2006 at 07:25 AM
I wonder... i question it sometimes...on most days i feel I am on the right path and doing what I am meant to do and going where I am meant to go. But there are days like today-where i wonder...is my emerging thought process merely a cop out?
Continue reading "Is seeking divinity, just an excuse for failure?"
Interfaith Dialogue - Unity of Man & Conflict
posted by DK Matai on August 14, 2006 at 02:26 PM
The terms Interfaith or Interfaith Dialogue refer to cooperative and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions, (ie "faiths") at both the individual and institutional level leading to tolerance and mutual respect. It is distinct from syncretism
Continue reading "Interfaith Dialogue - Unity of Man & Conflict"
Peace or Right?
posted by David Simon on August 11, 2006 at 10:10 PM
What does it take to go beyond the cycle of action and reaction? On a daily basis I see guests at the Chopra Center caught in the trap of emotional turbulence. Boundaries crossed without permission generate pain. The pain provokes
Continue reading "Peace or Right?"
Atheists for God
posted by Deepak Chopra on July 17, 2006 at 11:42 AM
Democracy and elitism are always suspicious of each other, and for now the common belief in fundamentalism rides high while the educated elite keeps silent. The educated elite in my experience is not filled with the faithful. After a century of liberal arts education in America, agnosticism and atheism are the norm. People become educated to fill secular roles. Anyone who runs for office would have to piously deny and scorn this idea, but the fact is that our modern world is scientific and technocratic, not religious. The three most powerful forgers of modern thought--Freud, Darwin, and Marx--were notable atheists.
Continue reading "Atheists for God"
Kabala and Business
posted by Zappy on July 10, 2006 at 11:34 AM
Two of the oldest meditations are centered around the sounds “Aaaah” and “Oooom.” The “aaah” meditation is done in the morning, and is meant to bring about the things you want manifest in the physical world. The “ooom” is said in the evening, to balance the energies within you and between you and the universe.
Continue reading "Kabala and Business"
DC'S LOVE BIZARRE
posted by Gotham Chopra on June 26, 2006 at 09:20 AM
Straight up: collaborating with your dad on the KAMA SUTRA is awkwrad. I mean it just is cuz, ya'know that "How do you know that?" question keeps coming up. Which leads to, "Wait, did you...?" "Have you...?" "With mom...?"
Continue reading "DC'S LOVE BIZARRE"
Reincarnation, soul connections, astrology, intuition, past live regressions, reiki
posted by Kavita Chhibber on June 25, 2006 at 02:17 PM
Is it all mumbo jumbo?
Corporal Mortification, So Called Cults and Finding God
posted by Mallika Chopra on June 21, 2006 at 01:32 PM
‘‘If I am sick, I take five strokes. I must feel its need in order to share in the Passion of Christ and the sufferings of our poor.” -- Mother Theresa.
Continue reading "Corporal Mortification, So Called Cults and Finding God"
How to Apply Kabala in Your Own Life
posted by Zappy on June 18, 2006 at 11:30 PM
There is a concept in the Kabala, described in the Zohar, that “that which is below is above, and that which is above is below.” That is to say: in order to influence something on the worldly, physical level, you must first change on the spiritual level.
Continue reading "How to Apply Kabala in Your Own Life"
Benefits of Meditation
posted by Deepak Chopra on June 16, 2006 at 03:16 PM
Physical impurities in cells have their equivalents in the mind: fear, anger, greed, compulsiveness, doubt, and other negative emotions.
Continue reading "Benefits of Meditation"
Grey Hair
posted by Mallika Chopra on June 15, 2006 at 09:23 AM
I have been trying not to let them get to me, but
Where Does the Kabala Come From?
posted by Zappy on June 12, 2006 at 07:14 PM
Based on the feedback and questions posed to me in my first two posts it seems appropriate to give some additional background on Kabala before jumping into the key concepts.
Continue reading "Where Does the Kabala Come From?"
The Essence of Kabala.
posted by Zappy on June 11, 2006 at 09:16 PM
What is Kabala?
The word “kabala” in Hebrew comes from the root “kabel,” meaning “to receive.” Kabala is a body of mystical writings based on a book called the Zohar, which is a translation and interpretation of the books known together as the Oral Torah. The written Torah, also called the Five Books of Moses or the Pentatuch, is the "blueprint for life," it is the book that tells you what to do and how to live your life.
