Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Science and Religion
I don't believe there must be a conflict between science and religion since they deal with different realms of experience. The conflict occurs when religionists want to take scripture in a literal, fundamentalist manner and present ancient "science" as a competitor to current science or when scientists come from a secular, materialistic perspective and rule out the existence of God.
There is an excellent book When Science Meets Religion by Ian G. Barbour which shows how using different models the two can be reconciled. Many scientists are not opposed to God's existence and role in creation. The ways science and scripture explain creation may differ, but both can benefit by a partnership. I certainly accept the scientific world view and a spiritual world view. It is when, for example, Christians want to teach "creationism" in the schools as an alternative to the big-bang and evolution that that there is a problem.
I don't believe there must be a conflict between science and religion since they deal with different realms of experience. The conflict occurs when religionists want to take scripture in a literal, fundamentalist manner and present ancient "science" as a competitor to current science or when scientists come from a secular, materialistic perspective and rule out the existence of God.
There is an excellent book When Science Meets Religion by Ian G. Barbour which shows how using different models the two can be reconciled. Many scientists are not opposed to God's existence and role in creation. The ways science and scripture explain creation may differ, but both can benefit by a partnership. I certainly accept the scientific world view and a spiritual world view. It is when, for example, Christians want to teach "creationism" in the schools as an alternative to the big-bang and evolution that that there is a problem.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Erotic Mysticism
I must admit that at heart I am more of an artist than an intellectual. I play a number of musical instruments from harmonium to electric guitar in a wide range of styles. I also write poetry.
I feel that this artistic nature of mine aids my attraction to Radha Krishna since they are mostly portrayed through music, poetry and art. The beauty, asthetics and sublime eroticism of their pastimes attracts me. That's how I want to spend eternity. Being married and at my age, I don't worry much about the dangers of worldliness or sexuality. Even as a renunciate, the sexual nature of Radha Krishna's pastimes was sublimated to a spiritual level. The increased energy or prana is helpful. This is exciting erotic stuff which should not be tip toed around.
I must admit that at heart I am more of an artist than an intellectual. I play a number of musical instruments from harmonium to electric guitar in a wide range of styles. I also write poetry.
I feel that this artistic nature of mine aids my attraction to Radha Krishna since they are mostly portrayed through music, poetry and art. The beauty, asthetics and sublime eroticism of their pastimes attracts me. That's how I want to spend eternity. Being married and at my age, I don't worry much about the dangers of worldliness or sexuality. Even as a renunciate, the sexual nature of Radha Krishna's pastimes was sublimated to a spiritual level. The increased energy or prana is helpful. This is exciting erotic stuff which should not be tip toed around.
Mysticism Today
I was just sitting chanting my mantras and meditating on my gurus, Lalita Prasad and Bhaktivinode. I was thinking about how they were both well placed government servants during their working lives. They also came from a well to do family. It seems they probably received good government pensions when they retired and more fully devoted themselves to devotional practices.
Lately, I have been remembering how in the early 70s I asked my other guru A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami to let me live in Vrindaban by begging and sleeping in a different place each night. He refused and said I should instead builld a temple there. It had taken me years to get to that point of detachment and depth of devotional practice.
Now, I am married, living in an American city, trying to make a living as an independent minister, spiritual guide and life coach. How difficult it is to concentrate on my meditations with all the distractions this life offers.
I believe it is necessary to be free of all material responsibilities and have a support sysytem in place to fully realize the true fruits of devotion allowing us to enter into the Vrindaban pastimes. I long for the day when I may be free to do so. I am also working on different plans will bring this about.
I was just sitting chanting my mantras and meditating on my gurus, Lalita Prasad and Bhaktivinode. I was thinking about how they were both well placed government servants during their working lives. They also came from a well to do family. It seems they probably received good government pensions when they retired and more fully devoted themselves to devotional practices.
Lately, I have been remembering how in the early 70s I asked my other guru A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami to let me live in Vrindaban by begging and sleeping in a different place each night. He refused and said I should instead builld a temple there. It had taken me years to get to that point of detachment and depth of devotional practice.
Now, I am married, living in an American city, trying to make a living as an independent minister, spiritual guide and life coach. How difficult it is to concentrate on my meditations with all the distractions this life offers.
I believe it is necessary to be free of all material responsibilities and have a support sysytem in place to fully realize the true fruits of devotion allowing us to enter into the Vrindaban pastimes. I long for the day when I may be free to do so. I am also working on different plans will bring this about.
