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“Wisdom is your perspective on life, your sense of balance, your understanding of how the various parts and principles apply and relate to each other. It embraces judgment, discernment, comprehension. It is a gestalt or oneness, and integrated wholeness.” – Stephen R. Covey
Finding a large enough stick always seems to help get one’s life balanced, and if not it can make a big splash.
Follow God by the Way of the Cross | Gospel Movie "Perilous Is the Road to the Heavenly Kingdom"
www.holyspiritspeaks.org/videos/perilous-is-the-road-to-t...
Follow God by the Way of the Cross | Gospel Movie "Perilous Is the Road to the Heavenly Kingdom"
Christian Zhong Xin is a preacher in a house church in mainland China. He leads his brothers and sisters to investigate the true way and determines that Almighty God is the return of the Lord Jesus</a. However, some are perplexed by the CCP government's and religious circle's mad resistance to and condemnation of The Church of Almighty God. By reading the words of Almighty God, and by listening to the fellowship of witnesses from The Church of Almighty God, they understand the root cause of mankind's defiance of God, they see clearly why the road to the kingdom of heaven is full of hardships, and they come to have discernment about the truth-hating, God-opposing essence of the CCP's satanic regime and the leaders of the religious world. At last, people such as Zhong Xin have resolutely accepted Almighty God's kingdom gospel.
Once upon a time, and indeed, a very long time ago, there lived a tiny bird. He lived in a village surrounded by magnificent, fertile land. His presence throughout the village in which he called home, however, went entirely unnoticed. Everyday, the tiny bird woke up, and with renewed vigour set out to accomplish the sole task of trying to make the village people acknowledge him. Everyday, he failed. His tactics, though stellar, and quite unselfish, and well conceived, proved unsuccessful. The tiny bird never gave up though. Tomorrow was another opportunity to fulfill his quest.
Despite his insignificance, the tiny bird lived a validated life, and thus, happily, with much fulfillment amongst the village people. He loved them so.
The tiny bird resided in a particularly tall tree that towered high above the rooftops and from a small hollow, he could while away the hours of the day and watch with very keen interest, and growing admiration, the comings, and goings on of the bustling village.
There was always a flurry of activity down below. As time passed, the tiny bird was able to decipher different families, and learn their individual idiosyncrasies. He knew who belonged to who. He saw their routines, and could predict with accuracy the events that would unfold every day.
The regime began in the early hours of the morning.
The men, having had their fill of hot porridge and tea, would leave the sleepy village and with quiet stealth head for the fields.
Every night they would return, tired and bedraggled from the days labour. They jostled, and laughed with each other as they made their way back home, anticipating, with great eagerness, the satisfying meal that would be waiting for them.
The tiny bird watched as the women folk would gather in the courtyard every morning. They would trade their abundance of wares with each other. One woman baked pies; another bread; another bartered her exquisite quilts. Friendly, and polite conversation ensued as the women quickly negotiated. It was a finely tuned, orchestrated event, and the tiny bird marvelled at the speed in which it took place. Time was valuable, and there was much to do back at home before the men returned.
Everyone had a role in the community - even the children. They too, had expectations to fulfill in this wonderfully scripted performance. Daily chores included milking of the cows, and goats, gathering of eggs, sweeping, and collecting wood for the fire that would eventually greet their fathers home. After the chores were completed the children did what children do - they played.
The tiny bird took immense pleasure as a spectator during this time of the day. He sat high up in the tree, watching the noisy, liberated joy, and the camaraderie the children shared with each other. It was the best time of the day.
Everyone participated - except one. Her name was Maggie. He could not figure out why, but the children treated her differently, or rather, ignored her. She did not take part in the games. It wasn’t for lack of trying. The children neglected to include her and every time she made motions to join in, they rejected her. Consequently, Maggie would sit in quiet resignation, and watch with longing as her peers frolicked about.
It tore the tiny bird apart to see the same scenario replay everyday. It caused him much anguish as he witnessed the injustice that the children administered, and with such callous, flippant disregard. He could not understand how this could happen in his happy, perfect village. He grew to love Maggie and watched her in silent fellowship.
It was very early one morning when the tiny bird woke up. He recognized that he was losing the joy in his life, and that the reasons for getting up in the morning were slowly diminishing. Nevertheless, he was at a loss as to what he could do to make a difference in Maggie’s life. The tiny bird was tiny but he had great wisdom and discernment. He knew that he could not continue living with so much anger and resentment towards the children. They were foolish and ignorant as to the pain they inflicted on one of their very own. He looked down at his beloved village. It was so quiet. He watched as the smoke from every chimney silently curled upward, then merge, dancing as one ethereal plume and drift off into the early morn.
It did not take very much longer for the sleeping villagers to finish the last of their dreams, and as the sun heralded another day the village awoke. With purpose, the villager’s routine began to unfold.
The men left. The women attended to their trades. The children finished their chores, and began to congregate. One by one, they emerged from their homes, and filled the village square with much anticipation, and enthusiasm.
Maggie appeared. The tiny bird watched her, as she, like a hundred times before, tried to engage with the children in their playtime. Again, they snubbed her.
Downcast, Maggie walked away and leaned against a fence post, and once again, resumed her position as spectator.
The tiny bird was incensed. Enough was enough! He flew from the hollow in the tree. Like an angry lightening bolt, and with the same intent to inflict, he dove down into the children.
Up and down he pelted his rage upon them. Over and over he dove. However, it was to no avail! The children did not see him - after-all, he was just a tiny bird.
Utterly depleted, the tiny bird flew over to the fence post where Maggie stood alone. He looked at her. To his disbelief, Maggie looked back at him, and for the very first time, he knew that she could see him!
She clapped her hands in glee. The tiny bird was smitten. He was so elated that he took a deep breathe and puffed up his chest as much as he could. He opened his tiny beak and to his utter dismay the sweetest song came belting out from deep within the depths of his tiny heart. He could not believe it! His very first song! Oh such joy! Maggie stood, with wonder, and delight, as she watched the tiny bird sing - just for her.
In time, the tiny bird recognized that he could not make the village children accountable, nor could he change them. He knew in their ignorance they did not have the eyes to see, the ears to hear or possess hearts with the capacity for unconditional love.
Perhaps, one day, that would change…
So it was - everyday, as morning broke across the horizon, the tiny bird would rise up from the safety of his hollow, and perch himself on a tree just outside of Maggie’s bedroom window. He would puff up his tiny chest with as much tenacity as he could muster, and sing his tiny song to Maggie, and he did that, for the rest of his tiny life.
(Published in Photo Technique, Spring 2013)
If you're reading this as an active photographer, just what is it that captivates you about a particular scene and causes you to depress that shutter button? How do you then manifest and convey your message to the future viewer?
As a newly contributing photographer/author at landscapephotographymagazine.com/, this is something I've been musing over recently in the freshly created blog section - which is a subscription free area. If interested, you can read some of my thoughts on the subject at landscapephotographymagazine.com/2011/why-take-that-shot/. I'll spare you a word by word repetition here, but suffice to say I find myself rejecting far more potential images these days purely down to what is (I hope!) an increasing sense of discernment. Please note this doesn't necessarily mean I'm producing better final shots, but I do believe it leads me to take fewer mediocre and downright bad ones...
Remember the days when you first started out with your shiny new camera, how you could seemingly turn full cirlcle and fire off an image to all points of the compass? Admittedly I'm exaggerating a little here, but hopefully you too have found your photographic approach has slowed - at least in terms of that memory card filling at a rate of knots! The trade off for me, and many of you too I'm sure, is I now give much more consideration to precisely what it is I seek to commit to and draw from each image. This I think is where today's generation of digital photographers are perhaps at a disadvantage in learning the disciplines of photography. Before digital, film was a commodity that caused people to slow down - if only because there was an inherent financial cost (it doesn't matter how small - it's a psychological factor) to each exposed negative. People cut their teeth on film, and then embraced digital partly because, well, partly because we all like new toys... Today, the perception is that each click of the button is essentially free, hence it's all too easy to run amok like frenzied paparazzi at a premiere - finger permanently twitching! Now I'm not suggesting there isn't a pay-off in omitting the trials and tribulations of film altogether, far from it. There are many advantages, the most significant being it's much easier with digital to learn from your mistakes there and then on the spot.
Eventually, no matter what your platform, and if you care about your art and have a level of passion you arrive at an interesting stage - which brings me back to the questions I raised at the beginning.
One of the greatest satisfactions I draw from an image is having someone else view it, and that person being able to instantly identify why I shot it. This might be a profusion of line, a repetition of pattern, a certain perspective or symmetry, a quality of light or something more subtle altogether. Nuances, if you like. Can you guess what drew me to the scene above I wonder, or did I unfairly taint your perception with my title..?
On an unrelated note, I'm really excited to have my 'Teignmouth Speed' shot (elsewhere on my photostream) shortlisted - somewhere in the final 28 of this year's landscape section of www.photoradar.com/photographer-of-the-year. Please wish me luck!
lousy photo but wanted to document the day the sandhill cranes flew overhead - would have missed them had I not hear their strange call
Justices, longevity, feminine energies, gives proper focus in all endeavors. Crane shows you the wonder of creation through dancing, music, inner and outer beauty of the self and the world. Opportunities for social settings and activities that are done in large groups may appear. Groups may provide inspiration, creativity and mental/emotional support. Crane shows how to vocalize and express oneself eloquently. Crane shows truths and aids in personal discernment. He will show how to watch over and protect others by relying on your intuitional senses. A diet change may be needed. Are you eating a balanced diet? Crane shows the art of body language and how important of a role it plays in communication. Watch and listen. Be aware of what others are doing and not saying. He will help you examine your close relationships in order to create bonds or finally break them. It may 2 or 3 years for Crane's lessons, including relationships, to be fully mature.
William James Glackens (Philadelphia, March 13, 1870 - Westport, May 22, 1938) - anemones and oranges (1929-30) oil on canvas - SDMA San Diego Museum of Art
Glackens fu uno del "Gruppo degli otto" (The Eight), i fondatori della Ash Can School, movimento di pittura realistica (spesso confuso con il "gruppo degli otto" (The Eights) fondato da Robert Henri). Si interessò molto all'impressionismo, subendone palesemente l'influenza, e trascorse molto tempo in Europa. La sua conoscenza della pittura e il suo acuto discernimento fece di lui uno dei consiglieri influenti di Albert C. Barnes, per la sua collezione di quadri.
Glackens was one of the "Group of Eight" (The Eight), the founders of the Ash Can School, a realist painting movement (often confused with the "Group of Eight" (The Eights) founded by Robert Henri). He was very interested in Impressionism, clearly influenced by it, and spent much time in Europe. His knowledge of painting and keen discernment made him one of Albert C. Barnes' influential advisors on his collection of paintings.
I ask You neither for health nor for sickness, for life nor for death; but that You may dispose of my health and my sickness, my life and my death, for Your glory… You alone know what is expedient for me; You are the sovereign master, do with me according to Your will. Give to me, or take away from me, only conform my will to Yours. I know but one thing, Lord, that it is good to follow You, and bad to offend You. Apart from that, I know not what is good or bad in anything. I know not which is most profitable to me, health or sickness, wealth or poverty, nor anything else in the world. That discernment is beyond the power of men or angels, and is hidden among the secrets of Your providence, which I adore, but so not seek to fathom. - Blaise Pascal
Follow God by the Way of the Cross | Gospel Movie "Perilous Is the Road to the Heavenly Kingdom"
www.holyspiritspeaks.org/videos/perilous-is-the-road-to-t...
