Friday, August 29, 2003
Erotic Love
Erotic love is one of the best ways to share love between two persons in this world. Done in the right consciousness, it can be a spiritual experience mirroring the love of God/Goddess and devotee. It's a shame Christianity has done so much to defile erotic love in the minds of so many persons. Yet if we read the Song of Songs or the writings of some of the mystics, we can see that the basis of it is there, but it is as yet very undeveloped. It's too bad Christianity allowed itself to be hijacked by dualistic, life-denying persons who promote celebacy or if you are married, you should enjoy sex as little as possible. I don't see Jesus that way. He was very life affirming. He hung out with prostitutes, had many women followers who he treated as equals with his male disciples, and seemed to have a special relationship with Mary Magadalene.
Hinduism seems to have a much more developed theology of spiritual, erotic love. For example, there is the tantric yoga tradition in which various sexual practices are used in a ritualistic way to attain a state of spiritual ecstacy. There is also the well developed devotional love poetry which highlights the love of Radha and Krishna. We are spiritual beings created in God/Goddess' image. The Radha Krishna devotional sect portrays a very erotically charged spiritual realm where Radha, Krishna and their devotees engage in spiritual, erotic dalliances eternally. That sounds like the kind of place I want do go to. Glimpses of that realm can be seen here as we engage in loving, sexual relations in higher consciousness. Realize your full potential, live life abundantly and love extravagantly. Don't settle for less than a full life.
For another article on the subject see "Radha in the Erotic Play of the Universe">
Enjoy,
Steve
Erotic love is one of the best ways to share love between two persons in this world. Done in the right consciousness, it can be a spiritual experience mirroring the love of God/Goddess and devotee. It's a shame Christianity has done so much to defile erotic love in the minds of so many persons. Yet if we read the Song of Songs or the writings of some of the mystics, we can see that the basis of it is there, but it is as yet very undeveloped. It's too bad Christianity allowed itself to be hijacked by dualistic, life-denying persons who promote celebacy or if you are married, you should enjoy sex as little as possible. I don't see Jesus that way. He was very life affirming. He hung out with prostitutes, had many women followers who he treated as equals with his male disciples, and seemed to have a special relationship with Mary Magadalene.
Hinduism seems to have a much more developed theology of spiritual, erotic love. For example, there is the tantric yoga tradition in which various sexual practices are used in a ritualistic way to attain a state of spiritual ecstacy. There is also the well developed devotional love poetry which highlights the love of Radha and Krishna. We are spiritual beings created in God/Goddess' image. The Radha Krishna devotional sect portrays a very erotically charged spiritual realm where Radha, Krishna and their devotees engage in spiritual, erotic dalliances eternally. That sounds like the kind of place I want do go to. Glimpses of that realm can be seen here as we engage in loving, sexual relations in higher consciousness. Realize your full potential, live life abundantly and love extravagantly. Don't settle for less than a full life.
For another article on the subject see "Radha in the Erotic Play of the Universe">
Enjoy,
Steve
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Being Part of the Solution
Yes. We live in some very messed up troubled times. What can we do about it? We can start by working on ourselves. We can work on becoming the enlightened, loving, high functioning persons we are meant to be so that we are part of the solution rather than part of the problem. We can reach out to others and help them do the same. We can also work on systemic change, working for peace, justice, the environment. We all have something positive to contribute. The important thing is that we all do something.
Often, we need to clear away lots of conditioning, brainwashing and stinking thinking before we can even know who we really are, what to speak of what our role is in healing this planet. This requires work, but it is what we are here for and it need not be unpleasant. Embark on the journey. Enjoy the journey. If you would like a guide, I'm here to help.
Peace,
Steve
Yes. We live in some very messed up troubled times. What can we do about it? We can start by working on ourselves. We can work on becoming the enlightened, loving, high functioning persons we are meant to be so that we are part of the solution rather than part of the problem. We can reach out to others and help them do the same. We can also work on systemic change, working for peace, justice, the environment. We all have something positive to contribute. The important thing is that we all do something.
Often, we need to clear away lots of conditioning, brainwashing and stinking thinking before we can even know who we really are, what to speak of what our role is in healing this planet. This requires work, but it is what we are here for and it need not be unpleasant. Embark on the journey. Enjoy the journey. If you would like a guide, I'm here to help.
