Spiritual Portal

Recently it has become more and more apparent to me the state of wonderment is an ever new experience like Yogananda spoke of ever new joy. It is as Spock used to say: 'Fascinating'. Every moment is releasing God's miracles if i but could always see. Weeds are unloved flowers.

"Wonder is the beginning of wisdom."

~Socrates

Maybe I'm going backward spiritually, since I used to have that attitude of wonderment years ago, now I realize things are getting dull to the mind, sometimes I even think that Death might be interesting in providing some adventure. When it's going to come. Have a family now to look after.
In a way, if I am detached, it's also interesting to realize that, that is, I understand how sometimes professionals and rich people who were successful in life start getting bored. Only difference I don't have that money, lol.

you are dead already

.....and you swami peeved: Are you dead already or in a state of wonderment?....tell us about a state of wonderment.

I believe you are very much alive mccoy... just searching and moving towards your next state of wonder. It often takes an admission to thrust us forward. It shows humility... an important stage in spiritual attainment. We are ahead in some departments and behind in others in our spiritual awareness. That is what i notice very clearly and we often take two steps backwards before taking 3 more forward.

The number one reason i am in a state of wonderment is that we as humans have awareness. We are able to ask our selves where we are, what we are doing and how much we aware of what is happening around us. It is quite amazing to me that most people do not have a keen interest in these topics which arises the next question: why are we somehow different? We meet others who are asking the same questions: What is this life we have been thrown in? Then many us here are finding answers. It simply puts me in a state of wonder. I have found many answers yet with every answer comes more questions. It seems endless - this knowledge that we are opening up to.  That is only one area of wonderment that astounds me. The wonder of awareness.

Jitendra

Exactly! You have found the pearl. All the other questions move from this jump point of individual awareness. This is where the mind begins it's activities. Actually, "we humans have awareness" is still conceptual. You can refine it even more by noticing "I am aware", and concentrating on that "I" who is aware. All the rest of the questions are mind stuff. This is why "Veda" means "the end of knowledge". Knowledge is an accumulation of memory, a gathering from outside - concepts, beliefs, opinions, questions and answers. Your being is always present, but is obscured by the machinations of the mind. The being is like the paper on which you write all of these questions down.

@ peevananda: lol yes, in a way I'm already dead, what's dead is the small kid's mind to whom everything is an adventure and who wonders continuously at everything. Also I used to enjoy more simple pleasures, whereas now it's all duty. Probably this is the effect of age, I'm now almost 54. If so, it is an ugly effect indeed. Maybe it is because of the work rhytms I had for the latest 5 years. You all know the adage, all work and no play....As Steve rightly says, in this modern age where we could let the machines work and allow us some respite for meditation, study, constructive discussions and healthy endeavours, we must run around just to eke out a living. And consider us very lucky we can complain about overwork since many people are loosing their jobs.

@ steve: thanks for the encouragement, one way I sure must work at and which I was maybe more successful years ago is work with the consciousness of being a tool of God. When I succeed in doing something good, then I'll think I was being a good channel. This is also a good way to improve one's job.

Trying to get rid of this intervened spiritual dullness is going to give me back some wonderment, hopefully.

Mccoy...Even your knowledge of economics leaves me in a state of wonder. I've gained more of an appreciation for its value and an understanding and appreciation of the country I live in from an outsiders perspective. There is so much to learn in this world that God put us in and we constantly need to readjust our views to fit in with our expanding awareness. Every human being we meet - especially those we get close to - has some part to play in our enlightenment. They may have much more to learn than us but there is something there for us to learn as well. Other times we have much to gain and they are conduits of God's presence.

Time to rewrite my life again today..omm

Speaking of work here. Yes we are fortunate to have jobs mccoy. This job I have has been putting me in a state of wonder about details. A jet engine can have a screw loose in it and the whole jet will come down if it's the right place in the same way you can make seemingly small little errors in driving a truck and it can amount to large problems. Some people are amazing in the way they can remember details and observe details. I am in a state of wonder by their observations.

McCoy,

My apologies! I was trying to respond to your post and I inadvertently edited it. I was able to salvage one piece of it. Sorry about that!