Follow God by the Way of the Cross | Gospel Movie "Perilous Is the Road to the Heavenly Kingdom"
Christian Zhong Xin is a preacher in a house church in mainland China. He leads his brothers and sisters to investigate the true way and determines that Almighty God is the return of the Lord Jesus</a. However, some are perplexed by the CCP government's and religious circle's mad resistance to and condemnation of The Church of Almighty God. By reading the words of Almighty God, and by listening to the fellowship of witnesses from The Church of Almighty God, they understand the root cause of mankind's defiance of God, they see clearly why the road to the kingdom of heaven is full of hardships, and they come to have discernment about the truth-hating, God-opposing essence of the CCP's satanic regime and the leaders of the religious world. At last, people such as Zhong Xin have resolutely accepted Almighty God's kingdom gospel.
Wisdom is your perspective on life, your sense of balance, your understanding of how the various parts and principles apply and relate to each other. It embraces judgment, discernment, comprehension. It is a gestalt or oneness, and integrated wholeness.
~ Stephen R. Covey (author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People)
Beautiful view of the river while on board a "floating restaurant".
Loboc River, Bohol, Philippines
Next day, on 12th of October, in the morning we visited Hemis Monastery again for a detailed study. This time I photographed many of the mural paintings and some fine wooden works inside the monastery. Many of the paintings reflected an unique mixing of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Hemis Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery (gompa) of the Drukpa Lineage, located in Hemis, Ladakh, India. Situated 45 km from Leh, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Hemis Monastery existed before the 11th century and was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. The annual Hemis festival honoring Padmasambhava is held here in early June.
Terma and tertöns : The essence of Tebetan Buddhism.
Padmasambhava (lit. "Lotus-Born"), also known as Guru Rinpoche, is a literary character of terma (Terma or "hidden treasure"- are key Tibetan Buddhist teaching, which the tradition holds were originally esoterically hidden by various adepts such as Padmasambhava and his consorts, in the 8th century for future discovery at auspicious times by other adepts, known as tertöns. As such, they represent a tradition of continuous revelation in Tibetan Buddhism. Termas are a part of Tantric Literature. Tradition holds that terma may be a physical object such as a text or ritual implement that is buried in the ground (or earth), hidden in a rock or crystal, secreted in a herb, or a tree, hidden in a lake (or water), or hidden in the sky (space). Though a literal understanding of terma is "hidden treasure", and sometimes objects are hidden away, the teachings associated should be understood as being “concealed within the mind of the guru”, that is, the true place of concealment is in the tertön's mindstream. If the concealed or encoded teaching or object is a text, it is often written in dakini script: a non-human type of code or writing).
Terma is an emanation of Amitabha (Amitābha or Amideva, is a celestial buddha described in the scriptures of the Mahāyāna school of Buddhism. Amitābha is the principal buddha in the Pure Land sect, a branch of Buddhism practiced mainly in East Asia, while in Vajrayana Amitābha is known for his longevity attribute, magnetising red fire element, the aggregate of discernment, pure perception and the deep awareness of emptiness of phenomena. According to these scriptures, Amitābha possesses infinite merits resulting from good deeds over countless past lives as a bodhisattva named Dharmakāra. "Amitābha" is translatable as "Infinite Light," hence Amitābha is also called "The Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light" ).
Terma that is said to appear to tertons (A tertön is a discoverer of ancient texts or terma in Tibetan Buddhism) in visionary encounters and a focus of Tibetan Buddhist practice (Tibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet, Mongolia, Tuva, Bhutan, Kalmykia and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, and India (particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Dharamsala, Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim. It is also practiced in Northeast China. Religious texts and commentaries are contained in the Tibetan Buddhist canon such that Tibetan is a spiritual language of these areas. The Tibetan diaspora has spread Tibetan Buddhism to many Western countries, where the tradition has gained popularity. Among its prominent exponents is the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. The number of its adherents is estimated to be between ten and twenty million).
History
Hemis Monastery existed before the 11th century. Naropa, the pupil of the yogi Tilopa, and teacher of the translator Marpa is connected with this monastery. A translation was made by A. Grünwedel (Nӑro und Tilo,: Festschrift Ernst Kuhn, München 1916) of Naropa's biography that was found in Hemis monastery.
In this manuscript Naropa (or Naro) meets the "dark blue" (Skr.: nila: dark blue or black) Tilopa (or Tillo), a tantric master, who gives Naropa 12 "great" and 12 "small" tasks to do in order to enlighten him to the inherent emptiness/illusoriness of all things. Naropa is depicted as the "abbott of Nalanda" (F. Wilhelm, Prüfung und Initiation im Buche Pausya und in der Biographie des Naropa, Wiesbaden 1965, p. 70), the university-monastery in today's Bihar, India, that flourished until the sacking by Turkish and Afghan Muslim forces. This sacking must have been the driving force behind Naropa's peregrination in the direction of Hemis. After Naropa and Tilopa met in Hemis they travelled back in the direction of a certain monastery in the now no longer existing kingdom of Maghada, called Otantra which has been identified as today's Otantapuri. Naropa is consered the founding father of the Kagyu-lineage of the Himalayan esoteric Buddhism. Hence Hemis is the main seat of the Kagyu lineage of Buddhism.
In 1894 Russian journalist Nicolas Notovitch claimed Hemis as the origin of an otherwise unknown gospel, the Life of Saint Issa, Best of the Sons of Men, in which Jesus is said to have traveled to India during his "lost years." According to Notovitch, the work had been preserved in the Hemis library, and was shown to him by the monks there while he was recuperating from a broken leg. But once his story had been re-examined by historians, Notovitch confessed to having fabricated the evidence. Bart D. Ehrman states that "Today there is not a single recognized scholar on the planet who has any doubts about the matter. The entire story was invented by Notovitch, who earned a good deal of money and a substantial amount of notoriety for his hoax". However, the Indian Pandit Swami Abhedananda also claims to have read the same manuscript, and published his account of viewing it after his visit to Hemis in 1921. Abhedananda claims on the book jacket that it was translated for him with the help of a "local Lama interpreter." In the same vein, Notovich did not initially translate the manuscript, but reported his Sherpa guide did so as Notovitch could not read the original text. Notovich's version of the manuscript was translated from Tibetan to Russian to French to English. According to Swami Abhedananda's account, his Lama's translation was equivalent to the one published by Notovich. The Gutenberg Project has published the entire manuscript as a free ebook.
Hemis Festival
The Hemis Festival is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) venerated as the Dance Performance at Hemis Monastery representative reincarnate of Buddha. He is believed to have been born on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Monkey year as predicted by the Buddha Shakyamuni. It is also believed that his life mission was, and remains, to improve the spiritual condition of all living beings. And so on this day, which comes once in a cycle of 12 years, Hemis observes a major extravaganza in his memory. The observance of these sacred rituals is believed to give spiritual strength and good health. The Hemis festival takes place in the rectangular courtyard in front of the main door of the monastery. The space is wide and open save two raised square platforms, three feet high with a sacred pole in the center. A raised dias with a richly cushioned seat with a finely painted small Tibetan table is placed with the ceremonial items - cups full of holy water, uncooked rice, tormas made of dough and butter and incense sticks. A number of musicians play the traditional music with four pairs of cymbals, large-pan drums, small trumpets and large size wind instruments. Next to them, a small space is assigned for the lamas to sit.
The ceremonies begin with an early morning ritual atop the Gompa where, to the beat of drums and the resounding clash of cymbals and the spiritual wail of pipes, the portrait of "Dadmokarpo" or "Rygyalsras Rimpoche" is then ceremoniously put on display for all to admire and worship.
The most esoteric of festivities are the mystic mask dances. The Mask Dances of Ladakh are referred collectively as chams Performance. Chams performance is essentially a part of Tantric tradition, performed only in those gompas which follow the Tantric Vajrayana teachings and the monks perform tantric worship.
Source: Wikipedia and others.
I realize that some people cannot stand the Light and the Heat....in my Eyes.......and they must disable comments.......but I love them anyway. 💞
I have come to realize......
Nobilities, indecencies, heroic impulses, cowardly ravings, good and bad, white and black — the mystery of mysteries, the central island of nescience in a sea of science, the dark spot in the lighted room of knowledge, the unknown quantity, the X in the universal problem.
Dr. Frank Crane
I remember sneaking off to a Taco Bell on Buford Highway or a to the Dairy Queen over in Tucker to deep dive into this classic by Saint Louis de Montfort. It triggered all my anti-Marian bias, but as I read it alongside Newman's Mary, The Second Eve, I was able to keep pace. By the time I finished both books I was decidedly Marian in my beliefs. It would take me a couple more years to better understand beliefs like the Immaculate Conception, but i was well on my way. At this time I was still attending a Methodist Church and a fellow at a nearby Cokesbury store used to jokingly call me the Marian Methodist. In less than three years I would finally be confirmed. What amazing days those were.
oil painting on canvas panel; 5x7"; SOLD
Cheerful, bird of truth, mind mysteries, joy, heals/balances/opens perceptions, teaches about voicing impressions and expressions. Titmouse teaches to use our voice and the immense power of small things and with small ideas. Titmouse teaches courage and empowerment along with being bold with discernment. A natural curiosity awakens your senses and surroundings. Pay attention to social settings. He teaches the art of flexibility. Incubation for development is 6-8 weeks time. Are you sharing your thoughts and opinions right now? Titmouse can show how to express ideals with timing.
"Everyone needs a place to rest, a time to rejuvenate and restore your soul. A soul without rest is vulnerable to doubt, disease, and dread. Without soul care, you risk being ineffective for the long term. So, allow your soul to catch up with your activity through rest. A restless soul loses hope and perspective.
Stop right now and take an audit of your soul. Is it strung out and anxious? If so, rearrange your schedule for rest before it rearranges you. A non-restful pace is unsustainable, and a restful place is necessary to persevere. Do not fall for the false feeling that activity somehow equals progress or success. Without rest, you are going nowhere fast. If you intensify the pace, you are going nowhere, faster.
Rest allows you to re-calibrate your priorities and replenish your cistern of creativity. Your work rhythms may require a day with no scheduled appointments. Indeed, each resting place looks different, depending on your need. For example, your resting place may be the quiet screened porch, where you relax with a cup of coffee and a good book.
For someone else, a resting place may be a comfortable couch, where they nap to the steady beat of raindrops pelting the rooftop. It can be the park where you walk with your best friend, a secluded drive in the countryside, or an adventurous exploration of the great Pacific Northwest. Whether your resting place is the beach, the mountains, or in front of a good movie, make time to engage with it. God speaks to you in your place of rest. This is one of His favorite spots to shape your soul.
Furthermore, your resting place allows you to resist temptation. Fatigue causes you to stumble and fall through life. If you are working through exhaustion, you may be missing God. A lethargic life struggles to listen to God, and a heart worn down from weariness has a hard time hearing His voice. A depleted spirit is not primed for discernment, and decision-making during duress can be dreadful.