Continue reading "The Essence of Kabala."
No bananas for my mommy..
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on June 02, 2006 at 08:14 AM
I lived a rare moment today.. one that I cannot truly describe as it was a kaleidoscope of emotions and feelings..
Continue reading "No bananas for my mommy.."
The Conversation of the Universe
posted by Arsenio Rodriguez on June 02, 2006 at 03:33 AM
Conversations are rhythmical flows of sound through which we modulate our individualized perceptions, they can be about enticements, vanity, caresses, seductions, rejections, profundity, aggressions, rejoicings, anything.
Continue reading "The Conversation of the Universe"
a potato chip and a prayer
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on May 27, 2006 at 06:32 PM
Wonder what a mundane potato chip and a prayer to God have in common..
read on..
Continue reading "a potato chip and a prayer"
look with your heart
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on May 22, 2006 at 07:15 PM
It is the norm to establish ones' identity by referring to our parents in early days, and then to our deeds.. whatever they be..
Continue reading "look with your heart"
creativity, intelligence and spirituality
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on May 14, 2006 at 06:35 PM
"I thought ... was an intelligent site by responsible people intent on spreading the eastern philosophy and viewpoint. Your posts are neither creative nor intelligent"
Continue reading "creativity, intelligence and spirituality"
Mother
posted by Pallavi Guptaa on May 13, 2006 at 10:25 AM
Mother
celebrating mothers
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on May 11, 2006 at 06:49 PM
It will be mother's day this month .. and everyone will celebrate it..
Continue reading "celebrating mothers"
Reaching In, Reaching Out
posted by Mallika Chopra on May 11, 2006 at 10:52 AM
one person at a time.
Anouradha Bakshi is doing it for Utpal (and many other chidren) through Project Why.
And, this past weekend, when I spoke at Joanie Reisfeld's foundation, Better Bedrest Inc., I had a glimpse into how women in a local community support each other.
When I wrote my book,
Continue reading "Reaching In, Reaching Out"
if you have been touched
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on May 10, 2006 at 06:59 PM
Utpal danced this mornig. to his heart's content..
Continue reading "if you have been touched"
Science within Consciousness and the Future of Democracy in India: The Basic Problems
posted by Amit Goswami on May 09, 2006 at 10:18 AM
It is well-known for the readers of this blog that a paradigm shift in science is under way from the current materialist paradigm to a science based on the primacy of consciousness. The basic elements of the developing science within the primacy of consciousness are as follows:
a little love...
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on May 07, 2006 at 08:04 AM
had to share this one...
Continue reading "a little love..."
Seven Spiritual Laws (Part 7)
posted by Deepak Chopra on May 05, 2006 at 08:38 AM
As this series has unfolded, one respondent pointed out that the seven spiritual paths are more accurately described as levels or stages of spiritual growth. That seems fair to me, with this caveat. A person may have little idea of what spiritual stage he has reached; it is perilously difficult to judge such things either from the inside or outside. But a path is consciously chosen. Having chosen it, we may
become confused along the way, change course, or give up for a time.
Continue reading "Seven Spiritual Laws (Part 7)"
meri mummy...
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on May 04, 2006 at 06:25 PM
It has been almost three weeks since utpal said a brave goodbye to his mom at the grim gate of the rehab centre.. since then he has been with me at home..
Continue reading "meri mummy..."
Pressure to Excel
posted by Mallika Chopra on May 02, 2006 at 07:06 AM
When I read this morning that Kaavya Vishwanathan was being accused of a second act of plagiarism, my heart sank. Once again, the passages admittedly look very similar. But rather than shock or anger, I felt my mommy heart open up and question. You see, yesterday
Continue reading "Pressure to Excel"
All for a Reason
posted by Pallavi Guptaa on May 02, 2006 at 03:43 AM
All for a Reason
Continue reading "All for a Reason"
Seven Spiritual Paths (Part 6)
posted by Deepak Chopra on May 01, 2006 at 08:39 AM
It may seem that we have wandered far away from practical everyday reality into the realm of esoterica. After Path #4, which saw the birth of intuitive knowledge, everything that happens in the spiritual life happens in consciousness. The person doesn't leave material reality behind, but there is a radical new relationship with it. The three-dimensional world becomes what is often described as a waking dream.
Continue reading "Seven Spiritual Paths (Part 6)"
He who knows best..