Anyway I think you hit the nail on the head!

i have served in many different capacities during my life and probably will continue to. i have so many wonderful plans in the service i intend and want to do. What interests me about this current job is that you are exposed to many different people and places. It never ceases to amaze me that at some places i go the people are very happy and at others they seem dismal.

i am constantly aware of my consciousness at any given moment. If it slips into any type of moods or disparate modes i question myself how this has happened. If moods are of a sullen sort I suddenly pump out the mantras and affirmations..... and ask: how did i get in this mood? We have to serve/work willing with a sense of purpose. We are serving. We are doing our work for God. If we see It that way, suddenly we find spiritual lessons wherever we are put and in whatever service we are engaged in.

Be cheerful; it takes you a lot further in life!

Peevananda, no sweat, are you too a truck driver?

Yes, but of the smaller variety. 98 Ford Ranger. However, I did work at an all night truckstop for a about a year. The truckstop I worked at was run down and not a big hotspot. However, I did learn a few things from talking with some of the truckers I met. First of all, my general impression of the truck drivers I saw was tension. They seemed to be highly stressed and heavily worked individuals. The loggers were the most haggard. The commercial drivers were a little more polished.

Truckers are the mules of the modern world. I met a man who worked for a company named ESTES. I never did figure out what it was they hauled. Most truckers tell you they haul "a little bit of everything". Do they even know what they are carrying? Maybe not. But this particular driver was an older man, getting on in years. He knows that the smallest mistake, such as a traffic violation, and he can be fired. Because of his age, he feels that he would be fired more easily than a young man because of the few privileges he has gained over the years, like a vacation. This isn't available to the younger drivers so they are thought to be more desirable to the company. That was his theory, anyway. He seemed to stress the impersonality of his relationship to the company he worked for.

Some other truckers own their own trucks and it is a bit of a lifestyle. Some of those trucks are very expensive and have a wide range of furnishings. I even saw one that was a camper/truck. So, the man lived in his truck and his wife likely lived with him if he was married. Many regular size trucks are carrying wives or girlfriends along for the trip. But the trucker who owns his own truck is like an independent contractor. He is kind of like a freelancer. He finds his own jobs using computer programs. He decides what jobs to take and so on. This version of the trucker lifestyle seems to be the most appealing in a way.

And don't let some of them fool you, they can pull in quite a bit of money if they are good.

I like that movie "Over the Top". It put arm wrestling on the map, and made truck driving seem pretty damn cool.

There is also a phenomenon called the "lot lizard". These are women who hang around truckstops and will "tap, tap, tap" on your door at night (truckers sleep in their trucks and park in parking lots). For money they will give you a BJ or sex or whatever. Ask Stevo about prices.

Truckers are constantly harassed by cops. They have to produce logs showing how long they have slept and stopped, etc. They are required to have a certain amount of "sleep time" etc. Their truck has to be parked for a certain time period. One night a saw a truck that appeared to be on fire. The man admitted he was burning his logs. I'm not sure why.

hey you guys I have a sick occupation. I'm the most! there is nothing more sexy than living out of dumpsters. all free time can be devoted to meditating. sometimes you compete with the animals but it's a good way to make friends. lived in a Buddhist monastery for a while but now I have my accommodations in the open sky. foxes have holes and birds have nests but the son of Big Daddy has no place to rest his head accept the cosmos it's your true home! my name is dumpster but a saintly squirrel by the advice of a duck nun named me cosmos.

I'm in a state of wonder because a chipmunk friend of mine had a nervous breakdown breakdown (two of them)  because of the garbage trucks interupting her sleep routine. They get going too early in the morning and she is still sleeping. I had to give her continous munk therapy. but she seems to be in a state of recovery. I  even gave her mouth to mouth perspiration when she was comatised.

                                                           

ha!

Peevananda, thanks for your executive summary on American truckers. Here in Italy it's more or less the same, although American truckers remain mythical figures.
In your report you probably forgot about Steve's arrangement of the cockpit to clear out a meditation corner. And, I believe Steve is not interested with the lizards and other reptiles, if not to allow'em and share some meditation time, if they are up to it.

yes... i put a wool blanket down (it helps keep the earth currents to a minimal)and face the east or north if possible. Have not risen above the physical apparatus but would need something much more interesting spiritually speaking. So when these things arrise it usually is followed by a question about meditation or coming on this site for a visit or if those things don't work... just.. i need to rest now...