Therefore, go away to a resting place. Find God and find yourself under the canopy of His creation. A resting place is your protection from yourself, from evil influences, and from lost perspective. Above all else, your resting place reveals God in a refreshing way. His program takes on a new priority in His place of rest. Your confidence is resurrected. Your trust takes on a new level of intensity. Your patience leads to a deeper understanding of what it means to wait on the God.
A resting place is for your sake and His. It is necessary to experience God’s very best for you and your family. Discover your resting place in prayer, and go there often. Repentance follows rest, and robust relationships result from rest. Your best and most creative ideas emerge from relaxed meditation on God. Wisdom resides in rest."
“God will speak to this people, to whom He said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest” Isaiah 28:11 b
(from Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey, )
Hope your weekend is filled with "fun and rest" and "rest in your fun", my very talented friends! Enjoy Him, cause' He sure enjoys YOU! : )
Photoshopped. Canvas textured.
Next day, on 12th of October, in the morning we visited Hemis Monastery again for a detailed study. This time I photographed many of the mural paintings and some fine wooden works inside the monastery. Many of the paintings reflected an unique mixing of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Hemis Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery (gompa) of the Drukpa Lineage, located in Hemis, Ladakh, India. Situated 45 km from Leh, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Hemis Monastery existed before the 11th century and was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. The annual Hemis festival honoring Padmasambhava is held here in early June.
Terma and tertöns : The essence of Tebetan Buddhism.
Padmasambhava (lit. "Lotus-Born"), also known as Guru Rinpoche, is a literary character of terma (Terma or "hidden treasure"- are key Tibetan Buddhist teaching, which the tradition holds were originally esoterically hidden by various adepts such as Padmasambhava and his consorts, in the 8th century for future discovery at auspicious times by other adepts, known as tertöns. As such, they represent a tradition of continuous revelation in Tibetan Buddhism. Termas are a part of Tantric Literature. Tradition holds that terma may be a physical object such as a text or ritual implement that is buried in the ground (or earth), hidden in a rock or crystal, secreted in a herb, or a tree, hidden in a lake (or water), or hidden in the sky (space). Though a literal understanding of terma is "hidden treasure", and sometimes objects are hidden away, the teachings associated should be understood as being “concealed within the mind of the guru”, that is, the true place of concealment is in the tertön's mindstream. If the concealed or encoded teaching or object is a text, it is often written in dakini script: a non-human type of code or writing).
Terma is an emanation of Amitabha (Amitābha or Amideva, is a celestial buddha described in the scriptures of the Mahāyāna school of Buddhism. Amitābha is the principal buddha in the Pure Land sect, a branch of Buddhism practiced mainly in East Asia, while in Vajrayana Amitābha is known for his longevity attribute, magnetising red fire element, the aggregate of discernment, pure perception and the deep awareness of emptiness of phenomena. According to these scriptures, Amitābha possesses infinite merits resulting from good deeds over countless past lives as a bodhisattva named Dharmakāra. "Amitābha" is translatable as "Infinite Light," hence Amitābha is also called "The Buddha of Immeasurable Life and Light" ).
Terma that is said to appear to tertons (A tertön is a discoverer of ancient texts or terma in Tibetan Buddhism) in visionary encounters and a focus of Tibetan Buddhist practice (Tibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet, Mongolia, Tuva, Bhutan, Kalmykia and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, and India (particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Dharamsala, Lahaul and Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim. It is also practiced in Northeast China. Religious texts and commentaries are contained in the Tibetan Buddhist canon such that Tibetan is a spiritual language of these areas. The Tibetan diaspora has spread Tibetan Buddhism to many Western countries, where the tradition has gained popularity. Among its prominent exponents is the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. The number of its adherents is estimated to be between ten and twenty million).
History
Hemis Monastery existed before the 11th century. Naropa, the pupil of the yogi Tilopa, and teacher of the translator Marpa is connected with this monastery. A translation was made by A. Grünwedel (Nӑro und Tilo,: Festschrift Ernst Kuhn, München 1916) of Naropa's biography that was found in Hemis monastery.
In this manuscript Naropa (or Naro) meets the "dark blue" (Skr.: nila: dark blue or black) Tilopa (or Tillo), a tantric master, who gives Naropa 12 "great" and 12 "small" tasks to do in order to enlighten him to the inherent emptiness/illusoriness of all things. Naropa is depicted as the "abbott of Nalanda" (F. Wilhelm, Prüfung und Initiation im Buche Pausya und in der Biographie des Naropa, Wiesbaden 1965, p. 70), the university-monastery in today's Bihar, India, that flourished until the sacking by Turkish and Afghan Muslim forces. This sacking must have been the driving force behind Naropa's peregrination in the direction of Hemis. After Naropa and Tilopa met in Hemis they travelled back in the direction of a certain monastery in the now no longer existing kingdom of Maghada, called Otantra which has been identified as today's Otantapuri. Naropa is consered the founding father of the Kagyu-lineage of the Himalayan esoteric Buddhism. Hence Hemis is the main seat of the Kagyu lineage of Buddhism.
In 1894 Russian journalist Nicolas Notovitch claimed Hemis as the origin of an otherwise unknown gospel, the Life of Saint Issa, Best of the Sons of Men, in which Jesus is said to have traveled to India during his "lost years." According to Notovitch, the work had been preserved in the Hemis library, and was shown to him by the monks there while he was recuperating from a broken leg. But once his story had been re-examined by historians, Notovitch confessed to having fabricated the evidence. Bart D. Ehrman states that "Today there is not a single recognized scholar on the planet who has any doubts about the matter. The entire story was invented by Notovitch, who earned a good deal of money and a substantial amount of notoriety for his hoax". However, the Indian Pandit Swami Abhedananda also claims to have read the same manuscript, and published his account of viewing it after his visit to Hemis in 1921. Abhedananda claims on the book jacket that it was translated for him with the help of a "local Lama interpreter." In the same vein, Notovich did not initially translate the manuscript, but reported his Sherpa guide did so as Notovitch could not read the original text. Notovich's version of the manuscript was translated from Tibetan to Russian to French to English. According to Swami Abhedananda's account, his Lama's translation was equivalent to the one published by Notovich. The Gutenberg Project has published the entire manuscript as a free ebook.
Hemis Festival
The Hemis Festival is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) venerated as the Dance Performance at Hemis Monastery representative reincarnate of Buddha. He is believed to have been born on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Monkey year as predicted by the Buddha Shakyamuni. It is also believed that his life mission was, and remains, to improve the spiritual condition of all living beings. And so on this day, which comes once in a cycle of 12 years, Hemis observes a major extravaganza in his memory. The observance of these sacred rituals is believed to give spiritual strength and good health. The Hemis festival takes place in the rectangular courtyard in front of the main door of the monastery. The space is wide and open save two raised square platforms, three feet high with a sacred pole in the center. A raised dias with a richly cushioned seat with a finely painted small Tibetan table is placed with the ceremonial items - cups full of holy water, uncooked rice, tormas made of dough and butter and incense sticks. A number of musicians play the traditional music with four pairs of cymbals, large-pan drums, small trumpets and large size wind instruments. Next to them, a small space is assigned for the lamas to sit.
The ceremonies begin with an early morning ritual atop the Gompa where, to the beat of drums and the resounding clash of cymbals and the spiritual wail of pipes, the portrait of "Dadmokarpo" or "Rygyalsras Rimpoche" is then ceremoniously put on display for all to admire and worship.
The most esoteric of festivities are the mystic mask dances. The Mask Dances of Ladakh are referred collectively as chams Performance. Chams performance is essentially a part of Tantric tradition, performed only in those gompas which follow the Tantric Vajrayana teachings and the monks perform tantric worship.
Source: Wikipedia and others.
"For if the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also "
James 2:26
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I don't know if it's appropriate to share it with in this public page, but I am not
mentioning names or make indication who it is. But this is just simply airing
my deepest concerns in writing.
I don't necessarily aim at getting reactions or feedbacks regarding this I wrote.
As it gets so complicated to read and understand this. I'm not even sure if
anyone reads this as I do sometimes skip reading what people put under
their photos when I'm in a hurry . So I knew what it's like . Let's face it,
most of us are having time constraints and I understand it all.
Anyway , maybe it's better few or no one reads this
at all to only misunderstand me or for the worse think I am the
dark villain hiding in white robe. This is simply a form of coping
mechanism I do to ventilate things a little bit more but
maintaining anonymity with the person concern whilst
expressing my stand in the Lord .
I prayed and approached dearly an extended family whom I thought has gone astray
from walking with God. This person was used to be born-again Christian, we go
in the same church , we were baptized underwater together as a group . But
now this person was completely transformed to a different persona than what
she used to be. She go to night clubs, heavy partying with the ungodly friends,
and from her posted pictures alone , is worrying me , as they surely weren't
something of familiar modesty and of anyone living walking with the
ways of God. Base from my observations alone, it gets me burdened
of this person for some time .
After this person's crumbled marriage , then followed few failed relationships.
Then being in a live-in relationship right now , is just like submitting to the
commands of the devil over-again, another fornication on the plate .
It another defeat coming on this person .We can't always with
live chronically lying too. Having continually /wilfully sinning in life is making
portals of darkness and demons to oppress our lives. Having known
the commandments of God , this person is aware of what she's doing .
My heart broke of how this person have gone through . Instead of knowing
it is the time to cling on to the Lord closer , rather it gets her farther and
farther from the Lord. I am not condemning but we have to judge
righteously as we are told - that from my discernments this person
needs pure deliverance .
An unmarried union still fall under fornication . I am deeply saddened
this person has completely backslidden from God.
As believers we are told in the Book of Isaiah that we have the accountability
of warning people whose ways are doomed to the pits of hell if they would not
repent. Being a christian like many us are and claim to be , we should not remain
like an undercover agent - an under cover christian . Many do shy
away or are embarrassed to say the name of Jesus so they can please people
and gain approval of the world . You see many Christians- to- be are friends
of the world. Some take on the ideas of political correctness , moral relativism
which eradicates moral absolutes , that which is completely contradicting the
commandments of God .
If we don't warn our love ones according to God's ways, we
have their blood in our hands because we didn't take our duty to
warn them. Many are men pleasers as most of us are , because we
are afraid to offend and hurt people in case it goes the other way
around. But then we are not pleasing God . We tend to compromise the work
of God by fear of possible retributions from people we love should we interfere.
Giving warnings to people we care about , if all done by pure love , I believe
is our duty as Christians . It's our duty of love if only possible to snatch away
all our loves ones from going to the pits of hell.
We can not force anyone to follow the Lord but we can give encouragements .
Choosing God is a personal decision and individual choice from the heart.
The act of reminding the person you care about is a duty. Should this person perish
then you've washed your hands from your accountability, and you've done your part .
So going back to this extended family member , my cares was taken
badly by this person. Despite how I said it to her with love and gentle words .
She virtually pushed me back and justified herself going to church and still claim
she is a Christian and that God is love and that with God there is peace.
That she said when God is peace, that I should not talk to her like it .
That what I am talking to her wasn't of peace , then it should not be of God.
