Steve's Musings

Good philosophy

I was just rewriting my brochure and referenced a brochure I wrote 22 years ago. In it, I used the following quote from Chaitanya Charitamrita: "Keep these words constantly before your mind: 'Do not practice hypocritical asceticism like the monkey, to be seen by the people. Enjoy the things of the world which are proper to enjoy without being attached to them. Cultivate constant purity of the heart. In external conduct, comply with the ordinary conventions of civilized society. Sri Krishna will then deliver you very soon.'" I have found it a good philosophy to live by.

Peace,
Steve (Subal)

Lies!

And I ask why there are no calls for impeachment, why many people don't understand we need regime change and why we can't believe anything that comes out of the administration. Feds use media to spin truth, correspondent says

Question authority!
Steve

Saffron

I have been working on my autobiographical spiritual journey, Saffron, for about 20 years off and on (more off than on). The manuscript is still in process, and I did not think it was ready to publish even on my website. Lately, I have been taking part in an on-line forum called Gaudiya Discussions where I have reconnected with some old friends and making new friends who are involved in very advanced discussions of devotional service to Radha and Krishna. One of the moderators, Jagat, asked me to allow him to publish my experiences in India on the site. I agreed, and he has kindly published them here Gaudiya Discussions -> Saffron. He has asked for more installments so stay tuned.

Jai Radhe,
Steve/Subal

Above and Beyond

I am happy to announce that effective April 15th I am moving my office to Above and Beyond, a new body, mind, spirit shop located next to the Wealthy Theatre at 1136 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. I walked by Saturday on my way to a meeting at the Wealthy Theatre and stopped in since I was a little early for the meeting. It's a lovely shop that sells candles, incense, jewelry, books, clothing and a wide variety of other products. I spoke to the owner, Philip Tigner, about teaching classes there. He mentioned that he also had an office to rent. I went back today to inquire further. We connected well and made an agreement with a hand shake. I will also offer workshops and other group experiences there.

Peace,
Steve

Why not have it all?

My guru Bhaktivedanta Swami said, "Godhead is light. Nescience is darkness. Where there is Godhead there is no nescience." If one is in God consciousness, one can live in, work and enjoy the pleasures of the material world without attachment. Indeed, the material world becomes spiritualized when one is engaged in service of God. Therefore, one can engage in married life and enjoy the material pleasures of life, including sex, without them being an impediment to one's spiritual consciousness. If one sees God in everything and everyone, one is already living in the spiritual world. God is in everything and everything is in God which is called panentheism. Everything is God's energy. The spiritual world is not some far off place to be experienced after death. It is here and now in our midst. Those engaged in the pastimes of Radha and Krishna throughout the day can testify to this.

Therefore, why the emphasis on renunciation and celibacy? Sri Chaitanya, a 15th century incarnation of God, took sannyasa, the renounced order of life, at the age of 23. He was warned not to because it would be too hard to maintain. He was God and managed to do it. I took sannyasa at 23. I am an individual soul, and was not able to maintain it.

Why not have it all? Why not enjoy this material world, honor and maintain our bodies as temples of God and enjoy the spiritual world all at the same time? Why emphasize dualism rather than non-dualism when both are true? Why can't married persons be gurus? Why do world denying renunciates often dominate religious and spiritual discussion? Why is celibacy considered better than sexuality when Krishna is a sexual God and we are parts and parcels of God containing all God's qualities? Everything is a gift of God. Why not enjoy it?

Peace,
Steve/Subal

Man and God

Jesus was just a man going through what he went through. He had no idea of his messianic identity and certainly did not consider himself God. We see a progression in the gospels from Mark to John as Jesus becomes more and more Godlike. This is a result of the theological developments of his disciples.

He was a spirit filled man who allowed God to work through him as an instrument perhaps to a much higher degree than is usually manifest. You might say he was a transparent via media to God or a manifestation of jagat guru. Christ means the anointed one. Jesus was imbued with the Holy Spirit at his baptism. He lived his life guided by the Spirit. In that way he was man and God. Bhaktivedanta Swami considered him a shaktavesh avatar like Buddha, a jiva, or individual spirit soul, empowered by God. I see him in this way also as do many educated mainline, liberal Christians.