Peace,
Steve
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Culture Wars
Here I am in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Recently considered an "All American City". Now ranked 15th most segregated in the most segregated state. A city that drives out gay pastors who dare come to town with their black at-risk adopted children. A very decent place to live. A city that strives to be one of the "cool" cities that Gov. Granholm wants to attract new high tech businesses to Michigan. A place where the blues is popular and lots of great new restaurants are opening. A very Christian place where we even have a Christian bar named Graces. A center of liberal, Democratic society in the midst of rings of conservative, Republican suburbs. A place that is sick deep inside. A place very much like the rest of the US of A.
A sick place where conservative, Republican and Christian all go together in one mindset. Yet there is a split. A place where progressive, Democrat and Christian also all go together in one mindset. A place where you find traditionals, moderns and cultural creatives, Jews, Moslems, Hindus, atheists, agnostics. Those who are narrow minded and afraid of those who are different. Those who are open minded, embrace different persons, ideas, cultures and work to establish a pluralistic culture of tolerance and love. America caught in the grip of culture wars. The ten commandments in courthouses, gay marriages, gay bishops, right to life, homophobs, pro-choice, neo-cons, fascist imperialists, global citizens, militarists, pacifists all in one nation.
I see the current adminstration gang that's running this country as the greatest threat America has faced. We need to make changes. We need to follow a path that will not take us back to the Dark Ages. Stop the war, stop the killing, stop the oppression, stop the censorship, stop the lies, stop the materialistic consumerism, stop the racism, stop the homophobia, stop the hatred. Promote life, love, peace, tolerance, sharing, giving. Love. Don't hate.
Here I am in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Recently considered an "All American City". Now ranked 15th most segregated in the most segregated state. A city that drives out gay pastors who dare come to town with their black at-risk adopted children. A very decent place to live. A city that strives to be one of the "cool" cities that Gov. Granholm wants to attract new high tech businesses to Michigan. A place where the blues is popular and lots of great new restaurants are opening. A very Christian place where we even have a Christian bar named Graces. A center of liberal, Democratic society in the midst of rings of conservative, Republican suburbs. A place that is sick deep inside. A place very much like the rest of the US of A.
A sick place where conservative, Republican and Christian all go together in one mindset. Yet there is a split. A place where progressive, Democrat and Christian also all go together in one mindset. A place where you find traditionals, moderns and cultural creatives, Jews, Moslems, Hindus, atheists, agnostics. Those who are narrow minded and afraid of those who are different. Those who are open minded, embrace different persons, ideas, cultures and work to establish a pluralistic culture of tolerance and love. America caught in the grip of culture wars. The ten commandments in courthouses, gay marriages, gay bishops, right to life, homophobs, pro-choice, neo-cons, fascist imperialists, global citizens, militarists, pacifists all in one nation.
I see the current adminstration gang that's running this country as the greatest threat America has faced. We need to make changes. We need to follow a path that will not take us back to the Dark Ages. Stop the war, stop the killing, stop the oppression, stop the censorship, stop the lies, stop the materialistic consumerism, stop the racism, stop the homophobia, stop the hatred. Promote life, love, peace, tolerance, sharing, giving. Love. Don't hate.
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
Improvements
Life involves many activities that we need to do but would prefer not to. For example, I am in the process of tearing up the wall to wall carpeting in my home and restoring the hard wood floors underneath. This is hard on my back and I don't really enjoy this type of work. Yet what we have done in the living room is a definite improvement.
In the same way, as a life coach and spiritual guide, I help persons tear out the old coverings that may not work for them any more and put a shine on their spirits that they will enjoy for eternity. While I enjoy this work much more than doing my floors, I know that for my clients it may be hard work. Yet the results are well worth it. Where do you want to put your energy? Are you willing to sacrifice now for long term improvement?
Before enlightenment chopping wood and carrying water; after enlightenment chopping wood and carrying water and redoing floors and trimming the lawn and doing dishes and.... The trick is stay centered and see God in everything. Be open to God's helping hand.
Om shanti,
Steve
Life involves many activities that we need to do but would prefer not to. For example, I am in the process of tearing up the wall to wall carpeting in my home and restoring the hard wood floors underneath. This is hard on my back and I don't really enjoy this type of work. Yet what we have done in the living room is a definite improvement.
In the same way, as a life coach and spiritual guide, I help persons tear out the old coverings that may not work for them any more and put a shine on their spirits that they will enjoy for eternity. While I enjoy this work much more than doing my floors, I know that for my clients it may be hard work. Yet the results are well worth it. Where do you want to put your energy? Are you willing to sacrifice now for long term improvement?