Then she flush me out / blocked me out. This person is in my prayers of
deliverance .
We can't follow the Lord when one foot also dancing with the world and enjoying
all music offered to devils. Most musicians , bands singing for the world today
are for the world not for the Lord. In fact many do engage with occult practices
dark covenants - yet millions are hooked with their music.
Friendship of the world is an enemy of God, pure and simple.
"You adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that the friendship of the
world is enmity with God? whoever therefore will be a friend of the world is
the enemy of God."
James 4:4
Most churches nowadays are giving sermons about God and His very nature full of
love but they're avoiding sermons of conviction of sins and call for pure repentance.
People with itchy ears like to listen to sermons like this , as everything is ok ,
even then living with the ways of the world is ok, too. These churches have big
followings as people feel comfortable with the sermons . The great apostasy is
happening and many are falling into the trap of world deception and are heading
to pits of hell.
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Interesting Discussions : ( repost )
Tribulation-Now Radio, 14th July 2013 - Alien Human Hybrids Living
Tribulation-Now Radio, 19th June 2013 - Inside the Gates of Heaven with Oden
EXPOSED Satan's Last Days Hybrid Breeding Program - Part 1 Biblical Framework
I strong verse proclaiming the demand of God for us .I like this verse .
If one likes to serve God and do love God with all their hearts, then demonstrate it with your actions that you love God truly .Jesus is coming soon . See the signs as was told in the Bible.
The Spirit of God will guide you if you search truly for truth and ask God .If you are close to the Lord ,you will know time is getting so near .
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DESTRUCTION OF DAMASCUS IS HAPPENING RIGHT IN OUR TIME!
THIS IS ONE OF THE LAST DAYS BIBLICAL PROPHECIES TO BE FULFILLED AND NOW UNDERWAY - for Damscus as heap of ruins.
Are these middleast wars happening today specific and connecting to what Jesus said as signs of His coming - " rumours of wars"in Matthew 24 .
Too many wars happening through the ages between countries ,Kingdoms .
But when this will involve the ordained nation of Israel , my gut feeling says -this is it !
I do feel we are right into the Birth pangs.
Can any external forces stop this conflict in Syria ?
I doubt it . Syria conflict has reached the point of no return .
This prophecy of Damascus has to be fulfilled otherwise what God has told will make Him become a liar.Just observed what happens next --
The Bible stated in the book of Isaiah chaper 17 of the horrible events that will take place in the lands of Israel and Syria. One of these events is the disappearance of Damascus as one of the premiere cities in the world. The oldest continuously inhabited city on the planet, Damascus has witnessed at least 5,000 years of human history, and some historians believe the city actually dates back to the seventh millennium BC. In fact, Paul was on the road to Damascus when Christ first appeared to Him, an event that transformed not only his life, but the course of human history.
To those Christians keeping an eye of events linking to prophecies ,I assume you know these things to happen and I don't doubt this is the one.
“This message came to me concerning Damascus: ‘Look, Damascus will disappear! It will become a heap of ruins. The cities of Aroer will be deserted. Sheep will graze in the streets and lie down unafraid. There will be no one to chase them away. The fortified cities of Israel will also be destroyed, and the power of Damascus will end. The few left in Aram will share the fate of Israel’s departed glory,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 17:1-3 (NLT)
But Israel would never be removed ,the Bible said so.
Though Israel become a burdensome stone ,perhaps of what Israel will do to all those nations on alliance coming to attack her .These gonna happen friends .
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PROPHECY HAPPENING IN OUR TIMES - proves the Bible is the word of God !!!!
HEAVY FIGHTING IN DAMASCUS from Paul Begley
Breaking News - British Forces Invade Assad's Compound - Look into Isaiah 17:1 - not happened ever to Damascus ,now happening in our times !!!!
Mid-East Prophecy Update - June 17th, 2012
Breaking News - Furious Turkey mobilizes tanks, troops to Syrian border
Turkey Tanks At Syria Border, Russia Recognizes Palestine!
Turkey Deploying Tanks on Syrian Border
www.arewelivinginthelastdays.com/articles.htm - good site of the prophecies!
www.arewelivinginthelastdays.com/road/mewar.html - MIDDLEAST WAR
Psalm 83 war - Listen /watch the video .
Turkey Threatens Syria With Retaliation
Carl Gallups on the Rob Schilling Show - LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN EGYPT - Shocking!
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Christian views of the prophecies and end time events happening :
The Watchers 2: Signs In The Heavens and the Earth - by Dr. Marzulli
Breaking News - Gulf Armies on High Alert Pending Syria Action
Syria "NATO To Attack Damascus" Unconfirmed / Assad Confined
Perry Stone Defends The Pre-Tribulation Rapture - Zechariah 9:14
Jewish Christian details Possible Rapture Timeline from Hebrew Calendar
The Rapture will happen (1 of 3)
The Rapture will happen (2 of 3)
The Rapture will happen (3 of 3)
Prophetic signs that have taken place this month (June 2012)
Obamacare Supreme Court Ruling! RFID? Micro-Chip 666
Maine Prepares For Zombie Apocalypse Emergency Drills!
MAINE PREPARING FOR ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE RIGHT NOW!!!
Zombies in Texas ,NY ,Illinois ? lol ,this is it ,as people want it .
I 've said from my observations through the years that halloween has captivated hearts of many with evidence by how get on with celebrating it .Majority of people regard it as non-harmful part of tradition .Some would get to the extent to defend it like mad .The halloween spirit has also influenced the fashion industry . Around halloween many dressed up especially children as little witches ,zombies ,vampires etc ,from mild to extreme playing trick or treats.Halloween fashion is a big industry .There's big trading for dark paraphernalias,to clothing , halloween house decors ,music ,food products such as candies and cakes .Western culture has adopted it into its tradition to put jack-o -lanterns in their front yards without even its dark origins . Then you get rise of a different vampirism inspired fashion ,portrayed as cool and hip trend among the youths .The arrival of the Harry Potter series of books /movies ,rise of vampiric movies /tv series e.g. Stephany Meyer's Vampire saga added more fkavour to dominion of darkness in our age especially with young people who hardly recognize "back and white".These factors lay foundations of change for the unsuspecting lukewarm /apostate majority in acceptance of transforming dark essence of the occult into many lives with with very poor discernment .
Made me wonder where's the christian churches in these changing times to stand for the truth of Christ . Churches seem to have gone quiete from real issues of the times. I wonder if this is the real fulfilmment of prophecies about end time apostacy of the church - meaning ,many will leave faith in the end times .Apart from growing desbelief you can see of people, many will follow false doctrines,new age doctrines /doctrines of demons proliferating .Even Satanism is now considered a religion . It's not anymore any secret or a taboo .With the explosion of occults ,witchcrafts ,Satanism in our midst ,the churches have gonee timid . I suspect many churches must have gone lukewarm , apostate or gone completely comatose to make a stand to defend the faith .In terms of zombies happening in real life in our time ,possibly it will.There are evidence suggesting events fitteng descriptions of zombie-like pestilence which had occured and cost many lives in the past .Just do your own research.The Holy Bible also has passages implying of zombies " walking pestilence" and also in the Book of Zaccharia .I don't have time to give verses references yet but I'll repost this later .
The Elite's Eugenics Agenda : Alex Jones / Lord Monckton
Saudis Forces Mass On Jordan, And Iraq Borders War
London Olympic Evacuation plan,Drones and 200,000 casket linings EXPOSED by Reporter
NEW Terrorist Threat - 2012 London Olympics - Undercover Journalist - with interview of the undercover journalist Lee Hazledean .
" Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 2 This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet[a] acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. 3 But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.
But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 5 Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. 6 But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception." ~ 1 John 4: 1 - 6
Anyone who denies Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God has the anti-christ spirit , certainly is not from God !
We knew we have to stay away from people who rejects Jesus diety or saying there's another way to God other than through Christ alone .
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Location : Balanan Lake , Inland Siaton , Negros Oriental, Philippines
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SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Interesting times we are in as Pope Benidect resigned weeks ago, unbelievable and soon will be the new elected Pope. If the prophecy of St Malachy is fulfilling,would it mean this coming new Pope might be the one ? Let's keep a watchful eye as things are extraordinarily happening in place as sign posts markers of things to come. I 'm more convince each day I read/ listen the global news
that we are in the last of days. But fear not - if you have Christ truly in you,
you'll get more excited than frightened !
Then are the generation with much growing acceptance and tolerance of the occult , even love of them through music, occult wrapped with the label of arts , books ,fashion ....
*The Dark Arts of Witchcraft = Astrology (Horoscopes) Psychic & Palm Reading
* Smith on the New Age Movement - Beautiful message of warning .
Can't people distinguish this Santa Muerte is too looking evil and scary ... and growing number worship this entity, are people too blind they can't tell the slightest of evil from good ?
La Santa Muerte The Saint of Death pagan god from Mexico is prayed to & Worshipped
More bizarre things happening around the globe ....
Florida Man Swallowed Alive Presumed Dead...
Matthew 24's wars and rumours of wars ....
WAR WITH IRAN IMMINENT *Red Alert* ??? ~( Secular source )
*North Korea Vows To Nuke United States Of America
*NKOREA SAYS IT WILL LAUNCH NUCLEAR ATTACK ON USA (Secular source )
Part of the unveiling of evil that is deceiving this world, this is heavy to those who don't understand the Bible and the great deception ever since. Know the time friends, so you'll not be part of the great multitude of the deceived and damned in these last days. Read the Bible and trust God through Christ .
*Tribulation-Now, 6th March 2013 - Chip Implants, Ascended Masters, and Alien
Rapture Of Believers
The snatching away of the church ( not religion ) before the Tribulation happens .
*The Rapture Revelation! - Perry Stone
*Logical RAPTURE Theory - Part 1
Curse from God for those planning to annihilate the Jews ! Genesis 12:2 -3 speak of the curse of those who hate / aim to destroy Israel .</b- God is protecting Israel ! Nations and people against the state of Israel and the Jews would face extreme judgements from God truly and surely ! It's coming ....
Iran "Plagued With Huge Rats , as Big As Cats " -- and 25 million estimate of these creatures running around ? They probably be rats attacking cats this time .
*Tehran Rats: Iran Reportedly Battles Giant 'Mutant' Rodents With Snipers
Encouraging message to every Christian
*We Are The Church - Part 4 by Francis Chan
Time Now To Wake -Up !!!!
*Prophecy Signs with Frank DiMora for March 7, 2013
*"Swarms Of Locusts" Invade Israel From Egypt! Obama Visit! -Is this the Biblical Locusts and the possible signing of "7 year Peace Treaty", let's wait and see. Be prepared coz Yahweh wouldn't be happy with that. If the US President is brokering that division for peace of Jerusalem, Americans be ready as a direct destruction might be coming to hit the land .
Locusts plague the Land of Egypt before Obama Passover visit to Israel
Aun sigo pensando en un titulo para esta foto,...