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on April 28, 2006 at 06:29 PM
I write today because I am a liittle perplexed..
When God or whoever else is up there, lands you with a child whom he has put through much emotional and physical pain, a child with both ugly visible and deep seated invisible scars, what does he want you to do..
Continue reading "He who knows best.."
The Images of Mother
posted by Mallika Chopra on April 28, 2006 at 08:10 AM
4 YEARS OF AGE: My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE: My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE: My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE: Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either!
Continue reading "The Images of Mother"
Little Big Man
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on April 25, 2006 at 06:25 PM
Naoko who has been a friend of pwhy for a long time and has known utpal, has send these words for him. One day I hope he will read them..
Continue reading "Little Big Man"
Seven Spiritual Paths (Part 4)
posted by Deepak Chopra on April 24, 2006 at 10:13 AM
Every spiritual path is connected to a need that someone is seeking to fulfill. Not everyone turns to spirituality to fulfill their needs, but millions do, and over the centuries the seven paths have had a profound influence on every culture. It would be much easier to understand human nature if our desires were as overt and obvious as hunger and thirst. But inner needs can be very ambiguous. A person may not be able to recognize their existence or speak about them very clearly. This is why it's helpful to talk in terms of different paths, even though there is such a confusing entanglement of impulses, drives, and motivations inside each of us.
Continue reading "Seven Spiritual Paths (Part 4)"
Who can tell me...
posted by Pallavi Guptaa on April 24, 2006 at 06:33 AM
Who can tell me....
Continue reading "Who can tell me..."
Rongbuk Monastry
posted by Shekhar Kapur on April 23, 2006 at 03:49 AM
I do not know f Gautam is picking up e mails on his journey to Everest, but I want to wish him continued success. Years and years ago I too had trekked to the Rongbuk Monastry..
Continue reading "Rongbuk Monastry"
Seven Spiritual Paths (Part 3)
posted by Deepak Chopra on April 21, 2006 at 07:42 AM
As in the two previous parts of this post, which have already appeared, spiritual Path #3 grows out of a universal human need that God fulfills. In this case, the need is for a kind of meaning that extends beyond the ego and its endless craving for pleasure, power, and status.
Continue reading "Seven Spiritual Paths (Part 3)"
Shit, Mama!
posted by Mallika Chopra on April 17, 2006 at 02:58 PM
Here we go again. But this time from my 1 1/2 year old, Leela. And, this time, I really mean shit!
Continue reading "Shit, Mama!"
Seven Spiritual Paths (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on April 17, 2006 at 06:43 AM
Although we live in a materialistic age, we are fortunate in one regard: every wisdom tradition from the past is at our disposal. by outlining the seven paths that appeal to different people and their needs, I am only summarizing a long history of exploration into matters of the soul and the nature of God. (Part 1 preceded this post.)
Continue reading "Seven Spiritual Paths (Part 2)"
Seven Spiritual Paths (Part 1)
posted by Deepak Chopra on April 14, 2006 at 12:37 PM
In a recent post on the future of God, I offered the possibility that God would remain relevant outside organized religion. Regular church attendance has been steadily dropping in every developed country, a long-standing trend. But spiritual yearning is still strong. The vast majority of Americans believe in God, the soul, the existence of an afterlife, etc.
Continue reading "Seven Spiritual Paths (Part 1)"
Question on Peace
posted by Deepak Chopra on April 13, 2006 at 04:13 PM
Yahoo posted this question by me on one of their new modules - Yahoo Answers. I thought we would post it here as well.
What do you think the role of individual transformation is in manifesting world peace?
The Fruitseller
posted by Shekhar Kapur on April 11, 2006 at 06:40 AM
In the bustling metropolises of today, the greatest sound you hear are the blaring horns and the noise of the traffic. But I remember when Delhi was a city full of the welcoming cries of the Street Sellers, the ''Wallah's.
Continue reading "The Fruitseller"
Possibilities. Probabilities?
posted by Ayesha Hakki on April 10, 2006 at 11:01 AM
There we were, four of us, car-pooling down the L.I.E back to Manhattan. Two married girls in the back, two single girls in the front talking about our favorite subject...men. It was a--stability, chaos, envy, privilege, thank God I'm single, bless me, I'm married--type of car ride.