Before enlightenment chopping wood and carrying water; after enlightenment chopping wood and carrying water and redoing floors and trimming the lawn and doing dishes and.... The trick is stay centered and see God in everything. Be open to God's helping hand.
Om shanti,
Steve
Sunday, August 24, 2003
A Victory
This is a good day. My friend and colleague, Rev. Mary Martin, has avoided another attempt to remove her as pastor of Wallin United Church of Christ. We had a wonderful, Spirit filled worship this morning with Mary, I and three others preaching. About 16 new members joined the church this morning in support of Mary, and new persons have been joining every Sunday. The worship lasted over two hours. This in a predominantly white, mainline Protestant church. Sure, Mary and three of the other preachers are black, but the congregation responded with enthusiasm shouting their "Amens" and "Hallelujahs" with enthusiasm, not noticing the passage of time.
These are difficult times for pastors. As my friend Rev. Dick Rehm says, "Today, pastors have to choose between job security and integrity." Mary has chosen integrity and has been the object of attack by a segment of the congregation intent on removing her, and along with her, the new members who joined as a result of her ministry (many of whom are LGBT). There are those who resist any kind of change in the church and want to go back to the way things were in the 50s. Of course, this is impossible. As with anything, it's either change or die. Some would rather see the church die than change, but there are some bright spots of life where hope and a new vision prevail. It's a struggle to preserve such dynamic ministries, but it is possible with God's help.
ShalOm,
Steve
This is a good day. My friend and colleague, Rev. Mary Martin, has avoided another attempt to remove her as pastor of Wallin United Church of Christ. We had a wonderful, Spirit filled worship this morning with Mary, I and three others preaching. About 16 new members joined the church this morning in support of Mary, and new persons have been joining every Sunday. The worship lasted over two hours. This in a predominantly white, mainline Protestant church. Sure, Mary and three of the other preachers are black, but the congregation responded with enthusiasm shouting their "Amens" and "Hallelujahs" with enthusiasm, not noticing the passage of time.
These are difficult times for pastors. As my friend Rev. Dick Rehm says, "Today, pastors have to choose between job security and integrity." Mary has chosen integrity and has been the object of attack by a segment of the congregation intent on removing her, and along with her, the new members who joined as a result of her ministry (many of whom are LGBT). There are those who resist any kind of change in the church and want to go back to the way things were in the 50s. Of course, this is impossible. As with anything, it's either change or die. Some would rather see the church die than change, but there are some bright spots of life where hope and a new vision prevail. It's a struggle to preserve such dynamic ministries, but it is possible with God's help.
ShalOm,
Steve
Friday, August 22, 2003
Siddhartha
This evening, I'm going to Grand Haven, MI to a new church start called Extended Grace to talk about Hinduism. Then we will watch the movie "Siddhartha" followed by more discussion. From 1967-1974, I was a disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. I became a swami or renunciate myself and lived in India for three years. Shortly after leaving that life, I read Herman Hesse's book Siddhartha and then saw the movie. It had a powerful effect on me. I could really relate. I re-read the book recently, and it is still powerful. My life is still changing and evolving. I'm still watching the river flow--ever the same ever different.
ShalOm,
Steve
This evening, I'm going to Grand Haven, MI to a new church start called Extended Grace to talk about Hinduism. Then we will watch the movie "Siddhartha" followed by more discussion. From 1967-1974, I was a disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. I became a swami or renunciate myself and lived in India for three years. Shortly after leaving that life, I read Herman Hesse's book Siddhartha and then saw the movie. It had a powerful effect on me. I could really relate. I re-read the book recently, and it is still powerful. My life is still changing and evolving. I'm still watching the river flow--ever the same ever different.
ShalOm,
Steve
Thursday, August 21, 2003
A Wake-up Call to Action
What a mess this country and the world are in. When you have a guy who's president who gets into office playing the village idiot and then turns into the anti-Christ, Wow! Or are he and his buddies really space alliens who have come to earth to destroy humanity, civilization, the planet? What are their real motives and goals? I can't imagine, but they're sure doing a good job of doing whatever it is. Just look at the difference between today and the year 2000. Are you really better off today than you were then?