En fin, hoy fue un muy buen dia!(60F/15C en Enero! yuppi!) Disfrute mucho el sermon que predico el pastor Otto sobre Filipenses en la iglesia y siento que Dios me animo por medio de su Palabra a amar mas a mis hermanos y no fijarme en si ellos me están amando o no. Y al contrario orar para que podamos amar con discernimiento,conocimiento y con el concepto que Dios tiene de lo que es verdaderamente amar. Ademasssss de unos cambios en la musica (BATERIA!<3) y de poder ver a mis hermanos&hermanas en Cristo:). Despues tuvimos a unos nuevo amigos para comer y conocernos mejor. Me animaron mucho a seguir adelante cuando vieron mis pinturas y fotos y eso obviamente me animo mucho asi que de ahi, Dan & yo nos fuimos en un mini-viaje por la carretera siguiendo el atardecer:)! y esta fue una de las fotos que conseguí, taran!
El Fin:P
Twitter___________
I'm still thinking for a title for this photo...
Anyway, today was a really good day!(60F on January!!!wohoo!) I really enjoyed listening the sermon that Pastor Otto preached about Philippians & i feel like God encourage me through His Word to love my brothers&sisters more & to not put attention if they are loving me or not. On the contrary, to pray so that we can love with discernment, knowledge and the concept that God has of what truly love is. AND also....i really enjoyed the changes that we had in our worship music (DRUMS!<3) & to be able to see my brothers&sisters in Christ.:) After that we had a couple new friends over for lunch and we were able to get to know each other a little bit better. They encourage me a lot to keep going with photography & painting when the saw my art. And obviously that encourage me even more. So then, Dan & i took a mini-trip on the highway following the sunset! And this is one of the photos i got. :)
The End:P
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**If you are interested on getting a PRINTS and other things go to the link below:)
fineartamerica.com/featured/through-the-sunset-mariana-wa...
Contemplative Ways:
In all complexity, can we be simple?
In successes, can we be humble?
After sinning, can we foregive ourselves?
Can we love all, while warring?
Can we bias filled, not hate?
Have a marvelous Sunday with God!
EXPLORE # 369 on Monday, June 23, 2008
John Henry Cardinal Newman's Apologia Pro Vita Sua and a small compilation of some of his Marian quotes, Mary, The Second Eve.
Christian Skit | We Must Be Dreaming!
A religious-world pastor in a sheepskin coat, a kind and honest wife, and a devoted Christian with discernment who loves the truth come together in a humorous skit that explores the question, "Can one enter the kingdom of heaven through hard work?" The ironic language and the brilliant debate between the believer and the pastor leave viewers with a lot to think about …
Recommended for You: second coming of Jesus |
Je suis Charlie: We are all transparent in this world, knowing how each other might feel on certain issues, why should anyone be above someone else because they believe in something others don't? Distressingly a lot of discernment and killings caused by allegiance to an old man long ago and now most probably because of the barbaric actions getting extinct.
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Outlining a Theory of General Creativity . .
. . on a 'Pataphysical projectory
Entropy ≥ Memory ● Creativity ²
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Study of the day:
In earlier times, Watch it ! The little bird is coming out ! was a common sentence used by my grandfather to signal us to stay still during the exposure ! I was waiting for a long time without to see any bird coming out, of course. Now I believe I know why !
THE ALLEGORY OF CAMERA & OBSCURA
Once upon a time there was two small dark boxes, illuminated with certainties. Two small empty heads, full of hope, and whose sensitive soul was waiting until the external light penetrates them to dazzle them with an image of the "True Reality”. At the proper time, they finally opened.
Camera in pursuit of the Absolute, wanted all to see without any reflection. All, absolutely All ! Then, at the proper time, she decided to be totally overcome by the "True Entropic Reality", all her sensitivity offered to intensely feel everything, without any prejudice, without thinking one second with all these words which darkens the mind more than they enlighten it. She installed a hypersensitive film which she will push in spite of its coarse grain. She tuned her diaphragm to the maximum aperture, a long time, and gave up herself to ecstatically feel the whole true light of the whole True Entropic Reality.
Obscura in quest of the Universal Knowledge, wanted all to know precisely, he wanted all to understand and memorize with a maximum of details and discernment. Then at the proper time, he decided to focuse a depth of field as deep as possible, to choose a pause time as short as possible, to be sure to get the highest neatness of the True Real Universal Memory. He installed a hyperfine grain film which he will develop energetically to compensate its low sensitivity. He tuned the aperture at less than anything, and adjusted the pause time at an infinitesimal fraction of nothing.
The moral of the story ? All the photographers will say it to you !
Camera obtained the most luminous image which is at ounce the fuzziest one, an immaculate uniform Absolute Entropic white 100%blank.
Obscura obtained the finest image which is at ounce the darkest one, an immaculate uniform Universal black 100%blank.
From now on, they choose exposures suitable to create less blind images.
Camera finally formed in her several suspicions of True Reality. They are images as poor of Absolute Sensitivity as weak of Universal Knowledge, but they are marvellous and magic images, illuminated by unexpected shapes and colors, whistled by the calls of colored shadows. In the neighbourhood of the Absolute Entropy, each cell of Camera opens like a white sapphire prism dispersing and breaking up the Entropic light in colored iridescences. Now, from her cells juxtaposition are emerging lines and shapes, metamorphosing the dazzling Entropic light in simple but unknowable .. transcendent shadows, only lacking some .. illusive bird calls to give them a name.
Obscura finally formed in him several suspicions of True Reality. They are images as poor of Universal Knowledge as weak of Absolute Sensitivity, but they are marvellous and magic images, rich of ambiguous signs and senses. In the neighbourhood of the Universal Memory, each cell of Obscura opens like a black sapphire crystal dispersing and breaking up the universal darkness in colored enlightening sparks. Now, from his cells juxtapositions are emerging vowels, consonants and others signs, metamorphosing the gloomy universal darkness in simple but unknowable .. transcendent bird calls, only lacking some .. illusive shadows to give them a sense.
Listen ! The little birds are shading off !
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rectO-persO | E ≥ m.C² | co~errAnce | TiLt
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Outlining a Theory of General Creativity . .
. . on a 'Pataphysical projectory
Entropy ≥ Memory ● Creativity ²
__________________________________________________
Study of the day:
Allégorie de Camera ▲ Obscura
(ou comment il n'est de discernement et d'entendement qu'en renonçant dialogiquement, à la quête d'une Absolue perception et d'une Universel connaissance.)
Il était une fois deux petites boîtes sombres, illuminées de certitudes ; deux petites têtes vides, pleines d'espoir ; dont l'âme sensible attendait impatiente que la lumière extérieure les pénètra pour faire naître en elles une image vraie de la Réalité Vraie.
Quand le moment fut venu, elles s'ouvrirent.
Camera, en quête d'Absolu voulait tout ressentir sans chercher à comprendre. Tout percevoir, absolument Tout ! Le moment venu, elle décida de se laisser submerger par la plus violente énergie possible, toute sa sensibilité offerte à la jouissance de tout engloutir intensément, sans aucun jugement, sans penser une seconde avec ces mots qui obscurcissent l'esprit plus qu'ils ne l'éclairent. Elle installa un film hypersensible qu'elle pousserait au développement malgré son gros grain. Elle ouvrit son diaphragme au maximum, longtemps, et s'abandonna à l'ivresse extatique d'absorber sans retenue tout le flot entropique de la Réalité Vraie qui s'engouffrait en elle.
Obscura, en quête d'Universel voulait tout comprendre sans se laisser émouvoir. Tout concevoir ! Absolument tout ! Le moment venu, elle décida de tout distinguer avec la plus grande profondeur de champ possible, toute son intelligence concentrée à tout discerner avec finesse, sans la moindre distorsion, sans céder à la tentation de croire à ces apparences qui éblouissent plus qu'elles n'éclairent. Elle installa un film à grain hyperfin qu'elle développerait rudement pour compenser sa faible sensibilité. Elle ouvrit dans son diaphragme un interstice minuscule, un infime instant, et concentra toute sa minutieuse lucidité à détecter le sens de la moindre particule de Réalité Vraie qui parviendrait à s'infiltrer en elle.
La morale de cette histoire ? Tous les photographes vous la dirons !
Camera obtint l'image la plus lumineuse qui soit, c'est à dire l'image la plus floue à la fois, d'un blanc aussi immaculé qu'uniforme.
Obscura obtint l'image la plus nette qui soit, c'est à dire l'image la plus sombre à la fois, d'un noir aussi immaculé qu'uniforme.
Laquelle eut tort ou raison ? Laissons cette dichotomie manichéenne à tous les donneurs de leçons stupides, à tous les castrateurs en théologie du mal et du bien, à tous les marchands de bonnets d'âne du saint marché des bons-points, à tous les coureurs de records à podiums collectionneurs d'échecs à médailles.
Observons plutôt comment la diajonction de leurs expériences respectives leur apporta finalement la réponse ultime à la question initiale : Quelle image peut-on discerner de la Réalité Vraie ? Ou autrement dit, avec la joie de pictosopher : Quelle est l'épaisseur des apparences ?
Désormais, lorsqu'elles choisissent une ouverture et un temps de pause susceptibles de former des images moins aveuglées, Camera et Obscura sentent se former en elles quelques soupçons de Réalité Vraie, des images aussi pauvres de Sensibilité Absolue que démunies de Connaisssance Universelle, mais des images merveilleuses et magiques, aussi riches de signes ambivalents que de sèmes ambigus, illuminées de formes et de couleurs inattendues, toutes d'innonbrables demiVérités.
Elles sont devenues sages, parce qu'elles savent que tout en prenant des milliards d'autres images, la Réalité Vraie leur restera à jamais inconnaissable. Elles sont devenues sages lorsqu'elles cherchent ce qu'il y a hors champ, lorsqu'elles cherchent ce qui se passait avant et ce qui arrivera après, lorsqu'elles cherchent l'invisible sous l'infra-rouge et au-delà de l'ultra-violet, lorsqu'elles cherchent ce qu'il y a à voir ailleurs quand elles sont là, et là quand elles sont ailleurs, en somme lorsqu'elles cherchent, . . simplement parce qu'elles cherchent.
Elles sont devenues sages lorsqu'elles s'interrogent sur ce que pensent et ressentent profondément, les autres petites chambres obscures d'à coté. Lorsque de temps en temps, interconnectées sur le réseau des réseaux des camera-obscura, elles se racontent leurs éblouissements respectifs et partagent leurs aveuglements réciproques.
Elles sont devenues sages, émerveillées d'être des mémoires qui résistent à l'Entropie, émerveillées d'être sensibles à l'infime surface visible de l'inconnaissable, émerveillées d'être à la fois transcendantes et superfétatoires, où que ce soit, quand que ce soit, sur le pli du Vide Médian.
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(debating against the Plato's allegory of the cavern) :
"Allegory of Camera ▲ Obscura".
Once upon a time there was two small dark boxes, illuminated with certainties, two small empty heads, full of hope, and whose sensitive soul was waiting until the external light penetrates them to dazzle them with an image of the "True Reality”. At the proper time, they finally opened.
Camera in pursuit of the Absolute, wanted all to see without any reflection. All, absolutely All ! Then, at the proper time, it decided to be totally overcome by the "True Entropic Reality", all its sensitivity offered to intensely feel everything, without any prejudice, without thinking one second with all these words which darkens the mind more than they enlighten it. It installed a hypersensitive film which it will push in spite of its coarse grain. It tuned her diaphragm to the maximum aperture, a long time, and gave up itself to ecstatically feel the whole true light of the whole True Entropic Reality.