It is true that Jesus may have made a breakthrough in becoming a God-man as "hu" in hu-man connotes. This is an example for all to follow. The historical Jesus is somehow mysteriously connected to the Cosmic Christ which is a manifestation of God perhaps comparable to the paramatma.

Transcendence vs. incarnation

So far the the distinction between worldly and other worldly religion: As a sannyasi or renunciate, I was engaged in an effort to transcend the material world and enter into the realm of Goloka Vrindaban. These efforts were constantly frustrated by the demands of Bhaktivedanta to perform service which took me away from my spiritual practices, and ultimately when I left ISKCON I embraced the world and decided to see what spiritual "truths" and practices stuck and what were just cultural externals. I embraced a much more incarnational theology and accepted that if God put me in this world, I must be here to do something more than try to escape, so let me put my time and energy to good use. I have worked diligently for peace, justice and the environment.

I still consider myself a mystic with my head in the clouds and my feet on the ground. I don't think there needs to be a duality between the two paths. Thirty years later, I still yearn for Vrindaban and the eternal service of Sri Sri Radha Krishna. What can I say?

Your servant,
Steve/Subal

Follow Jesus

Too many Christians want to put Jesus on a pedestal and worship him rather than accept his instructions to "Follow me" become his disciple. Orthodox Christian teachings declare Jesus to be fully human and fully God. Only looking at Jesus as God is a heresy popularly known as Jesusolatry.

Yet, other Christians prefer to focus on Jesus' humanity and how he was a model for us, a new Adam. He fully devoted his life to the service of God even unto the point of death on a cross. However, rather than that death being some sort of redemptive sacrifice to appease an angry God, it was more along the lines of Martin Luther King Jr. going to Memphis even though he knew he might be killed there. He did what he needed to do and stuck to his principles. Not all Christians accept the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. There are much better ways to look at Jesus and his death. I don't believe Jesus needed to die in order for God to forgive us of our sins. God is love, gracious and merciful. Always was, always will be.

I say these things from a mainline Protestant theological point of view. Mel Gibson's film does a disservice to progressive Christians with it's theme of redemptive violence.

Peace,
Steve

All we need is love

The nectar of devotion to Sri Sri Radha Krishna, the divine couple who are the fullest manifestation of the Godhead is such a thing that once it gets in your system, one cannot get it out. It is bitter sweet. It is so attractive that one cannot get enough of it. Yet sometimes one wants to give it up all together. What goal can be higher than the desire to live in the eternal spiritual abode of Vrindaban as an eternal associate of Radha and Krishna assisting them in culminating their amorous love affairs. When I read about these pastimes 38 years ago, I immediately became attracted and remain so to this day.

It was so refreshing to read about God as the supreme lover rather than a terrible, fearful, vengeful God as is so often portrayed in the Judeo-Christian religions and which is causing such a stir in Mel Gibson's "The Passion." Even as a Christian, I do not believe God is that way. I much prefer the concept of "God is love" as described in 1 John. Jesus also made it clear, love God, love your neighbor and love yourself. This is also the essence of Jewish teaching.

Why is society so lacking in love? Why after all these thousands of years does humankind as a whole still not get it? Why do we commit atrocities against one another in the name of God, religion and the nation? I pray that love may someday win. It always does in the end.

Peace,
Steve

Spiritual community

Through the internet, I have been able to revive some of my connections with the school of devotional yoga that I followed for the past 37 years. It is really good to be able to communicate with persons who share deep spiritual connections. Unfortunately, there is a lot of sectarianism and divisiveness there also. It seems that whenever any religion becomes too organized, rigid, fundamentalist and literalist, it suffers and those who follow it suffer. How to be free, alive and independent in one's beliefs and practices while still maintaining spiritual community is a challenge. As I say, the internet helps. My wife and I are also looking into a local co-housing community that is forming as well as other options. BTW, I must say I also availed myself of the services of Steven Allen today. Steven is a practitioner of manual manipulation and electronic acupuncture in the office next to mine. His treatment was excellent, and I highly recommend him. He also teaches martial arts and is a Buddhist. How can I not mention my accountant, Scott Brewer of Century Small Business Solutions, who I also saw today about preparing my taxes. What would I do without him? So, community is available both near and far, in traditional and non-traditional forms. May you be blessed by good associations.