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Judas' Makeover
posted by Gotham Chopra on April 09, 2006 at 10:18 PM
This is so great. Per National Geographic Magazine, Judas of biblical fame, is making a comeback and he's got a new publicist. That's right, Judas, the same guy you knew as a Jesus killer and whose name has been synonymous with "traitor" for circa 2000 years, is now - according to the new publication of scriptures originally founded in the early 1970's - being re-branded as not such a bad guy after all.
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The Seduction of Apocalypse
posted by Deepak Chopra on April 07, 2006 at 11:17 AM
It seems strange that millions of people today believe in the apocalypse, an idea whose time never comes but is always expected. In 999 A.D., at the turn of the last millennium, there was widespread fear that the world was coming to an end, and you would think such a rationally incredible idea could not survive science, modernism, and the spread of secular education. But apocalypse has many seductive charms.
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Freedom
posted by Shekhar Kapur on April 06, 2006 at 11:32 PM
I struggle with freedom,
I want to be free,
but have no idea what I want to be free of ?
Serendipity?
posted by Ayesha Hakki on April 05, 2006 at 07:38 PM
Lately, the weirdest things are happening in my life. It’s strange, kind of freaky, but also magical in some odd way.
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Where are thoughts located?
posted by Mallika Chopra on April 04, 2006 at 10:07 PM
Shashi Papa, my uncle who always sends me interesting articles, asked that I post this inquiry of his on the blog. Undoubtedly, I am sure our group will have some insights into his questions about consciousness. (We could ask my dad, but that would be so boring, wouldnt it? Just kidding! But, lets hear what all of you have to say!)
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No Bad Apples, Please!
posted by Ayesha Hakki on April 04, 2006 at 10:12 AM
Recently, someone I really cared for and trusted, betrayed me in the worst possible way. Sure our friendship ended—that was sad, but inevitable—but I still cherished the memories of someone who taught me so much about myself and about love. However, instead of letting things be, this person took it upon himself to slander my name to anyone within earshot.
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Childrens Ten Commandments to Parents
posted by Mallika Chopra on March 28, 2006 at 08:57 AM
My uncle, Shashi Papa, sent this to me. I thought it was quite sweet. Seems the author and source is unknown.
1. My hands are small. Please don't expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture or throw a ball. My legs are short. Please slow down so that I can keep up with you.
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Friendships
posted by Mallika Chopra on March 26, 2006 at 09:10 AM
Are friendships different between men and women? Also, can a heterosexual man and a heterosexual woman have a deep friendship - say be the closest of friends -- without having sexual tension? Also, are friendships in different parts of the world characterized differently? For example,
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Does God Have a Future? (Part 3)
posted by Deepak Chopra on March 17, 2006 at 09:38 AM
There is currently a battle being waged between liberals and literalists in the church, yet neither side is likely to win in the long run. It's true that evangelicals are making gains, even in the most traditional places (a country like Ecuador, once a bastion of orthodox Catholicism, is estimated to be up to 25% Protestant, due to inroads made by missionaries from the U.S., and one reads with a shock that the Air Force Academy is rife with evangelical preaching among the cadets). The future of God, however, lies in spiritual evolution, and the next step of growth is for people to start to awaken one by one, just as Jesus, Gautama, and Muhammad did.
Continue reading "Does God Have a Future? (Part 3)"
Does God Have a Future (Part 2)
posted by Deepak Chopra on March 13, 2006 at 09:23 AM
One of the most amazing developments in spirituality is that freedom is now considered positive. For centuries religion suppressed freedom. To be a believer meant, first and foremost, adhering to dogma. To think outside the church risked anathema, and that meant social expulsion, revilement, and possibly death. Thus religion made people less than human "for their own good." Science made it difficult if not impossible to believe in human beings as divine offspring of Adam and Eve, but the rise of democracy made it equally hard to believe that a bishop, rabbi, preacher, or mullah should control one's thoughts about God.
Continue reading "Does God Have a Future (Part 2)"
The Jumble
posted by Shekhar Kapur on March 12, 2006 at 11:09 PM
As I awake this morning,
each morning,
a jumble of thoughts
streak into my mind,
Buddha Boy is Missing!
posted by Mallika Chopra on March 11, 2006 at 11:53 PM
I originally posted about Buddha Boy on 11/20/2005. Today, headlines are saying he is missing and hundreds of people are searching the jungles for the 15 year old boy whom some consider the reincarnation of Buddha. He was last seen walking Southward from where he was meditating, with his clothes left under the tree. Following is the original post, and the comments.
