Blog #8

Blog #8

I want to talk about the Qur’an today.  I don’t understand why a simple book can create a community with so much hate and anger.  Sure, we all have things to be angry about in our lives.  But this book seems to really get people going.  From the stories that we read in class about Satan and Mary, it seems very similar to stories out of the Catholic bible or other similar bibles.

Now I understand that not everyone who reads this book becomes angry.  But, it seems it is the reason or excuse for a lot of destruction in the world.  Is it a purely a cultural or ethnic thing or is it from the readings of the Qur’an?  How can the world change the ideas of the people that wish pain and destruction of other innocent people?

Maybe it is time for a re-read.  In my mind, the bible, the Qur’an, etc. are set up to create peace and a more civilized planet.  Muslims are not the only people guilty of using the bible for death and destruction.  The Catholic religion was built on a sea of blood.  It is just that in this modern day world, I think that killing using the excuse of any God is barbaric.

The Matrix

Is the truth always best?  What would the majority of humans do if woken from the matrix? If truth isn’t always best what does that mean for reality, truth, right and wrong?

The truth isn’t always the best.  Whether that is as simple as your partner asking if they look fat in that outfit, or the behind the scenes happenings on a daily basis with the government foreign affairs or domestic actions. .  What is important is INTENTION.  What is your intent when you were less than honest.  When you told your partner he/she looked great, was it to make a fool of them or to give them confidence to go out that evening. 

As far as the government and their dealings behind the scenes, are they hiding information or lying simply to take advantage of the American people or are the things they must do to protect us from things that we could not comprehend and still live our daily lives?

I would have considered myself for the longest time a person who thought in black and white.  Truth and lies, right and wrong, even what was reality to me was very simple.  Life isn’t like that…black and white are a simple outline of the LARGE grey area in which we live.  The Hero’s struggle in searching for his path or finding the way is which road to take!  Life is full of simple and difficult decisions everyday and it is those that can look forward while living in the now to see the ramifications of our choices , and choose the right action .

Neo’s power comes from his ability to see outside the box and and recognize the situation for what it really is.  The matrix is a creation and can be modified when necessary.

To "Think" Or Not To "Think"

Blog # 5

While I’ve never thought of myself as much of a “hero”, I do consider myself a “thinker”.  While there are examples of formalized positions in every culture, like high priests and informal examples, like monks, I believe that it is the everyday “thinker” that can have an impact on the world.

There is a reason they call it Confucian. Lol  Why make it difficult?  As an everyday “thinker”, I simply follow the golden rule.  While this rule is most commonly known by me from Christianity, and I’m not the biggest fan, it is the simplest way to describe what I believe.  “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”

How does it feel when someone holds open the door for you?  Gives you a compliment on your hair or outfit?  Let’s you take the parking space or move into the next lane on the highway.  If it feels good, and you focus on the joy of creating that joy for someone else, life can be pretty peaceful. ;)   Karma, Budism, and  heck, every religion I can think of discuss this simple process.  Many religions go on to create colorful and strange rules to achieve this process, but I believe that goes against the Dao, or the way. 

By creating levels and rules, it closes down the possibility for unique thought.  And here is a kickin’ thought for you.  While I truly believe that there are some, even, many people, that are unaware and move about life blindly, I also think that there are some that are aware but use this information for things less than good and more selfishly.  They have used their power of influence, talents, and charm in a way that creates chaos and harm rather than peace and harmony.  And I believe some of these people have achieved positions that can create much harm.  By putting people in a position where they are forced to struggle for survival every day, instead of being able to plan, dream and work for a future, it gives them no time to reflect or even understand what is really happening around them. 

A personal example that I have reflected on in my life was a strong ying/yang relationship.   I like to reflect and focus on the way, how to be a better person and impact the world positively. (I, by no means think I am a perfect or better person, but work towards these ideals)  Anyway, it wasn’t until after this destructive relationship ended, that I realized I was getting lip service from this yang about being positive and creating a better world, he was sabotaging and negative at every turn.

Hmmm….my points?  One is that possibly everyone lives by the golden rule, but has different expectations on how they believe they should be treated.  I which case, they should reflect more on that if they want a greater outcome for themselves.  Also, that I don’t think that quantity replaces quality when it comes to how to live your life.  But, while I feel the colorful passages that we have read may be unnecessary, it has caused me to think and reflect which may be by design.