I believe that most of us are still working with physical desire depending on the degree of drive involved. Sex often gives us more understanding and appreciation towards others. That is one good side of it. I can't imagine paying for sex like you would appliances. There has to be a mutual attraction. Most people do not even have the capacity to understand the spiritual side of our physical expression. It often falls on deaf ears. So i would not say i am a celibate by personal choice as much as by a lack of compatibility in spiritual and physical attraction. Physical attraction having more than an animal magnetism. There are human beings that have an unearthly attraction. Perhaps most of you here understand. Human beings can have a very attractive power that sets them apart from others. A sensitivity, compassion, spiritual interests and...yes physical attraction as well. But to me just animal magnetism never really interested me.

Attraction is something that puts me in a state of awe and wonder. What is it about that soul that is so attractive? How are they able to shine so brightly?

http://youtu.be/mpBNBbKkmS4

+1 on the mutual attraction, I would not be able (and in fact I've never been able) to be intimate without some mutual attraction based on common interests and mental backgrounds. And also some aesthetic attraction, I confess it. Not so easy to find all these together, very easy to remain celibate for long periods.

(http://www.memegene.net/media/created/zqsgoz.jpg)

I always thought of aesthetics as the appreciation of art, music and dance. Swami tried to make such a commotion about it so I thought I would look it up. I suppose the second meaning and 'C' is more broader. We all see beauty in our own way. Perhaps much of it is because of past conditioning. Yes; I have always enjoyed going to art galleries, listening to good music and watching dancers. It is always nice to see what a person can do to keep in shape. Being in physical shape is aesthetic also. i'm with you on all of the above McCoy. Art and beauty take life to a higher level of appreciation. Maybe not the highest but at least aspiring for something that makes the human condition seem more spiritual in nature. More beautiful. More inspiring. There is something aesthetic about humor as well Swami. Even when it is dramatic as you enjoy presenting it. Swami is the Drama King.    ;D




Full Definition of AESTHETIC


1

a :  of, relating to, or dealing with aesthetics or the beautiful <aesthetic theories> 

b :  artistic <a work of aesthetic value> 

c :  pleasing in appearance :  attractive <easy-to-use keyboards, clear graphics, and other ergonomic and aesthetic features — Mark Mehler>

2

:  appreciative of, responsive to, or zealous about the beautiful; also :  responsive to or appreciative of what is pleasurable to the senses

People just misunderstand me. Especially so called "spiritual people". This is something that I am used to. When we begin to accept ourself and quit trying to please others we can begin to relate more honestly together.

i am making more of an effort to understand rather than be understood. If you feel you have been misunderstood it may be a time to explain yourself. I find that people striving to be spiritual understand me but those who are not really making an effort to be spiritual beings-whether they are so called 'spiritual people ' or not- they quite often have no clue about my actions. When you find others who are trying to relate honestly sometimes it is best to just inform them if you feel you are misunderstood. Otherwise they may not even know you felt that way... nor will they find reason to believe it is so.

Jitendra

I agree with Steve, relationships among human beings are often difficult because they are tainted bt the inherent proclivities and limitations of each individual being, so often it's best to speak up and make things clear, each one has his or her own subjective understanding of things..

One example I personally observed, don't know if it is 100% in topic but sure caused me some wonderment.
Women. Sometimes they say they are sensitive, very sensitive. To what people say, to the behaviours of Others, sometimes maybe meaning that if people are rude or do not understand them they feel it to much.
At the same time, they often behave in a very insensitive way toward Others, not even realizing that they are acting in the same unsensitive way  they complain Others are doing towards them.
One striking axample  of this was my ex fiancee.
Another striking example was a woman in the other forum. I was tempted to write her, but I restrained. May be I should have done it. Maybe better avoided. don't know, women can be pretty complicated beings, saying one thing, thinking another and acting still another way. And all that often without malice. Lol.

Good for you. I don't really care enough to explain myself. Explaining yourself is often a waste of time. If people don't get you from the beginning long speeches aren't likely to help because they will misunderstand even more. Plus, I don't believe in being attached to the way people react to you. I don't want anything from any of you motherfuckers here.
 I said I am used to it. It was an observation not a complaint.