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Gay Adoptions Gravely Immoral??!!
posted by Mallika Chopra on March 10, 2006 at 08:57 PM
Boston Catholic Charities has stated that it will stop adoptions altogether because state law allows gays and lesbians to adopt. Now, San Francisco may follow suit.
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Does God Have a Future?
posted by Deepak Chopra on March 10, 2006 at 06:08 AM
At this moment, the rise of fundamentalism is a glaring development in religion but a misleading one. This sector of strict believers may be growing while mainstream church-going declines. The trend is common in every developed country, with dramatic declines in orthodox belief throughout Western Europe and the rise of evangelicals even in South America, long the bastion of unshakeable Catholicism (a country like Ecuador may now be as much as 20-25% Protestant due to missionary incursions from the U.S.) However, the vast majority of people in this country do not believe literally in any scripture, Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. Reform movements long ago revised literal belief, and centuries of theology have refined dogma and doctrine, always in the direction of liberalism. So what happened to those reforms?
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I am not the end game
posted by Shekhar Kapur on March 09, 2006 at 03:48 PM
Continuing with the wonderful discussions that followed my post 'to do or not do' .. sachin asked me a question. Why am I posing all this as question, when sometimes I exhibit to others that maybe I am spiritual.
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Do you believe in Soulmates?
posted by Mallika Chopra on March 08, 2006 at 09:31 AM
Do you believe that after death we join people we love? Whether it is in heaven or in a sea of consciousness, are we more aligned with those whom we share a bond with in this life?
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Love and Death
posted by Mallika Chopra on March 07, 2006 at 08:10 AM
People die every day. Some stories, however, capture our attention more than others. When I read that Dana Reeve, wife of Christopher Reeve, died today of lung cancer at the age of 44, it brought up many emotions for me.
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Outsourcing God
posted by Deepak Chopra on March 06, 2006 at 11:02 AM
It's hard to explain why America cannot do without God. We are among the most secular societies on earth. If you are not a church-goer, you can pass every day of the year, not excepting Christmas and Easter, without thinking about God, believing in God, or praying to God, and you will still have a perfectly happy life. In other countries where church attendance is extremely low, such as the Scandinavian countries where attendance is around 8-10%, people are happy, productive, and moral. The punishment of a wrathful God has not struck them.
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Like Old Friends
posted by Mallika Chopra on February 25, 2006 at 02:21 PM
Catching Up After a Long Time -- this is how I would describe our little get together in Delhi when fellow bloggers Rahul Pandita, Anouradha Bakshi, Rakesh and Deepshikha Mawa, and myself met up for a cup of tea (or cold coffee in my case). In reality, it was the first time I had actually met any of them.
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agnihotra.. communing with nature
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on February 20, 2006 at 05:44 PM
In the complexity of rituals that surround us and often lose their intrinsic meaning, I recently got introduced to agnihotra by a friend..
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Connections:Are we losing them?
posted by Kavita Chhibber on February 12, 2006 at 01:37 PM
My mom visited me last year and each time she comes here she shakes her head at the
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nandini wants to be a doctor..
posted by Anouradha Bakshi on February 10, 2006 at 04:28 AM
meet nandini
a child of India, her dreams as precious as any other child's..
can me wake them happen..
The Blog Bond
posted by Pallavi Guptaa on February 08, 2006 at 10:40 PM
The Blog Bond
Continue reading "The Blog Bond"
Letting go
posted by Mallika Chopra on February 06, 2006 at 06:42 AM
I have come to Delhi for the first time since my grandmother died last summer.
To be a Man: The lessons my Father Taught Me
posted by Kavita Chhibber on February 02, 2006 at 06:35 AM
A son remembers
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How We Are Connected
posted by Deepak Chopra on January 23, 2006 at 12:17 PM
Some concept of a "subtle body" is accepted widely throughout the East, but it hasn't made major headway in the West for one obvious reason:
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Pallavi's First Post
posted by Pallavi Guptaa on January 23, 2006 at 08:23 AM
What an extraordinary day it became when I found the old cloth bag. In it were letters and cards no less than fifteen years old, always, always, always carrying one name between their fold - mine.
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Satan Leaves the Scene
posted by Deepak Chopra on January 20, 2006 at 09:04 AM
If you Google the phrase "Americans believe in heaven," you find that about 90% do, with 75% believing in hell and 70% in the devil. Those statistics remain fairly uniform from poll to poll; it's strange that there's a drop off between heaven and hell since the two go together.