Obscura in quest of the Universal Knowledge, wanted all to know precisely, it wanted all to understand and memorize with a maximum of details and discernment. Then at the proper time, it decided to focuse a depth of field as deep as possible, to choose a pause time as short as possible, to be sure to get the highest neatness of the True Real Universal Memory. It installed a hyperfine grain film which it will develop energetically to compensate its low sensitivity. It tuned the aperture at less than anything, and adjusted the pause time at an infinitesimal fraction of nothing.
The moral of the story ? All the photographers will say it to you !
Camera obtained the most luminous image which is at ounce the fuzziest one, an immaculate uniform Absolute Entropic white 100%blank.
Obscura obtained the finest image which is at ounce the darkest one, an immaculate uniform Universal black 100%blank.
From now on, when it chooses an aperture and a time of pause suitable to create less blind images, Camera finally formed in it several suspicions of True Reality. They are images as poor of Absolute Sensitivity as weak of Universal Knowledge, but they are marvellous and magic images, illuminated by unexpected shapes and colors.
In the neighbourhood of the Absolute Entropy, each cell of Camera opens like a white sapphire prism dispersing and breaking up the Entropic light in colored iridescences. From her cells juxtaposition are emerging lines and shapes, metamorphosing the dazzling Entropic light in simple but unknowable .. shapes, only lacking some .. words to name them.
From now on, when it chooses an aperture and a time of pause suitable to create less blind images, Obscura finally formed in it several suspicions of True Reality. They are images as poor of Universal Knowledge as weak of Absolute Sensitivity, but they are marvellous and magic images, rich of ambiguous signs and senses.
In the neighbourhood of the Universal Memory, each cell of Obscura opens like a black sapphire crystal dispersing and breaking up the universal darkness in colored enlightening sparks. From her cells juxtapositions are emerging now vowels, consonants and others signs, metamorphosing the gloomy universal darkness in simple but unknowable .. words, only lacking some .. shapes to imagine them.
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rectO-persO | E ≥ m.C² | co~errAnce | TiLt
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise .
Proverbs 6:6
"How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?"
Proverbs 6:9
"The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied."
Proverbs 13:4
Note: I'm not mocking this guy I found sleeping under the tree near church premises. I don't know what he does for a living. I just saw it as a great photo opportunity. This post isn't personally denegrating this fellow, but only as an example in general.
The Bible doesn't condone lazybones ( I'm not talking about this guy, but to many across the board as there are people who are lazy, although they can work ,they like the easy way by being dependent on others.We all have to work with all honesty at heart. Paul the apostle work at the same time during his ministry of the gospel of Christ and wasn't dependent of what other people can give to him or from the church people for his food.
" For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." 2 Thessalonian 3:10
I do noticed some Christians do make their own ministries online particular in YouTube and asking for donations . I am not saying about the Christian researchers as they invested time to bring about facts, they are NOT what I am talking about.
There's one I've come across who made a particular video , declaring her plea for more donations since her ministry has saved souls and blessed people. What ? This person is a stay at home mom. You can claim you saved people . In the first place it's the Holy Spirit that convicts people's hearts, not a ministry or taking back God's glory to ones own. A ministry to save souls is only a tool spreading the word.
This persona has already had 45 people making donations worldwide and she's encouraging many to donate out thousand plus subscribers.
Personally, I can't see the reason to donate .God help me if I am wrong. Thisis my take: If she didn't evangelize outside, or have hired workers for Jesus to spread the gospel or rent a building, miscellaneous expenses to cover external work etc. example as in a registered church ,then why does she ask for donations .Why should she ask money from people if everything was done at leisure of her home ... all I could see was she just reads news headlines associated to end times prophecies ? God supplies our needs but we are not expected to just sit around and wait for manna falling from heaven or beg people. In my understanding, it's like saying :
" I just feel so lazy to go out find a job, I just like doing Jesus' end time videos, it's God's work , please give me your money who are blessed and saved from my videos."
I do feel that's wrong , especially declaring it clearly, it feels like begging food in the name of Jesus. Can't Jesus supply this particular Christian's needs? It's making money out of the name of Jesus, which to me is not right. My spirit grieves with people calling themselves Christians making money out of God's name. You think that's credible service to God ?
I am not making judgements but discernments. Since I am not a member of any church, neither I do attend church service every Sunday, I fall into no church membership. I am not promoting my status, a church ( not a building but fellowship of Christians helped us grow spiritually), I just didn't find a suitable church for me. But being a christian, I give money offering to God through other means, directly to the poor or helping the vulnerable group of people. I don't give to registered charities, as I knew big slice of those donations will go to administration services down the line and I do believe only smaller fraction reaches directly to those people in need . I am not convicted to donate through them. I am not saying either it's wrong to donate on registered Charities. Personally, I follow my heart's convictions. I have seen many destitute citizens back in my own village / town, that's where my heart goes.
Services given to the Lord should be free ( not through making Jesus videos in YouTube channels and asking for donations). God will reward services given to Him whole heartedly. No one should make business and profit using the name of God !
I pray these type of Christians would realize and be convicted to the truth of what they doing through the power of the name of Jesus !
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Interesing YT vids I came across weeks ago :
*Chrislam One World Religion Emerging
*Paranormal Police Encounters ~ This has brillant testimonies.To the unbelieving, there must be God !
* Vampires and Werewolves Real or Fake - The Prophecy Club
* Steve Quayle "Zombies, Demons and Fallen Angels" 1 of 3
Bryan Melvin died and went to hell, and have seen lost human spirits in hell stored in cubes and tortured.
Nowadays, there are many testimonies coming out from people confessing their strange experiences of NDE's /OBE's telling about the afterlife.
Here's what the Bible says :
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions"
Joel 2: 28
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams."
Acts 2:17
"... and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. "
Revelation 20:10
*Bryan Melvin: To Hell and Back Pt. 1 of 3
* Bryan Melvin: To Hell and Back Part 2 of 3
* Bryan Melvin: To Hell and Back Pt. 3 of 3
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Thank you for your last views and comments my friends .
Hope you all have a nice day :)
Sorry, this is post and run, a bit busy today. But I'll be back for my flickr time seeing your photos tomorrow Friday :)
God bless you all in Christ and you take care.
Attire, Personal Care, and the Use of Sacred Ornaments and Amulets by Rovingian Monks by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)
Attire, Personal Care, and the Use of Sacred Ornaments and Amulets by Rovingian Monks
1 - Clothing and Presentation
Clothing, like many other aspects of Rovingianism, is not merely external appearance, but a visible expression of the monk's spirituality. Its choice is a personal matter, but should reflect humility, sobriety, utility, restraint, and dignity.
Generally, the clothing of Rovingian monks is distinguished by its sobriety and the use of neutral and earthy colors, in harmony with the simplicity of the path they profess. Among the most recurring shades are grays, browns, brick tones, oranges, dark blues, and blacks. Exceptions are reserved, above all, for the Grand Master, the Magistrath, and certain festive or shamanic rituals celebrated on special occasions.
Loose trousers that allow freedom and fluidity of movement
Long shirts and tunics of medieval inspiration
Long capes, hooded jackets, cloaks, and shawls
Stoles and scarves to wrap around the neck or complement the hood
Due to their nomadic vocation, the monk's clothing should favor functional, durable, and adaptable pieces for the journey. The hood, in particular, remains a distinctive sign of Rovingianism and should always accompany the monk, even if resting on his back, as a reminder of his state and consecration.
2 - Footwear
For a life of spiritual nomadism and continuous walking, footwear is the central pillar of survival and well-being. The concept of "Rovingian" monks (travelers/nomads) demands a perfect balance between aesthetic sobriety, extreme durability, and anatomical health.
The choice of organic materials such as the upper (genuine leather) is ideal, as this material molds to the foot over time, offers high resistance to tearing, and allows natural perspiration, preventing blisters and fungal infections common on long journeys.
Mountain and Hiking Boots (Focus on the Ankle)
For the high-top boot that protects against sprains on uneven terrain, the best options follow classic lines, without garish colors, maintaining the aesthetic versatility required by the Rovingian tradition.
Durable Sandals (For Summer and Hot Climates)
In hot regions, sandals prevent overheating, but they should have sturdy soles for traction and leather straps that don't cause painful chafing.
3 - Sacred Ornaments and Amulets
The use of sacred ornaments and amulets also belongs to the monk's personal freedom, and it is common for him to design and prepare them himself. However, these objects should arise from a righteous intention and be in keeping with the spirit of simplicity, discretion, and recollection that Rovingianism advocates.
Common woods
Leather
Shells
Dried seeds
Natural stones
Less noble metals, such as iron, copper, brass, and tin
Conversely, it is advisable to avoid precious metals, woods from endangered species, artificial materials, or elements of animal origin, such as feathers and furs, so that ornamentation does not become vanity, ostentation, or violence against creation.
4 - Personal Care and Hygiene
Care for appearance, health, and hygiene occupies a place of great importance in Rovingianism, as the monk is called to preserve the body as an instrument of service, presence, and discipline. Therefore, he must take care of himself so as not to become a burden to others or a cause of discomfort through negligence. Haircuts and the wearing, or not wearing, of a beard remain matters of personal choice, provided that cleanliness and tidiness always prevail over any form of neglect. As for perfumes, discernment is also recommended, favoring natural, discreet, and serene essences.
5 - Cell Phone Use
The cell phone should be understood as a communication and support tool, never as a way of life. In the present time, its use proves useful, especially in accompanying the nomadic journey; even so, it should remain limited to what is necessary, so that it does not become a source of distraction, dependence, or alienation of the spirit.
The Rovingian monk does not seek protagonism, nor does he indulge in self-exhibition. He should also not contribute to confusion or the spread of falsehood. Thus, social networks, when used, should serve positive, informative, and edifying purposes, without replacing the living reality of encounter and relationship with manipulated virtual constructions closed in bubbles of isolation.
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Traje, Cuidado Pessoal e Uso de Ornamentos e Amuletos Sagrados pelos Monges Rovingianos
1 - Traje e Apresentação
O traje, à semelhança de muitos outros aspetos do Rovingianismo, não é mera aparência exterior, mas expressão visível da espiritualidade do monge. A sua escolha pertence ao foro pessoal, devendo, porém, refletir humildade, sobriedade, utilidade, resguardo e dignidade.
De um modo geral, o traje dos monges rovingianos distingue-se pela sobriedade e pelo recurso a cores neutras e terrosas, em harmonia com a simplicidade da senda que professam. Entre as tonalidades mais recorrentes contam-se os cinzentos, os castanhos, os tons de tijolo, os alaranjados, os azuis escuros e os pretos. As exceções reservam-se, sobretudo, ao Grão-Mestre, ao Magistrath e a certos rituais festivos ou xamânicos celebrados em ocasiões singulares.
Calças largas, que permitam liberdade e fluidez de movimentos
Camisas compridas e túnicas de inspiração medieval
Capas longas, casacos com capuz, mantos e mantos-xale
Estolas e cachecóis para envolver o pescoço ou complementar o capuz
Em virtude da sua vocação nómada, o vestuário do monge deve favorecer peças funcionais, duráveis e adaptáveis ao caminho. O capuz, de modo particular, permanece como sinal distintivo do Rovingianismo e convém que acompanhe sempre o monge, ainda que repousando sobre as costas, como lembrança do seu estado e da sua consagração.