When others do speak out... i have found that sometimes it is better to remain silent and let them express themselves.. this is what I am beginning to realize. Sometimes it is hard to know the true purpose we as individuals should express. If we are able... it is best to refrain from judging but rather just to witness. If others want your point of view they will ask. We all have something to learn... this leaves me in a state of wonder.

On a public forum of this nature it is not always possible to go into personal details or it can be tremedously time consuming. Since you are not writing specifics here but rather generalities i can only respond with generalities. When someone reacts angrily or resorts to name calling or vulgarity there is really not much you can do. This is obviously derogatory and not of a spiritual nature which this forum was created for. If someone explodes or huffs off in steam there is very little you can do. These behaviors are obviously not spiritual in nature.

People are often disatisfied with us because we do not act or behave in a way that satisfies their ego or their preconcieved notions of how a relationship 'should go' there is very little you can do for them when this occurs. These type of reactions tell us more about the person they are coming from rather than about us. Just because a person disowns us or has a temper tantrum and leaves does not mean they 'won' a situation. They bring their behavior wherever they go and it will only cause more problems for themselves.

Much insensitivity goes along with a lack of communication. When people assume that we should already know without explanations then they show irritations with us; either verbally or in their behavior there is very little that can be done for them or the situation. What i have found is if communication does not resume, eventually they leave our lives without us raising a finger and new spiritual people enter our lives who represent more spiritual understanding.

I understand some of what you are saying about women. If they are at a distance it may be better to to text them rather than talk on the phone where they can say you are insensitive and they claim they can hear it in your voice. Because if they are making it up you can ask them what you said in the message that was insensitive without resorting to the frequency of your voice and subjective observations on their part.

Sensitivity is a double edge sword. People can be too sensitive because they have too much ego and/or they can be sensitive because of intuition and so many degrees of combinations.

Enjoyed your observations mccoy  :)

Visiting yoga forums over time, I have begun to notice what I consider to be a misconception about the term "ego". In some ways this is an unfortunate term because it is used in different schools of thought as well as in common parlance, and in each instance it has a slightly different usage.

In popular usage it has to do with arrogance or pride or big headedness. Or just anyone who is generally unpleasant. "He's so egotistical." I think this is how yoga people use the term a lot as well.

In psychology the term changes a little bit. In Freudian terms there is the id, the ego, and the superego. People who are heavily involved in a religion are, in Freudian terms "super egotists". The super ego is the part of the psyche that is associated wih conscience, moralism, and general concern for group opinions and authority figures.

From my studies in eastern thought, this is not what is mean by ego at all. Ego is nothing more than the individual sense of "I". As in, I am aware of myself. So I am the greatest man ever is no different from I am the greatest sinner. The latter might look more humble and inspire praise from others, but I fact they are both ego statements. So yoga people often comment on each others egos, as if one could have more ego or less ego. This is, however, only their misuse of the term. They are using the term in the common sense, and not the way it is used in eastern thought.

So, from my understanding, there are not degrees of ego. Either you have an "I" or you don't. To support my statements I will paraphrase from ramana maharshi.

 "There are not two minds. The mind is of one type. When the mind is under the influence of auspicious impressions it is called good, when the mind is under the influence of inauspicious impressions it is called bad."

Ramana then teaches that the Self is beyond all qualities.

That's exactly one fo the aspects of hypersensitivity= wanting to find something in a nuance which actually correlates to no relevant thoughts behind the speech.

Speaking of phone calls, you reminded me of a couple of funny  examples:
1) I had a phone conversation with a mutual friend, while my wife was listening. Then she asked what he told me, and I complied Then, not satisfied with my answer, she asked me in what tone he told me that. I answered that I didn't carry out a Fourier analysis of his speech pattern so I couldn't say exactly. Fourier analysis is one of the most popular ways in engineering to analyse vibratory phenomena, like speech, music, earthquakes and so on.

