Well I myself know of several, but I'll take it on faith that a few additional dozen also exist. But, as Buddistically as I can, I will also consider that 900 arhats have preceeded us ...Only three, last count I took. Enoch, Ellijah, and...hmmm who was that other one?...
Well I myself know of several, but I'll take it on faith that a few additional dozen also exist. But, as Buddistically as I can, I will also consider that 900 arhats have preceeded us ...
... and the funny thing is, I don't see too much talk about that in Bible study. Why is that?
Aha, toot the horn of self, and that's perfectly fine - but you see, I AM only interested in the "internal Joshua."
Yep, Spock's my favorite STAR TREK character ...
Yes, exactly! And so, of the 1000+ perfect saints, I can't say I've met nearly enough ... but then, the closer we get, the more likely it is that we'll run into them! Or at least, thus have I heard ...
Indeed. I suggest you may not be "doing" as much or as well as you lead yourself to believe. Nor do you seem to be willing to accept my hospitable accommodation. Perhaps it is I who should continue to do your share?Just practice what you preach, Juantoo3, no more, no less. That's what I'm doing ... how about a little capitulatation? Asking too much? Ah well, I'll do your share.
You are quite evidently an avid reader. I recommend looking up John Mills' philosophy called "utilitarianism." Keep in mind, it was the very same reasoning used by Truman in deciding to drop the A-bomb on Japan. The greatest good for the most people...at the expense of a few people deemed unworthy. In this particular case it was what? something like 200,000 dead from Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Think about it (as I am certain you are quite able), it is the natural conclusion of your statement when that statement is not tempered with consideration for the minority.Your words, your belief?
Aha, toot the horn of self, and that's perfectly fine - but you see, I AM only interested in the "internal Joshua."
We may disagree, but my job is to call all men, BROTHER.
And yeah, that's AFTER you spit in my face, step on my feet, HIT me a time or two ...
... or EIGHT, or EIGHT HUNDRED ...
... or Q, AFTER you nail me to a tree, or pierce my side, or curse me, hate me, revile me.
Christ is the ever-hated, ever-loved, ever-Loving ...
but Christ NEVER "hates."
And as for "self?"
I challenge you to show me, the (little) self of Christ.
No man, can be lessened, but standing again, and TAKING what another man has to DISH OUT.
I get knocked down, but I get up again ....
Indeed. I suggest you may not be "doing" as much or as well as you lead yourself to believe. Nor do you seem to be willing to accept my hospitable accommodation. Perhaps it is I who should continue to do your share?
You are quite evidently an avid reader. I recommend looking up John Mills' philosophy called "utilitarianism." Keep in mind, it was the very same reasoning used by Truman in deciding to drop the A-bomb on Japan. The greatest good for the most people...at the expense of a few people deemed unworthy. In this particular case it was what? something like 200,000 dead from Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Think about it (as I am certain you are quite able), it is the natural conclusion of your statement when that statement is not tempered with consideration for the minority.
Aha, judge not! Remember? (It's that one called, `The Holy Bible.' Yeah, right there on the shelf. Or at least, I thought that was the advice the man gave ...
An esoteric perspective is that the secrets of Atomic Energy were provided, from the "Mind of God," to the "mind of man."juantoo3 said:Keep in mind, it was the very same reasoning used by Truman in deciding to drop the A-bomb on Japan. The greatest good for the most people...at the expense of a few people deemed unworthy. In this particular case it was what? something like 200,000 dead from Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Think about it (as I am certain you are quite able), it is the natural conclusion of your statement when that statement is not tempered with consideration for the minority.
)
There are two ways in which the Law of Karma tends to work. One is through the natural, and inevitable repercussions, within the worlds of form.
There are two ways in which the Law of Karma tends to work. One is through the natural, and inevitable repercussions, within the worlds of form.
The other, is by the natural, and inevitable repercussions ... beyond the worlds of form.
When the wind blows, I sometimes hear my thoughts, and actions, echoed back, startlingly. No MAN caused that to happen.
There are two ways in which the Law of Karma tends to work. One is through the natural, and inevitable repercussions, within the worlds of form.
The other, is by the natural, and inevitable repercussions ... beyond the worlds of form.
When the wind blows, I sometimes hear my thoughts, and actions, echoed back, startlingly. No MAN caused that to happen.
I don't think many people really get it. Sometimes, the "lesser of two evils" - amounts literally to DIVINE GOOD ... and the WILL OF GOD.