I voted for Clinton but I was disappointed by his performance in office. I don't care about the Monica affair, but I'm really not a fan of the moderate Democrats, DLC. I prefer a much more progressive approach. Still, we were a lot better off under Clinton. Now, I'm hoping that we will see a resurgance of progressive Democrats. I see a couple of them with potential like Kusinich and Dean. Is the country ready to wake up and stop its reflexive saluting of the flag and obeying the Commander in Chief and his minons? The terrorist attacks of 2001 were the greatest thing that ever happened to Bush and company. The country immediately became shell shocked and turned over all our power to them out of fear. I'll never forget the image of all of Congress pouring out frantically onto the front steps to sing "God bless America" everyone stumbling over one another for this great photo op.
"God bless America" what a bunch of crap. Do you think God cares more about Americans than Afganis, Iranians, Palastinians, Liberians, Koreans? I'm sure God is crying over the blood of all who are killed by senseless violence regardless of nationality. God cries over the hungry, the homeless, the poor, the ill and all God's children who are suffering needlessly.
One of the things that bothers me most about all of this is that the agenda of neo-cons, neo-fascists and neo-imperialists is being carried on in the name of God and specificly in the name of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, champion of the poor and oppressed. What blasphamy! What differentiates W and his right wing Christian fundamentalist fanatics from the fundamentalist, fanatic ayatolas and imams and their followers. God is on our side? We are God's chosen people?
Get over it. Learn to get along. Accept differences. Haven't you learned anything yet? There's got to be a better way to resolve differences than killing one another. Maybe not investing billions in weapons of destruction but investing in a fair and equitable distribution of the necessities of life so that no one had too much and no one had too little would be a good place to start. Wake up people. We're supposed to live in a democracy--government of the people, by the people and for the people. Don't give up your power. Reclaim it. It's not too late. Call for real change now!
What a mess this country and the world are in. When you have a guy who's president who gets into office playing the village idiot and then turns into the anti-Christ, Wow! Or are he and his buddies really space alliens who have come to earth to destroy humanity, civilization, the planet? What are their real motives and goals? I can't imagine, but they're sure doing a good job of doing whatever it is. Just look at the difference between today and the year 2000. Are you really better off today than you were then?
I voted for Clinton but I was disappointed by his performance in office. I don't care about the Monica affair, but I'm really not a fan of the moderate Democrats, DLC. I prefer a much more progressive approach. Still, we were a lot better off under Clinton. Now, I'm hoping that we will see a resurgance of progressive Democrats. I see a couple of them with potential like Kusinich and Dean. Is the country ready to wake up and stop its reflexive saluting of the flag and obeying the Commander in Chief and his minons? The terrorist attacks of 2001 were the greatest thing that ever happened to Bush and company. The country immediately became shell shocked and turned over all our power to them out of fear. I'll never forget the image of all of Congress pouring out frantically onto the front steps to sing "God bless America" everyone stumbling over one another for this great photo op.
"God bless America" what a bunch of crap. Do you think God cares more about Americans than Afganis, Iranians, Palastinians, Liberians, Koreans? I'm sure God is crying over the blood of all who are killed by senseless violence regardless of nationality. God cries over the hungry, the homeless, the poor, the ill and all God's children who are suffering needlessly.
One of the things that bothers me most about all of this is that the agenda of neo-cons, neo-fascists and neo-imperialists is being carried on in the name of God and specificly in the name of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, champion of the poor and oppressed. What blasphamy! What differentiates W and his right wing Christian fundamentalist fanatics from the fundamentalist, fanatic ayatolas and imams and their followers. God is on our side? We are God's chosen people?
Get over it. Learn to get along. Accept differences. Haven't you learned anything yet? There's got to be a better way to resolve differences than killing one another. Maybe not investing billions in weapons of destruction but investing in a fair and equitable distribution of the necessities of life so that no one had too much and no one had too little would be a good place to start. Wake up people. We're supposed to live in a democracy--government of the people, by the people and for the people. Don't give up your power. Reclaim it. It's not too late. Call for real change now!
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Well, life is pretty good inspite of its many shortcomings which include birth, death, disease and old age. It's difficult for the spirit soul to be comfortable in this embodied material state since the soul's nature is to be eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss. However, if one developes the right consciousness and attitudes about life, one can make a reasonable accomodation and live a relatively free and happy life.
When I was in my twenties, I followed a very strict ascetic, spiritual path. I got a lot out of it and had a great time doing things that most people couldn't imagine doing (see my background elsewhere on my website). I now realize that asceticism is not required. Moderation and detachment will suffice. The path I teach basically enables persons to have the best of both worlds.