2)Another example was at the job site, many years ago. I had a phone conversation with a female lawyer who represented a worker asking for some compensation. I was examining his practice. I answered in perfectly neutral terms, like the situation required. The lawyer then complained to my boss that I had been a little cranky at the phone. The boss asked me for clarification later, because he found that weird, so I had the opportunity to get back mentally to the recent phone call. I could really find nothing, I might have said, consciously or absent mindedly, which could have been construed as gruffy, crunky or similar. By me, but not by a female mind!!

There is one more thing personally related to you, but I'm going to tell that later in a private message, if I'm able to forward it.

Often we are learning together and comparing notes. mccoy.. Your reflections bring me back to times i have also felt women were hyper - sensitive and acted out situations that were a result of their own ego  not necessarily warranting the responses they gave which apparently came from something i did or said. I think the problem for us as men is that even if we are rite; If a woman is convinced otherwise,  we still run the risk of losing them permanantly or offending them. So in this sense our antenna always needs to be in tune with a channel and frequency that is far from reason and logic. Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in the middle - being receptive  and listening yet recognizing that like us - they too are learning about the world we live in. We're in this thing together separated by sex for some kind of balancing act that is part of the design the Lord created for us in these bodies with different gender lessons.  I've always tried keeping this in mind that there is little to gain  by being right when someone else has felt wronged.

I find that women are often right. They understand the earth more, where men are more interested in the "rules of the game" and abstractions. Men keep their heads in the clouds more. Women don't give a damn about your rules. Women realize that rules are only a means not an end. It doesn't matter if you do everything "right" with a women. It only matters how real your heart is, how honest your feelings with them are. If you are putting on, they always know.

http://www.amazon.com/In-Different-Voice-Psychological-Development/dp/B0025J3YDY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407943245&sr=8-1&keywords=in+a+different+voice

In this book, she points out the differences between the games little girls play from little boys. Little girls games are always relationship based, with changeable rules. Mens games always have strictly defined rules and referees. For women, rules only serve to nurture the relationship aspect and connections between individuals. For boys, rules are absolutes that are unbendable.

Sometimes rules can be compassionate. I have a rule for myself: i will always speak to someone and be friendly. In my experience men usually remain friends longer. Not saying this is true for everyone. Just my experience. It would be more difficult for you to make that observation since you are much younger swami. I have found that for instance endurance and length of friendship and love are good rules to play by for myself. As you say perhaps it is true women do not go by rules as much but this can also make people fickle and not dependable for any length of time. Look at how many females that are members here... they were supportive at one time.

Comet is an exception she has been here through everything beautifying spiritual portal. Most people do things out of convienence and fad. Take for instance Facebook or Walmart. Most people do not think of the ethical considerations.
They do things because it is popular to do.... not even considering the ultimate outcome for themselves and others.
There is no real 'heart' in all this. It is opportunist convienience. It would be nice to see some character in ourselves.

Can't answer the idea 'if you are putting on they will know' because I do not recall putting on so I could find out. I believe my mother was best at seeing thru that charade. Had a couple psychic girl friends but I was honest with them so never had to find out if they could see thru any deceptions.

I believe it is good to have your head up high in the clouds as long as your feet are on strong footing. The Master's are helping us keep our feet welll placed on the earth.

I have found women generally speaking are more supportive then men but if you cross them or somehow offend them watch out! You may not get a second chance. Men don't seem to take it soooo sensitively.

Mccoy

When i was at the end of my meditation today something became very clear to me. You are being challenged to notice the more subtle nuances of life. Sometimes the exact explanation and answers are not as important as the awareness. One thing seems to be a given; either ego or a keener perception is manifesting through these encounters with others. This you already are witnessing. You are being challenged to be aware of the more discreet and subtle manifestations around you.

In this aspect, I must say I definitely improved over the years, the challenge is probably still on though.

yes... I've been going thru my own ongoing Benifit Lesson Program myself in several areas i am aware of. If you start seeing a repetitious pattern going on - you find yourself saying- yes Master... here it comes again. After a while you can kinda see it coming on before it gets out of hand. You catch yourself as you see the lesson coming on in another guise. Such is the value and the presence of the Guru in our lives. They don't give up. They just present the lesson in similar formats. Just different enough that for awhile it catches you off guard. Then you start smiling as you see the lesson coming... and you say. I get it... i get it..
i really am trying change... honestly!

Better dead then alive. He haw ride into the underworld with me Peevacowboy!