2 - Calçado
Para uma vida de nomadismo espiritual e caminhada contínua, o calçado é o pilar central da sobrevivência e do bem-estar. O conceito de monges "rovingianos" (viajantes/nómadas) exige um equilíbrio perfeito entre a sobriedade estética, a durabilidade extrema e a saúde anatómica.
A escolha de materiais orgânicos como o cabedal (couro legítimo) é ideal, pois este material molda-se ao pé com o tempo, oferece alta resistência a rasgos e permite a transpiração natural, evitando bolhas e infeções fúngicas comuns em longas jornadas.
Botas de Montanha e Caminhada (Foco no Tornozelo)
Para o cano alto que protege contra entorses em terrenos irregulares, as melhores opções seguem linhas clássicas, sem cores berrantes, mantendo a versatilidade estética exigida pela tradição rovingiana.
Sandálias Resistentes (Para o Verão e Climas Quentes)
Nas regiões quentes, as sandálias evitam o sobreaquecimento, mas devem manter solas robustas para tração e tiras de pele que não causem fricção dolorosa:
3 - Ornamentos e Amuletos Sagrados
Também o uso de ornamentos e amuletos sagrados pertence à liberdade pessoal do monge, sendo frequente que ele próprio os conceba e prepare. Todavia, esses objetos devem nascer de uma intenção reta e guardar consonância com o espírito de simplicidade, discrição e recolhimento que o Rovingianismo preconiza.
Madeiras comuns
Couro
Conchas
Sementes secas
Pedras naturais
Metais menos nobres, como ferro, cobre, latão e estanho
Em contrapartida, convém evitar metais nobres, madeiras oriundas de espécies em risco, materiais artificiais ou elementos de origem animal, como penas e peles, para que o ornamento não se converta em vaidade, ostentação ou violência sobre a criação.
4 - Cuidado Pessoal e Higiene
O cuidado com a aparência, a saúde e a higiene ocupa lugar de grande importância no Rovingianismo, pois o monge é chamado a preservar o corpo como instrumento de serviço, presença e disciplina. Deve, por isso, zelar por si mesmo para não se tornar peso para os outros nem motivo de incómodo pela negligência. O corte de cabelo e o uso, ou não, de barba permanecem matérias de escolha pessoal, desde que a limpeza e o asseio prevaleçam sempre sobre qualquer forma de abandono. Quanto aos perfumes, também aí se recomenda discernimento, privilegiando essências naturais, discretas e serenas.
5 - Uso do Telemóvel
O telemóvel deve ser entendido como instrumento de comunicação e apoio, jamais como modo de vida. No tempo presente, o seu uso revela-se útil, sobretudo no acompanhamento do percurso nómada; ainda assim, convém que permaneça limitado ao necessário, para que não se torne fonte de distração, dependência ou alienação do espírito.
O monge rovingiano não busca protagonismo, nem se entrega à exibição de si. Também não deve contribuir para a confusão ou para a difusão da falsidade. Assim, as redes sociais, quando usadas, devem servir propósitos positivos, informativos e edificantes, sem substituir a realidade viva do encontro e da relação por construções virtuais manipuladas e fechadas em bolhas de isolamento.
Perfect, Beate, thank you!
When I Am Among the Trees
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness,
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, "Stay awhile."
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, "It's simple," they say,
"and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine."
~ Mary Oliver ~
Although we can not perceive any consciousness in stones or plants does not mean that consciousness does not exist there. There is no unconscious matter. Some quality of discernment occurs in everything in the cosmos although we are often only aware of such qualities in humans and certain animals.
These other consciousnesses or intelligences consolidate archetypes which create those “forms” which are the collective memories of genetic awareness which guide evolutionary development.
Kodak Vision3 250D film processed in ECN-2 with bleach bypass is beautiful. I once said that I don’t shoot color when the sun isn’t shining. This is mostly true. But this was an exception.
.
.
.
‘Of Discernment’
Camera: Bolsey Jubilee (c1955)
Film: Kodak Vision3 250D (5207)
Process: DIY ECN-2 (Bleach Bypass)
Roy, New Mexico
I forgot that we entered the church during a Sunday service in April 2019 but obviously could not take photographs of the interior.
Notre Dame de Chicago was built from 1889 to 1892 at 1334 W. Flournoy St., replacing an earlier church constructed in 1865 at a different site. French Canadian architect Gregoire Vigeant designed the church in the Romanesque Revival style; its heavy French influence can be seen in its Greek cross layout, hipped roofs and square domes, and height suggested by its two cupolas and its lantern. Because of the declining size of its original French congregation, the Archdiocese of Chicago gave control of the church to the Fathers of the Blessed Sacrament in 1918.
From 1994 to 2006, the rectory of the church housed Casa Jesus, a house of formation and discernment for Hispanic seminarians in the Archdiocese of Chicago. In July 2019, the parish merged with Holy Family Church as part of the Chicago Archdiocese's reconfiguration plan. A pastor for the new parish – Our Lady of the Holy Family – says Masses in both locations but is based in Notre Dame, with Holy Family available for special events and weddings.
If you live in Europe or Nordic countries you will probably recognize this already an iconic red toy oven by BRIO. In Finland many generations of us have played with them and I remember them too from my childhood. There are of course modernized versions of toy ovens in the market with all the flashy lights, sounds and whatever, but I feel that a simple one gets the job done best. It was one of our most wanted Christmas present and we have already had couple of fresh meals done with it.
I'm pretty satisfied with this picture, even if I missed focus a bit. As much as I'm trying to develop my own approach to photography, I find these kind of shots most important. I could get all the recognition in the world, Flickr-favourites and photography awards (hah, like I actually could get any of those), but it can't touch the simple fact that photographing Auras first years is most important and long-lasting photographic catalog I'm going to make in my life. Documenting and constructing an imagery of her childhood is, I think, an important mission which will be stratified into her identity later on. Of course there is a whole culture of social relations involved too, but visual sources are also important part of that. While these photographs will become windows to her forgotten past, it makes me ask, how should I approach this mission, which is undeniably too challenging to any photographer? I guess the answer is same as with parenthood in general: as good as I can with all the values, knowledge and discernment I have available today. Trying to photograph everything that feels important. And what could be more important than Aura playing for the first time with her soon precious to become toy oven.
Year of the Alpha – 365 Days of Sony Alpha Photography: www.yearofthealpha.com
by Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
Having grown up in the South (southern United States), it took a southern writer like Flannery O'Connor to peel the scales from my eyes. She showed me a different vision of spirituality and American belief. Although there are stand alone versions of Wise Blood, the one I read was in this edition, 3 By Flannery O'Connor.
Im not a good photographer and yes there is some sharpening and color adjustments in this photo. I do want to learn very much, so that i can become productive in this art and be able to share with confidance.
...And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” ~ Genesis 1 :28
1 Corinthians 7:2
" But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband."
Hebrews 13:4
" Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous."
Man is for woman and woman is for a man , not man for a man or woman for woman .The Biblical verses that supports the truth can hurt ...but not my words but by the Word of God .
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Dark Times but blessed are they that trust fully in God , making Him their fortress .
State Run Religion and Prepping for "Mass Fatalities" By Alex Jones ' INFOWARS ~ Hmmm very interesting .
EVIL POSSESSED NYPD COP ,make it sure you're not on his list passed on to his cohorts with the same sick fetish , demonically lusting cannibalism on women:
* NYPD cop charged in sick kidnap - cook plot involving 100 women
* NYPD Cop Plot To "Slow Cook" 100 Women "Zombie Cult" Demons!
* Prosecutors: NYPD officer conspired to kidnap, cook, eat women
Perverse and twisted times we are living in , a generation with less reverence or knowledge of God ;
evil considered as good and good considered evil.
* Steve Quayle "FREEDOM FROM LUST"
* Planned Parenthood praises sexual pleasure for kids
Now advocating 'removal' of laws allowing 'parental involvement' in decisions
* Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged part 1 of 2
* Iran Fires On USA Drones In Persian Gulf!!
* "Last Exit Before Babylon" Beautiful warning message to everyone not just Americans -- seek Jesus now ,never so late.
* Why People Around the World Should be Terrified of Obama ( And Christians Should be Thankful)
A fascinating perspective :-/
Instead of fear and worrying isn't it time to keep looking up with joy because it points to big changes soon to come and as foretold of Jesus coming .Look at world events ,earthquakes in diverse places of greater intensity ( Matthew 24 ) ,millions of animal deaths almost like everyday from one corner of the world to the next ,apocalyptic disasters one after another ... not the least ,the division of the promise land of God is on the big agenda right on our present day and President Obama is unto this in favor of the division of the land ,which I get the shivers of this thought ,but the Biblical text had stated this will happen .
Take note in Genesis 12 :2 - 3 "those who curse Israel will be curse " and Read Zechariah 12 ,God will cut down nations into pieces of those who attack Israel and divide His land . Make no mistake things will get so bad when your nation will be unto division of Israel .We are right in the cusp of the dark days towards the Tribulations .Read you Bible friends but no fear --- Jesus said "let not your hearts be troubled " rather put your trust in Jesus . I do believe everything happened for a purpose ,even the reelection of President Obama in my opinion and of other who are watching closely , is part of the fulfillment of prophetic events that should happen in our timeline ,what was foretold is unfolding . But keep holding on to the hope ,as this means we are close to Jesus coming to bring lasting peace on earth . This earth will never end .It's this evil world as we knew it that will come to its end - then the millenial reign of Jesus on earth ,the Bible said so .To every Christians ,it's time to keep our ways right with God in case we have slipped a little away from our walk with God , ask for true discernment to see things right from the Lord not from man. It's time to prepare ,keep your lamps with oil like 5 of the 10 virgins ( as the door to the bridegroom will shut soon ) , forsake the love of the things of this world , ask Jesus to search your hearts ,and put your lives right and stronger with Him .He is coming soon ,Maranatha !
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Location :
Malapascua Island , Central Visayas ,Philippines
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Thank you for the views and comments friends .
God bless :)
G.K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy more than any other book made me Catholic. When I read The Everlasting Man it served as a confirmation and bolstering of everything I had encountered in Orthodoxy. I can't recommend Chesterton's work enough. There was no doubt after reading these two that I would soon be confirmed.
I will stand with ANY WOMAN to defend her right to make a decision about her baby
whether that means having an adoption or choosing early abortion.
I have NEVER met a woman who made this decision lightly,
whether she revealed it to anyone or not, she suffers
all her life regardless of what she chooses.
Until we live in a world that cherishes her true potential,
supports the physiology and complexity of her evolution,
how is it possible for her to meet the Goddess inside her -
embrace her freedom to envision the coming world,
to feel it coming alive in her own creative power?
Until a girl can feel safe to explore each phase of her sacred cycles,
how can she harness the opulent wisdom her moontime offers,
helping her to work with the feminine energy as fertile ground
completely nourishing every aspect of her body mind and spirit
as the natural world holds her in absolute beauty and balance?