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Blind Date
posted by Anupam Kher on January 20, 2006 at 08:08 AM
This is a story from my struggling days in Mumbai.
A Bit of Everyday Magic
posted by Monica Mehta on January 17, 2006 at 10:13 AM
When my husband and I moved out of New York, we decided to send our books via media mail, or book rate. This is an incredibly cheap rate, but in return the books take a few weeks to arrive, and there is no insurance.
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Eid Mubarak
posted by Taz Ahmed on January 10, 2006 at 03:18 PM
Eid Mubarak!
Muslims all across the world are celebrating Eid Al-Adha, the Eid the marks the end of the 3-day pilgrimage in Makkah. I did not make the 3-day pilgrimage myself, but in a show of solidarity, am celebrating Eid with my family.
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From The Heart
posted by Mallika Chopra on December 25, 2005 at 07:53 PM
This last week as we have been spending the holidays with my family, I have watched how happy my children are, soaking in all the love and attention. They savor every hug, every kiss, every tickle. They are absolutely innocent about taking in the love.
Why do we lose that as we grow older? That ability to give love so openly, and to receive it without defenses.
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This Christmas..
posted by Shekhar Kapur on December 23, 2005 at 08:30 AM
neither the sound of om
echoing across the universe
bounced only by the eons of time
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Halcyon Days- From Kabul To Kashmir
posted by Kavita Chhibber on December 18, 2005 at 01:55 PM
I sit here staring at a picture a friend forwarded me..an open field, a tank and Afghan men with guns, their faces as hard as the steel they hold. It’s strange how a small picture, a few words can trigger off so many memories..
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What Does Jesus Mean By "Resist Not Evil?"
posted by Deepak Chopra on December 16, 2005 at 12:16 PM
Society spends a great deal of time ignoring the moral values it supposedly reveres. I've been thinking a lot recently about forgiveness, which is at the very heart of Christian morality.
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AN UNCOMMON LOVE STORY
posted by Kavita Chhibber on December 15, 2005 at 03:14 PM
A soulful tribute by a daughter to a love that spanned over five decades
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Can you truly love someone
posted by Mallika Chopra on December 14, 2005 at 09:46 AM
whose fundamental beliefs are different from yours?
Continue reading "Can you truly love someone"
Reiki
posted by Mallika Chopra on December 13, 2005 at 07:59 AM
We have had numerous requests to create a Reiki space here, so lets try it. Honestly, I dont know much about Reiki or how one would create a virtual space around it, so explanations would be helpful. Have fun!
The Baby Hippo and The Tortoise
posted by Mallika Chopra on December 09, 2005 at 08:32 AM
My friend, Kanika, emailed me this story, which was also reported by the BBC. It is precious!
A baby hippopotamus that survived the tsunami waves on the Kenyan coast has formed a strong bond with a giant male century-old tortoise, in an animal facility in the port city of Mombassa, officials said.
Continue reading "The Baby Hippo and The Tortoise"
My Wealth
posted by Shekhar Kapur on December 06, 2005 at 03:51 PM
To my daughter on my birthday,
My wealth lies more in the faliures of my life than my succeses. My wealth lies in people I have known and lost. My wealth lies in the pain and the heartache of living.
Is Jesus Coming Back?
posted by Deepak Chopra on December 02, 2005 at 09:46 AM
Taking the Bible literally makes no sense to moderate and liberal Christians, and one of the most urgent tenets of literalism, that Jesus will soon return to Earth to render judgment and save the righteous, seems like a fantasy.
Continue reading "Is Jesus Coming Back?"
Open Heart Thread
posted by Mallika Chopra on December 01, 2005 at 09:24 AM
Per Sachin, lets try a "open heart" thread. I keep it up to you to shape this space.
Of Lifes Little Hypocrisies and Their Major Ethical Implications
posted by Kavita Chhibber on November 30, 2005 at 08:08 PM
A thought provoking piece by a good friend Mandakini Sud
Continue reading "Of Lifes Little Hypocrisies and Their Major Ethical Implications"
US Immigration and the Art of Gossiping
posted by Shekhar Kapur on November 29, 2005 at 09:21 AM
If any one looked, my previous blog was headed under humour. I looked at some of the posts and realized the polarized political and serious overtones some of the responses took. Has the world got so polarized that we have lost our sense of humour ? Can't we just sit down and have a little gossip ? It's really important to do that apparently..