While I chose not to live the life of a computer engineer that was open to me in college, I'm doing OK materially. I'm happily married, have a grown son who's doing well, I live in a modest home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, have a nice used car, have a professional office, play music, dance, enjoy good food and drink and most of all find fulfillment doing the work I love, which is helping others grow spiritually.
Meanwhile, in these difficult economic times, persons who have been materially sucessful but now find themselves out of work are often devastated. Marriages break up, persons break down, life is too difficult. This is the fault of the system we live under. Persons are expendable--whether you're the janitor or an executive.
I've had many major transitions in my life. I specialize in helping persons make transitions in their lives whether they are on the way up or the way down. Whatever your situtation in life is, I can help you make it better by getting in touch with your true self and acting in your own best interests. After all, whose life is it anyway? You might as well make it the best it can possibly be.
ShalOm,
Steve
When I was in my twenties, I followed a very strict ascetic, spiritual path. I got a lot out of it and had a great time doing things that most people couldn't imagine doing (see my background elsewhere on my website). I now realize that asceticism is not required. Moderation and detachment will suffice. The path I teach basically enables persons to have the best of both worlds.
While I chose not to live the life of a computer engineer that was open to me in college, I'm doing OK materially. I'm happily married, have a grown son who's doing well, I live in a modest home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, have a nice used car, have a professional office, play music, dance, enjoy good food and drink and most of all find fulfillment doing the work I love, which is helping others grow spiritually.
Meanwhile, in these difficult economic times, persons who have been materially sucessful but now find themselves out of work are often devastated. Marriages break up, persons break down, life is too difficult. This is the fault of the system we live under. Persons are expendable--whether you're the janitor or an executive.
I've had many major transitions in my life. I specialize in helping persons make transitions in their lives whether they are on the way up or the way down. Whatever your situtation in life is, I can help you make it better by getting in touch with your true self and acting in your own best interests. After all, whose life is it anyway? You might as well make it the best it can possibly be.
ShalOm,
Steve
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
What a struggle it has been to get my blog page up and running on my website these past two days. Yesterday, it was being able to post and publish and today it was setting up the ability to archive. Both days I called upon the expertise of computer gurus at the Community Media Center where I have had to do all the work on my website until now. Even they had problems and had to try many variations before getting it to work.
When I was seventeen in 1964, I went to Pratt Institute Engineering School on a full scholarship to become a computer engineer. After a couple of weeks, I knew I didn't want to be an engineer. I had spiritual and artistic aspirations. I dropped out of school after a year and devoted myself to those pursuits, esp. spirituality. I am now a spiritual guide or guru. Just as I called on the computer gurus to help me with my website, so I make myself available to help computer gurus and others find their way through the confusing mess of spiritual and religious teachings that abound. It is much easier and quicker to make progress with the help of a guide.
My practice is to present the teachings from various traditions both ancient and modern in a no nonsense way. I get down to the essence of what works and what doesn't work from the perspective of a 21st century person.
Please check out my site to find out more about what I have to offer.
When I was seventeen in 1964, I went to Pratt Institute Engineering School on a full scholarship to become a computer engineer. After a couple of weeks, I knew I didn't want to be an engineer. I had spiritual and artistic aspirations. I dropped out of school after a year and devoted myself to those pursuits, esp. spirituality. I am now a spiritual guide or guru. Just as I called on the computer gurus to help me with my website, so I make myself available to help computer gurus and others find their way through the confusing mess of spiritual and religious teachings that abound. It is much easier and quicker to make progress with the help of a guide.
My practice is to present the teachings from various traditions both ancient and modern in a no nonsense way. I get down to the essence of what works and what doesn't work from the perspective of a 21st century person.
Please check out my site to find out more about what I have to offer.
Well after many tries to get the right settings for archiving we managed to publish sucessfully. So I'm going to try it one more time before I leave.
Well, here it is another day of blogging. I customized my blog templet to harmonize with the rest of my website and linked it to and from my site. I also added an archive page to my site. I've had to do all work on my site from the computer lab at the Community Media Center. I'm looking forward to being able to blog from home. From there, I plan to add a lot more meaningful content to my blogs. I'm just doing this before I leave the lab to make sure everything is working right. Peace.
Monday, August 18, 2003
This is a new day in which I am entering the world of blogging. I look forward to being able to share my insights, inspirations, views, comments, rants, raves, and other thoughts on a daily basis from my home computer. This first post is basically a test to make sure the system is working properly.