Commodified for wholesale distribution and profit,
institutions increasingly harvest stem cells and organs from newborns
while ever changing medical and political regulations
construct a new algorhythmic version of colonialism
based on a consistant formula to extract and dominate.
An old Indigenous Truth reminds us sternly
that the welfare of a Nation is determined
by how the Nation treats its women and children
for they are the keepers of the seeds
and I upon hearing this saying,
stand beside my sisters as stormclouds gather.
Until we live in a world that truly values human life,
we must at all costs protect that which is most precious:
The heartbeat of a woman drumming its first connection through a watery womb,
the mind of a woman which must be free to discover and use discernment
and the unconquerable Soul of her that lives on in all future generations.
GF July19/2022
This painting honors all the women who have let me into their sacred space to nurture the mother, the sister and the daughter in me. Some of you had miscarriages, abortions or gave your kids up for adoption and you let me hold grief with you and sing for you in sacred ceremonies. Some of you have placed your children into my arms and let me love them to fulfill something I have never held in my own womb. Your generosity healed this emptiness.
I feel you all in this work of art and know with more certainty who I am and how I wish to walk in the world.
Now that this art project is done, I'll be off on another songquest again and I will see you when I get back with more gems to offer and more visits to your sites again. Be well! Lots of love coming your way!!!
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Outlining a Theory of General Creativity . .
. . on a 'Pataphysical projectory
Entropy ≥ Memory ● Creativity ²
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Etude du jour:
L'allégorie de Camera & Obscura
(ou comment il n'y a de discernement qu'en tempérant à la fois, inséparablement, la quête d'une Absolue perception et d'une Universel connaissance.)
Il était une fois deux petites boîtes sombres, illuminées de certitudes ; deux petites têtes vides, pleines d'espoir ; dont l'âme sensible attendait impatiente que la lumière extérieure les pénétrât et fît naître en elles une image vraie de la Réalité Vraie.
Quand le moment fut venu, elles s'ouvrirent.
Camera, en quête d'Absolu voulait tout ressentir sans chercher à comprendre. Tout percevoir, absolument Tout ! Le moment venu, elle décida de se laisser submerger par la plus violente énergie possible, toute sa sensibilité offerte à la jouissance de tout engloutir intensément, sans aucun jugement, sans penser une seconde avec ces mots qui obscurcissent l'esprit plus qu'ils ne l'éclairent. Elle installa un film hypersensible qu'elle pousserait au développement malgré son gros grain. Elle ouvrit son diaphragme au maximum, longtemps, et s'abandonna à l'ivresse extatique d'absorber sans retenue tout le flot entropique de la Réalité Vraie qui s'engouffrait en elle.
Obscura, en quête d'Universel voulait tout comprendre sans se laisser émouvoir. Tout concevoir ! Absolument tout ! Le moment venu, elle décida de tout distinguer avec la plus grande profondeur de champ possible, toute son intelligence concentrée à tout discerner avec finesse, sans la moindre distorsion, sans céder à la tentation de croire à ces apparences qui éblouissent plus qu'elles n'éclairent. Elle installa un film à grain hyperfin qu'elle développerait rudement pour compenser sa faible sensibilité. Elle ouvrit dans son diaphragme un interstice minuscule, un infime instant, et concentra toute sa minutieuse lucidité à détecter le sens de la moindre particule de Réalité Vraie qui parviendrait à s'infiltrer en elle.
La morale de cette histoire ? Tous les photographes vous la dirons !
Camera obtint l'image la plus lumineuse qui soit, c'est à dire l'image la plus floue à la fois, d'un blanc aussi immaculé qu'uniforme.
Obscura obtint l'image la plus nette qui soit, c'est à dire l'image la plus sombre à la fois, d'un noir aussi immaculé qu'uniforme.
Laquelle eut tort ou raison ? Laissons cette dichotomie manichéenne à tous les donneurs de leçons stupides, à tous les castrateurs en théologie du mal et du bien, à tous les marchands de bonnets d'âne du saint marché des bons-points, à tous les coureurs de records à podiums collectionneurs d'échecs à médailles.
Observons plutôt comment la diajonction de leurs expériences respectives leur apporta finalement la réponse ultime à la question initiale : Quelle image peut-on discerner de la Réalité Vraie ? Ou autrement dit, avec la joie de pictosopher : Quelle est l'épaisseur des apparences ?
Désormais, lorsqu'elles choisissent une ouverture et un temps de pause susceptibles de former des images moins aveuglées, Camera et Obscura sentent se former en elles quelques soupçons de Réalité Vraie, des images aussi pauvres de Sensibilité Absolue que démunies de Connaisssance Universelle, mais des images merveilleuses et magiques, aussi riches de signes ambivalents que de sèmes ambigus, illuminées de formes et de couleurs inattendues, toutes d'innonbrables demiVérités.
Elles sont devenues sages, parce qu'elles savent que tout en prenant des milliards d'autres images, la Réalité Vraie leur restera à jamais inconnaissable. Elles sont devenues sages lorsqu'elles cherchent ce qu'il y a hors champ, lorsqu'elles cherchent ce qui se passait avant et ce qui arrivera après, lorsqu'elles cherchent l'invisible sous l'infra-rouge et au-delà de l'ultra-violet, lorsqu'elles cherchent ce qu'il y a à voir ailleurs quand elles sont là, et là quand elles sont ailleurs, en somme lorsqu'elles cherchent, . . simplement parce qu'elles cherchent.
Elles sont devenues sages lorsqu'elles s'interrogent sur ce que pensent et ressentent profondément, les autres petites chambres obscures d'à coté. Lorsque de temps en temps, interconnectées sur le réseau des réseaux des camera-obscura, elles se racontent leurs éblouissements respectifs et partagent leurs aveuglements réciproques.
Elles sont devenues sages, émerveillées d'être des mémoires qui résistent à l'Entropie, émerveillées d'être sensibles à l'infime surface visible de l'inconnaissable, émerveillées d'être à la fois transcendantes et illusoires, là, dans l'Entre, sur le pli du Vide Médian.
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Study of the day (debating the Plato's allegory of the cavern)
"THE ALLEGORY OF CAMERA & OBSCURA".
Once upon a time there was two small dark boxes, illuminated with certainties, two small empty heads, full of hope, and whose sensitive soul was waiting until the external light penetrates them to dazzle them with an image of the "True Reality”. At the proper time, they finally opened.
Camera in pursuit of the Absolute, wanted all to see without any reflection. All, absolutely All ! Then, at the proper time, it decided to be totally overcome by the "True Entropic Reality", all its sensitivity offered to intensely feel everything, without any prejudice, without thinking one second with all these words which darkens the mind more than they enlighten it. It installed a hypersensitive film which it will push in spite of its coarse grain. It tuned her diaphragm to the maximum aperture, a long time, and gave up itself to ecstatically feel the whole true light of the whole True Entropic Reality.
Obscura in quest of the Universal Knowledge, wanted all to know precisely, it wanted all to understand and memorize with a maximum of details and discernment. Then at the proper time, it decided to focuse a depth of field as deep as possible, to choose a pause time as short as possible, to be sure to get the highest neatness of the True Real Universal Memory. It installed a hyperfine grain film which it will develop energetically to compensate its low sensitivity. It tuned the aperture at less than anything, and adjusted the pause time at an infinitesimal fraction of nothing.
The moral of the story ? All the photographers will say it to you !
Camera obtained the most luminous image which is at ounce the fuzziest one, an immaculate uniform Absolute Entropic white 100%blank.
Obscura obtained the finest image which is at ounce the darkest one, an immaculate uniform Universal black 100%blank.
From now on, when it chooses an aperture and a time of pause suitable to create less blind images, Camera finally formed in itself several suspicions of True Reality. They are images as poor of Absolute Sensitivity as weak of Universal Knowledge, but they are marvellous and magic images, illuminated by unexpected shapes and colors.
In the neighbourhood of the Absolute Entropy, each cell of Camera opens like a white sapphire prism dispersing and breaking up the Entropic light in colored iridescences. From her cells juxtaposition are emerging lines and shapes, metamorphosing the dazzling Entropic light in simple but unknowable .. shapes, only lacking some .. words to name them.
From now on, when it chooses an aperture and a time of pause suitable to create less blind images, Obscura finally formed in itself several suspicions of True Reality. They are images as poor of Universal Knowledge as weak of Absolute Sensitivity, but they are marvellous and magic images, rich of ambiguous signs and senses.
In the neighbourhood of the Universal Memory, each cell of Obscura opens like a black sapphire crystal dispersing and breaking up the universal darkness in colored enlightening sparks. From her cells juxtapositions are emerging now vowels, consonants and others signs, metamorphosing the gloomy universal darkness in simple but unknowable .. words, only lacking some .. shapes to imagine them.
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rectO-persO | E ≥ m.C² | co~errAnce | TiLt
Since the fall, not merely of the hierarchic nature of society, but of almost all traditional forms, the consciously conservative man stands as it were in a vacuum. He stands alone in a world which, in its all opaque enslavement, boasts of being free, and, in all its crushing uniformity, boasts of being rich.
It is screamed in his ears that humanity is continually developing upwards, that human nature, after developing for so and so many millions of years, has now undergone a decisive mutation, which will lead to its final victory over matter.
The consciously conservative man stands alone amongst manifest drunks, is alone awake amongst sleep-walkers
who take their dreams for reality.
From understanding and experience he knows that man, with all his passion for novelty, has remained fundamentally the same, for good or ill; the fundamental questions in human life have always remained the same; the answers to them have always been known, and, to the extent that they can be expressed in words, have been handed down from one generation to the next. The consciously conservative man is concerned with this inheritance.
Since nearly all traditional forms in life are now destroyed, it is seldom vouchsafed to him to engage in a wholly useful and meaningful activity. But every loss spells gain: the disappearance of forms calls for a trial and a discernment; and the confusion in the surrounding world is a summons to turn, by-passing all accidents, to the essential.
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Titus Burckhardt
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Although we can not perceive any consciousness in stones or plants does not mean that consciousness does not exist there. There is no unconscious matter. Some quality of discernment occurs in everything in the cosmos although we are often only aware of such qualities in humans and certain animals.
If you see me on your sim, I'm not looking for customers. I'm minding my business, and usually taking pictures. If you saw my Flickr, you'd know that.
I do not need to troll for customers. I have my own. I do not solicit my services on any sim other than the one my company owns.
I have the right to post whatever I want in my profile. If you or your customers lack discernment, that's not my problem. I'm not changing my profile just because you are whorephobic.
If you're charging people to be on your sim, your rules for dress code and the fact that you don't like seeing swaying titties, is ridiculous and well... I think we both know what your issue is. No whores, no curvy women, no big swinging titties, no fat asses....
Your rules notecard does not state that Dommes can't have their services in their profile, nor did it say anything about soliciting adult services (All it said was no sex, no RP). But hey, it's your sim. If you want to charge 2.89 for people to be on your sim and take pictures, maybe learn better customer service and courtesy.
No I'm not naming which sim owner it is. They don't deserve the free advertising. The 2.89 reference, I'm sure you can figure it out for yourself.
What's really funny to me? I never have this issue, with black sim owners. *sips tea*