Continue reading "US Immigration and the Art of Gossiping"
To my best friends
posted by Shekhar Kapur on November 27, 2005 at 03:00 AM
I breathe in
as you breathe out
in our contradictions
you and I become one
shekhar
Love
posted by Mallika Chopra on November 26, 2005 at 09:29 PM
Beside me, my two daughters sleep - safe, warm, secure, pure. One hums now and then, the other snores lightly.
SHE IS 77 YEARS OLD, A HEART PATIENT, HER BODY RAVAGED BY ARTHIRITIS
posted by Kavita Chhibber on November 24, 2005 at 05:34 AM
Yet for more than two decades Saraswati Jain has given leprosy patients and the poor something to give thanks for.
Continue reading "SHE IS 77 YEARS OLD, A HEART PATIENT, HER BODY RAVAGED BY ARTHIRITIS"
JUST ONE, LARGE FAMILY?
posted by Sohaila Kapur on November 17, 2005 at 07:32 PM
I have often wondered about the collective human consciousness. Do we, as a species, have an inbuilt radar that communicates with fellow humans? Do we generate telepathic waves that that actually help determine the way human civilisation develops? I am not talking about the physical sharing of knowledge through books, the net and various symposia. There is enough of that in the modern world. But something that is instinctive and from the inner recesses of the mind that we are not yet aware of.
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MY FAVORITE LOVE STORY IS THIS ONE
posted by Kavita Chhibber on November 17, 2005 at 10:36 AM
Because it made two ordinary people extraordinary.
Continue reading "MY FAVORITE LOVE STORY IS THIS ONE"
Today's Spirituality Is Tomorrow's Science
posted by Sohaila Kapur on November 08, 2005 at 07:34 PM
I have long believed that science and spirituality are basically one and the same. today's spirituality is tomorrow's science. the quantum theory is beginning to prove that. so why do we insist that they're different and refuse to let either of them intrude into the others' realm?
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There really is no difference
posted by Nandita Das on November 05, 2005 at 09:32 AM
A friend of mine from Chicago visited me the other day, with her cute little daughter Varsha. She had first seen Varsha in Pune, at an orphanage, when she was less than a year old. But the bureaucratic process had made it so difficult for her to adopt, that she could actually get Varsha only after she turned 2.
Continue reading "There really is no difference"
When I look in the mirror,
posted by Mallika Chopra on November 04, 2005 at 03:09 PM
I see...
Continue reading "When I look in the mirror,"
The Role of India in the Spiritual Future of the World
posted by Amit Goswami on November 01, 2005 at 03:47 PM
I started writing this article on Oct 10, 2005. According to the Hindu Calendar this is a very auspicious day of pooja offering to the Goddess Durga, the divine mother. It reminded me of the spiritual culture that was India, a spiritual culture in which I myself grew up. But now India is undergoing deep changes in its socio-cultural fabric. Materialism is coming to India in a major way along with the highly touted economic growth. Can Indian spirituality survive this materialist affront let alone guide the rest of the world in its spiritual future?
Continue reading "The Role of India in the Spiritual Future of the World"
Women as Architects of Change
posted by Mallika Chopra on October 27, 2005 at 10:27 PM
Today was a remarkable day for me. At the California Governors Conference hosted by Maria Shriver, I heard Sandra Day O'Connor, Jane Fonda, Isabel Allende, Barbara Walters, Ann Fudge, Billie Jean King, and a host of other incredible women speak about their journeys as feminists, mothers, leaders and architects of change.
Continue reading "Women as Architects of Change"
Have I known her for all eternity ?
posted by Shekhar Kapur on October 25, 2005 at 08:29 PM
Before she sleeps my 5 year old daughter often asks me if she was my daughter before she was 'zero' years old. Was she ? I tell her the truth. That I have known her for all Eternity.
Shekhar
A Spiritual Catch-22
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 24, 2005 at 01:48 PM
Responding to my post on "the Ego Blues," David (no last name) remarks that "resisting the ego's stuff verifies its power and fear. What a monumental Catch-22!"
Continue reading "A Spiritual Catch-22"
Blessed
posted by Rahul Khanna on October 22, 2005 at 09:04 PM
Last week my grandmother passed away and it was as much an occasion for joy as it was for sorrow.