Peace,
Steve

Dealing with paradox

Life is perfect, the sun is shining, birds are chirping, spring is blooming. My wife and I just took a very pleasant walk in the woods by a creek. Driving home we passed MLK Park. I saw the sign saying there is a swimming pool there. I immediately became angry at the thought that the pool will probably be closed this summer because the city has no money to maintain it. The city is laying off workers, the roads are in poor condition, schools are under funded, cutbacks are everywhere. The state is on a lean and mean budget due to lack of revenues. Jobs are leaving never to return. The federal government is running at a huge deficit while taxes are cut for the rich and billions are spent on a senseless war and occupation in Iraq. Ads to reelect Bush portray a man who can't wipe the smirk off his face for a minute as he contemplates how he's fooled and misled millions and hopes to be able to do so for four more years. Life is perfect, but it would be a lot more perfect if we can elect Kerry in the fall. Not that the Democrats are without their faults, but they're not as bad. Meanwhile, look on the bright side, enjoy life as much as possible, be hopeful, work for change in whatever ways you can, don't give up. This too shall pass. This is a perfect opportunity for you to shine and make a positive contribution to life in your own unique way.

Solidarity,
Steve

Life

I know you're just dying to know why I haven't blogged the past couple of days. Well, sometimes just living rather than reflecting on life takes over. What can I say? Friends came over for dinner Friday night, spring and the crocuses bloomed on Saturday along with a peace rally attended by over 300 people (not bad for Grand Rapids) and today I preached "Perfect or Imperfect, It's Your Choice" followed by a three hour Perfect Life workshop at the Unity church in Walker. Life is good. Love and joy abound. Look on the bright side. The sun is out even here is cloudy West Michigan. What more can we ask for? Perfect or imperfect, it's your choice. Blessings.

Peace and love,
Steve

Climate change and politics

This article outlines the political and economic implications of climate change and how the Bush administration is not dealing with the problem. TOMPAINE.com - Climate Change Alert. Don't be fooled.

Climate change continued

Here is the executive summary and the complete Pentagon report on climate change. EMS - An Abrupt Climate Change Scenario. Remember, be prepared.

Blessings,
Steve

Climate change is real and serious

February 23, 2004, I blogged on Pentagon reports about extreme climate change found in the London Observer. It seems Fortune magazine has also picked up on this. Fortune.com - Intro - The Pentagon's Weather Nightmare. There is also a major motion picture coming out in May dealing with the subject. THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. Evidence is mounting that this is serious stuff and the government and media are not adequately preparing us. Climate change is real and it will probably be more serious and sooner than most of us think. Be prepared! Don't say I didn't warn you.

Solidarity,
Steve

Above the law?

It seems sports are more of a religion than the Catholic church. Policing themselves: Sports leagues, not courts, can handle violence that occurs during competition. We used to think it was fine for the church to police itself. Now even priests and bishops are held accountable in court for their actions. Are hockey players a new class of priests who are above the law? If that attack took place on the street rather than in the rink, the attacking player would be in jail. Why should a serious, deliberate attack in the rink be any different? Do we have to pay athletes millions of dollars so that we can get the same thrills as spectators in the Roman arenas? Let's try to evolve.

Peace,
Steve

Protect the future

Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come. RADICAL REVIVAL: SDS leader from '60s tells GVSU students to sign on, get involved. The future really belongs to the young. They need to take action to insure that they will be able to live the kind of lives they desire. It's only when we stand up for what we believe in that we have any chance of protecting it. I've been marching in the streets since the 60s. I really like it when I go to demonstrations and see persons older than me and others around my son's age or younger united for the same cause. The more we can unite various groups and individuals the stronger we will be. We cannot take anything for granted. Our actions are important. Act now!