God at least wants us to have a fighting chance. Christ's Love is unfailing, perfect ... yet the opposition desired, and desires, a situation in which -
- the lesser self may prevail over the greater.
What better way than to enslave humanity, and slowly deprive us of every last freedom that we have won, and come to cherish and enjoy?
The World War was a tragedy, but it was a triumphfor the Forces of Light. I don't know if most Christians share this perspective, or believe that this is so. Yet I have been taught that the form is not as important as the LIFE.
The form, I believe, is our means of gaining `Eternal Life' - but, in keeping with the thread topic, this is not something we seek for, for self alone.
Call it irony, but at, and after a certain point, we cease to live - for the "lesser self" alone. We learn to identify with the selves of all men (Humanity) ... and THIS is what it means to put the needs of the Greatest Number, above the desires of the smaller number, or the one.
Sure I'm an Idealist. And damn proud of it!!!
Where the rubber meats the road? Ah yes, that's where I'm working toward Perfection ... just like YOU!
Hmmm, I believe that an ultimate Reality encompasses all things, all beings, all possibilities. So if the "Divine" is the ultimate, then evil, too, must exist therein. Beyond, or after, a certain level/point/perspective, even `evil' is understood as necessary.
Aha! Do unto others...Remember?Aha, judge not! Remember? (It's that one called, `The Holy Bible.' Yeah, right there on the shelf. Or at least, I thought that was the advice the man gave ...
Considering I have been, now I am waiting for you to catch up.You do your share, I'll do mine. And if one of us has to pick up the slack, I won't fight you for it.
Yeah, I've heard that line from a couple of different sources. All of which I question..."which god?"
Could it not be you are the presumptuous one?
I question because I think for myself. If those thoughts are not in line with yours, given to you by whatever choice of book you read today, that does not mean I am wrong. At least my thoughts are my own, and I will answer for them personally.Perhaps. Perhaps not. It is all moot now.
I haven't "blamed" anybody. I mentioned historic fact. Perhaps I should have added the caveat that it was wartime, and the balance of the equation was that a million American lives potentially were saved, not to mention how many Japanese lives may have ultimately been saved. Germany had already surrendered, the axis did not have the unmolested facilities to pursue nuclear ambitions beyond simple experiments. It was enough to frighten the allies and for the US to start the Manhattan project, but the simple truth is that it would not have developed in Germany under the circumstances anyway...too many parts from too diverse sources getting bombed on a regular basis.Don't blame God, blame man.
What, me cynical? At least I am forthright when I am being jaded or cynical to allow the reader to know. "Peace has to wait?" But this seems so contrary to what you have preached in the past, Andrew. So, what I have suspected all along is true, that you would kill me and any like me to further your Theosophist agenda? Because we disagree?
The difference being I am not looking to take your free will away, and even make accommodation for it...whereas you it would seem see things quite a bit differently.(hey, don't look to me for a crowbar - I ain't TOUCHIN' this one!!! FREE WILL, juan!
Hmmm, I believe that an ultimate Reality encompasses all things, all beings, all possibilities. So if the "Divine" is the ultimate, then evil, too, must exist therein. Beyond, or after, a certain level/point/perspective, even `evil' is understood as necessary.
Man benefits mankind by treating fellow man as Brother. Man ceases to say, "I am not my Brother's Keeper," and - while realizing and accepting the limit of one's capabilities, and respecting his Brother's Karma/Dharmic opportunity (including `Free Will') ... he is nonetheless willing - to lay down his life, for his Brother.
Is laying down one's life for another any less than helping to `Keep' that person?
How contradictory?!Aha, toot the horn of self, and that's perfectly fine - but you see, I AM only interested in the "internal Joshua."
We may disagree, but my job is to call all men, BROTHER.
And yeah, that's AFTER you spit in my face, step on my feet, HIT me a time or two ...
... or EIGHT, or EIGHT HUNDRED ...
... or Q, AFTER you nail me to a tree, or pierce my side, or curse me, hate me, revile me.
Christ is the ever-hated, ever-loved, ever-Loving ...
but Christ NEVER "hates."
You make it seem as though you are the one being persecuted (who is in whose garden?) while you just finished stating that sometimes, I presume when suitable to yourself, the minority (presumably Christians, or at least those like me who disagree with you) are expendable. Since when do you rate the persecution card? What gives you merit to hold a persecution complex as a Theosophist? I don't even play that card...I think its a cheap shot and a coward's way out...but I least I can understand it in some situations. Not yours.