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    Kashmir Shaivism (and Ecstatic Fatalism)

    ByElizabeth

    I have been told more than once that one cannot technically be a true practitioner/believer in the tenets of Kashmir Shaivism without believing in some form of Godhead.  As a nontheist who still finds the teachings and practices informative and useful for how best to live, I ask consistently whether that is really true.

    I’m sure a purist (religious or academic) would say there’s no anything to the philosophy without being a full believer.  But what I think one gets from practices designed to heighten awareness of a divinely connecting universality in the wild diversity of life without a belief that what is universal a priori points to “God” is a recognition that with all that is troubling and difficult and hurtful and evil in this world, the very complexity and outrageousness of being is yet wonderful and inspiring in itself.

    In a word, when all else fails, laugh (and create and live) with an ecstatic fatalism.

    laugh

    Painting by Sandra Dooley.  Cuba 2014

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    The Dance of Opposites and the Emanation of Language (Selections from 48 Hours of Spam)

    ByElizabeth

    I do enjoy the manner in which you have presented this specific challenge plus it does give me personally some fodder for thought. However, through just what I have witnessed, I really trust as other comments pile on that people today continue to be on point and in no way embark on a soap box regarding some other news of the day.

    Along with everything that appears to be building within this specific area, your opinions are generally rather exciting. On the other hand, I beg your pardon, but I do not subscribe to your entire suggestion, all be it radical none the less. It looks to me that your opinions are actually not completely justified and in actuality you are your self not really fully convinced of the point.

    In it something is. Now all is clear, I thank for the help in this question.

    I am sorry, that has interfered… But this theme is very close to me.

    Excuse, that I interfere, but it is necessary for me little bit more information.

    I apologize, but, in my opinion, it is obvious.

    The matchless phrase, is pleasant to me.

    I am final, I am sorry, but it not absolutely approaches me. Perhaps there are still variants?

    Excuse, I have thought and have removed the message.

    I am sorry, that I interfere, but, in my opinion, there is other way of the decision of a question.

    I think, that you are not right. I am assured. I suggest it to discuss.

    And other variant is?

    You are absolutely right. In it something is and it is good thought. I support you.

    I believe, that always there is a possibility.

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    What Does It Mean to Be a Grown-up? (and Householder Yoga)

    ByElizabeth

    My friend Dan posted a blog entry earlier this week talking about getting distracted by a rainbow.  He wrote that he was sure that other “grownups” did not get distracted by the rainbow. As I was observing the way people were commuting this afternoon, grimly looking down, hurrying along, texting and phoning, and apparently completely disconnected to the beauty around them, I thought of Dan’s blog.  I thought not seeing the sky or turning away from its beauty is not being fully “grown up.”

    Part of my friendship with you, Dan, is sharing the wonder of looking at rainbows.  It is the “distraction” perhaps that is the invitation, at least in my own practice, for more skill.  In seeking to live the life of a “householder yogin,” I am trying to be the grownup who always sees the rainbow and takes time to see it, but has the skill to illuminate even the most mundane of daily activities with the wonder of seeing the rainbow.

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    How Do You React? (and Dharma)

    ByElizabeth

    How do you react when you see signs of neglect, disinterest, disregard for the health and well-being of the earth and other beings?  Do you get stuck in a sense of helplessness or rage? Do you think we’re all screwed anyway and decide no effort to make things better is worth it?  Are you moved to political action?  Are you moved to take better care of self, family, and friends, even if you think you cannot make much of a greater impact beyond your intimate circle? Can you remain engaged and still find joy, whatever the apparent immediate results and how hard the battle seems to be?

    The Bhagavad Gita, says that to live a life of yoga, we must do the last of these.  The first teaching from the Bhagavad Gita on this point is that we must live in accordance with our  dharma (duty).  The second teaching, and more important for having peace of mind in a life of duty, is that of “actionless action.”  The true yoga is to live a life of action in accordance with dharma, but without attachment to the outcome (i.e., live in an orderly way, accepting the tendency of the universe to be chaotic). 

    Dharma in the Bhagavad Gita, of course, contemplated rigid roles in terms of livelihood and place in society.  In the paradigm of citizenship in a democracy that does not so narrowly circumscribe one’s livelihood or place in society, I wcould argue that it is all of our dharma to participate as a citizen, voting, speaking out for our beliefs, and otherwise using the freedom we have to live a life that best supports the twins of individual and common good, including not just human good, but the whole ecology in which we exist.  The actionless action part is to keep seeking (without despairing) to make things more in alignment even if the forces against healing, nurture, and alignment seem to conspire against positive results that we will see or actualize ourselves.

    Are you registered to vote?  Have you watered your trees?  Casey Trees reminds us that this week in DC is dry; trees need about 25 gallons of water or 1 1/2 inches.

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