"RAIN MAN" AND THE CONNECTED LIFE
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 21, 2005 at 08:42 AM
In an earlier post I proposed that if human beings are connected at a subtle level, a new culture of consciousness is possible.
Continue reading ""RAIN MAN" AND THE CONNECTED LIFE"
If
posted by Shekhar Kapur on October 20, 2005 at 12:43 PM
If there is love,
lend me
a drop
Keeping up Traditions
posted by Mallika Chopra on October 20, 2005 at 10:13 AM
Today, I am fasting for my husband's well-being, longevity, and prosperity.
Continue reading "Keeping up Traditions"
Why the New Age (Still) Matters
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 19, 2005 at 09:50 AM
The New Age still matters because it is the best resort we have to age-old traditions of wisdom. I wanted to say that up front, even though I have never used the phrase "New Age" in any talk or writing.
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Roti, Kapda aur Makaan
posted by Avantika Shahi on October 18, 2005 at 06:25 PM
(Food, clothing and a place to call your own)
I had a great childhood, all of which I spent in India. Our house was always full of love. Everyone was welcome and we had a constant flow of family and friends staying with us, with my mother playing the gracious host, even though we didn’t have a lot of space in our house growing up.
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This I believe that motherhood is powerful.
posted by Sayantani Dasgupta on October 13, 2005 at 08:16 AM
This I believe, that motherhood is powerful.
Powerful in the poetic sense.
A sonnet/haiku/free-form poetry jam
Continue reading "This I believe that motherhood is powerful."
Coming Home to Mom...
posted by Mallika Chopra on October 12, 2005 at 01:22 PM
When I was in college and went home for the weekend, I would arrive with my bag of laundry, my computer and books, and sometimes a few straggling friends. I would eat a good meal, and then go to bed while my mother took care of everything.
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Ganging Up On Desire
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 12, 2005 at 10:14 AM
I knew there was a long tradition in many religions condemning desire, but I had no idea it was still so virulent.
Continue reading "Ganging Up On Desire"
Mysteries of Desire
posted by Deepak Chopra on October 03, 2005 at 10:01 AM
In the Leela thread I mentioned that desire is what drives all of life. The dance of Leela arouses Shiva, and his expansion through Shakti into creation is not just play but sexual union.
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This Has Taught Me A Lot About The Spiritual Practice of Deep
posted by Kavita Chhibber on October 01, 2005 at 08:39 AM
Listening
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GOOD ENOUGH FOR GOD?
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 30, 2005 at 10:22 AM
I've been researching the afterlife recently as part of a book project, and this led me to think about the belief that good people go to heaven while bad people go to hell.
Continue reading "GOOD ENOUGH FOR GOD?"
Can we learn from the 'ego blues'?
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 28, 2005 at 02:15 PM
In the posts on the five Koshas I mentioned in passing that the ego has a low reputation in spiritual circles. Ascetics try to discipline themselves not to obey the ego;
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My Guru died (2)
posted by Shekhar Kapur on September 25, 2005 at 11:43 PM
To those that read my original post "My Guru", I would like to say this man did exist like thousands I see everyday ..
Continue reading "My Guru died (2)"
Great teachers in our lives
posted by Mallika Chopra on September 21, 2005 at 10:04 PM
As I transition Tara into pre-school, I have been thinking a lot about the importance of good teachers.
Continue reading "Great teachers in our lives"
Invisible Neurology: "Why does pain hurt?"
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 20, 2005 at 02:50 PM
I wanted to take up a simple but mystifying question recently posed by one responder, Richard Thomas: Why does pain hurt?
Continue reading "Invisible Neurology: "Why does pain hurt?""
CONSCIOUSNESS AS THE NEW CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 16, 2005 at 02:32 PM
The kind of oppression that many people are feeling right now is more than political.
Continue reading "CONSCIOUSNESS AS THE NEW CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE"
Many Worlds and Five Koshas
posted by Deepak Chopra on September 15, 2005 at 02:18 PM
In a recent post, Shaye responded, "I think there are as many worlds within this world as there are people in it."
Continue reading "Many Worlds and Five Koshas"
Heroes
posted by Mallika Chopra on September 12, 2005 at 09:11 PM
Yesterday, as I was mulling about cleaning up, Tara was playing in her bathtub. I heard her saying, "Guys, Winnie the