Solidarity,
Steve

Protecting minority rights

The Press editor is right when he says the legislature did the right thing by not passing a call for a constitutional amendment, but he is wrong in saying that the courts should not get involved in the process of protecting gay rights. A good case for restraint State law defines marriage; no need at this point to go further. Issues of minority rights sometimes need to be decided by the courts rather than by a majority vote on a ballot issue or the votes of legislators wanting to get reelected by the majority of voters. Unfortunately, we cannot depend upon the majority to do the right thing, especially when it comes to a minority which has been vilified by religious, political and media leaders. Democracy is a good thing when the people are educated and well informed about the issues and candidates. When the people are misinformed and mislead by rhetoric, they cannot be expected to make good decisions. This has proven true too many times in recent history. The issue of gay rights is so inflamed, that since failing to pass a marriage amendment to the constitution, the right is now seeking to prevent gays from adopting children. It seems to be a strong case of hatred and scapegoating with one attack after another.

In solidarity,
Steve

Cyber pilgrimage

The internet is just great. I can sit in my study in Grand Rapids and listen to authentic devotional chanting from India, Raganuga Bhakti - Kirtana, read hard to obtain devotional literature Raganuga Bhakti - Literature and tour the holy places of Braja Vaisnava.cz - Articles. I spent three years living in India as a Vaishnava sannyasi touring places of pilgrimage, living in Vrindaban, worshipping at the temples, studying with the older gurus and being absorbed in the spiritual atmosphere of this ancient culture. My heart longs to be there again. For one who is absorbed in devotion to Radha Krishna, there is no better place because it nurtures the devotional spirit. This is where Radha and Krishna engaged in their transcendental pastimes while incarnated here on earth. This is where Sri Chaitanya, Radha and Krishna reincarnated in one body as a devotee five hundred years ago, rediscovered the holy places and instructed his followers to reestablish them. I spent eight years as a disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami seeking out these teachings and esoteric spiritual practices. They were not easily found. I had a number of other teachers as well, foremost of whom was Lalita Prasad Thakur. Now, this is all available on the internet. Follow these links, drink deeply of this spiritual nectar and satisfy your soul.

Jaya Radhe,
Subal Das (Steve)

Love and marriage

I totally agree with this Press editorial Untying the knot: Mandatory premarital counseling an undue intrusion into lives There is way too much emphasis in West Michigan on imposing government official's personal religious views on the general public. When I first moved here in 1999, I became aware of the Grand Rapids Marriage Policy which was promoted by Kentwood's Mayor Hardiman and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. They encouraged churches to sign on to the policy which includes restrictions on who clergy marry, such as persons living together before marriage, and requires premarital counseling. It seems the Kentwood judges bought into this also. I didn't accept this policy when I was a pastor, and I still don't accept it. I offer couples the option of counseling, but never insist on it unless there are obvious, serious problems such as abuse that appear during a problemetizing interview I conduct. When two persons are in love and want to get married, they're usually not interested in counseling, and that is their right. My wife and I went to an Engaged Encounter weekend before we got married, and we found it helpful. But, that was our choice.

Now Hardiman is a state senator and one of the main sponsors of the failed attempt to pass a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. He admits this is based on his religious convictions. I asked him not to impose his religious convictions on me because I am happy to marry gay couples. Politicians should stick to the business of politics and running the government. I advocate a clear separation of church and state. The push by the religious right to make the U.S. a theocracy is one of the scariest things going on in this country today. It's interesting to note that the main battle ground religious conservatives like to deal with has to do with controlling other persons sex--gays, marriage, abortion, birth control, Janet Jackson's breast, etc.

As for me, I'll marry anyone, gay or straight, as long as they love each other and there is no evidence of abuse in the relationship. Of course, it will be a long time before gay marriages are legal here, but at least they can have a religious ceremony and know that God blesses their relationship. Who can tell which marriage will work and which will not? Some of the most promising fail and some of the most questionable succeed. Remember, all you need is love.

Love,
Steve

Interesting times

I really enjoy living in Grand Rapids. I have a nice, old home on the east side. It's close to downtown, Eastown and East Grand Rapids where there are many fun things to do. I have an interesting circle of friends. Life is good. When I first moved here after four years in Valley City, North Dakota, I felt like I had just returned to civilization. (Not that I didn't also enjoy ND, but I'm originally a New Yorker.) My wife and I thought we would never move again. Even though Grand Rapids has a reputation for being a conservative, Christian area (and some aspects of that do exist), it is becoming a model "cool city" such as Governor Granholm promotes. We have a good mayor, governor and U.S. senators. GR listed as 1 of 11 desirable mid-sized U.S. cities

However, my wife and I feel our way of life is threatened. The number one threat is the possibility of Bush stealing the next election again. We can't imagine what damage he will do in another four years. We consider moving to another country because of this. Our decisions are further complicated by the threats of severe climate change and a severe energy crisis in the not too distant future. Where can we go to weather these storms? We would like to be part of a sustainable, spiritual community. We would also like to simplify our lives and lower our expenses.

Yet, I am much tougher and more willing to stay put and ride things out than I used to be when I was young, footloose and fancy free. Maybe I'm less adventurous. Maybe I just like where I live, my friends and community. While the thought of starting over in a new place holds a certain thrill, I know it also involves new difficulties. I wonder if just getting a newer home in this area that is more energy efficient and has an office I could use to meet clients rather than renting one downtown might not be the best remedy. It is hard to make choices when there are so many unknown variables that affect the future. There is a Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times." These are certainly "interesting" times. And, ultimately, isn't it foolish to expect to find real security anywhere in this temporary material world? Where I really want to go is back to Godhead, but I'll have to wait until they're ready to take me there. Until then, we try to discern God's will for where and how we should live keeping all options open.

Peace,
Steve

Perfect or imperfect?

How often do we put up with imperfect persons, situations, jobs, relationships, living conditions, etc.? Why are we so conditioned, brainwashed into thinking that's just the way life is. Why do we accept less than we desire or deserve? How long will we allow ourselves to live small, unsatisfying lives? If you're ready for a change, if you're ready to live a perfect life, if you want to realize your full potential, live life abundantly and love extravagantly, I can help you. This is my specialty. Come to one of my Perfect Life Workshops. Let me be your personal, life coach. Really be all you are meant to be. I'm here for you.

Blessings,
Steve

A sweet life

I just watched "A Concert for George" for the second time. Great Performances . Concert for George | PBS It was on PBS last night, and I taped it. What a great concert. What a tribute to a life well lived. George Harrison had a profound influence on the lives of millions of people through his music and through his spirituality. That influence continues today and will continue well into the future. The love of those who were close to him is evident. The love his music is able to invoke in persons like me is profound. It is especially gratifying to see his son Dhani carrying on his father's tradition. I am proud to say that George Harrison and I share the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra and devotion to Krishna. It is the path of love, the path of the heart that leads to my sweet lord. May we all taste that sweetness in our lives.

Hari Om,
Steve

Rejoice!

The soul awakening to itself, its spiritual nature and its relationship to the Supreme is a joy to behold. It is like a flower blooming in the early spring. After the long winter, the clouds, snow and cold, the blossoming bud is a sign of hope for the future. Life will not always be dull and dreary. The sun will burst forth and earth will shine in its abundant glory. All the strife, hardship, war, famine, disease and struggle we face is not ultimate reality. Reality is blissful, loving, abundant, life affirming and good. Don't give up hope. Believe in the goodness of things. Don't be seduced into thinking evil has real power. Sing, dance and celebrate life in spite of the looming darkness. Spirit will prevail.

Om shanti,
Steve

How perfect

Wow! What an incredible past few days it's been. I'm leading Perfect Life workshops and of course using the Perfect Life program in my own life. What wonderful results and energy have been coming to me. Having a vision and intention, writing it down, declaring, claiming it, being open to the universe...all these things are so powerful that they attract the elements of a perfect life to us like a magnet. It's not a matter of working really hard, but working smart, being in the zone, being open to grace and sharing in life's abundance. Our life is already perfect. The question is how much more perfect do you want it to be. How big a vision are you willing to embrace? Go for it! Dream big.

ShalOm,
Steve