Religious Paralels within "The Celestine Prophecy"

TalaTsume · Guest

As I read his book, and I'm only about half of the way through it, I cant help but notice how multiple religions can paralel some of the "Insights".

The "energy" of the third insight is the easiest to see paralels to, most readily in the concept of Chi/Ki in Buddhism and Taoism, and M?gen in my own religion, Heathenry. Heathenry also calls this energy, the part of it that can be called the "aura", the Hamr. This is the most visible part of one's energy, and the part of the soul and one's energy taht goes out into the world and acts out our will. Perhaps this is also responsible for the "coincidences" of the first insght.

The struggle for power or energy can be paralelled in the Martial Arts. My Sifu has described multiple times the way in which energy is stolen from one opponent by another and so on during a fight, both when the fighters make contact and when they manage to intimidate each other. Often, this contributed to the outcome of the fight.

When I finish the book, I'm sure I'll find more examples, but I thought this could spark some interesting conversation.

--TalaTsume

artosmor · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 6

Ever wonder why there was a halo around the heads of Saints? It is a similar concept in religious art to depict those of great importance with great spiritual energy (even seen with the naked eye).

Aaron

Thales · Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 22

The reason for the paralels is due to the fact that every religion or belief structure that has came into being, has done so as a reaction to the climate of whatever society/culture that it emerged from.

From Jesus, Moses, Buddha, Mohammed, Kung Fu-Zi, L-Ron-Hubbard, etc all saw a guidance/life philosophy void, in their times (generally when society became corrupt, fractured and chaotic) and decided to step up to the plate, take the responsibility squarley on their sholders and do something.

I think people like James Redfield, Ken Wilber,etc are those kind of people, just in modern society. Helping to unite our fractured view of life, religion, science, politics, the universe and everything. Synthesising eastern and western spiritual views and combining them with scientific principles/theories, and tying it all together with their own experiential knowledge.

My personal belief (never a popular one, but nor was the idea that we weren't the centre of the universe) is that people like Jesus, Moses, etc understood their culture enough to realise that people won't listen to anybody, but someone connected to the divine has a far reaching voice.

My money says that when Jesus was in his teens he had what James Redfield refers to as a 'birth vision', an epiphany of massive scale. In this he saw a need for a new doctrine that taught "Treat others, as you would like to be treated", realising that

"An eye for an eye, makes the whole world blind".

I believe that he then spent the next decade of his life travelling the known world, learning as much as he could. All the while incorporating it into his understanding and life philosophy.

If you doubt he did this then consider the fact Confucius (Kung Fu-Zi), who was born 551 years before Christ, when asked,

- "Is there any one word which could be adopted as a lifelong rule of conduct?" he replied

- "Is not Sympathy the word. DO NOT DO TO OTHERS WHAT YOU WOULD NOT LIKE YOURSELF"

I firmly believe that Jesus Christ knew he was not the only son of god (we are all god's children is what he meant) and was fully aware of the horrors that his execution would bring. But he still went through with it because he knew that dying in that way would immortalise his story and the life philosophy he created, forever.

This has been known for a long time, even in galaxys far far away.

"If you strike me down, I shall become more powerfull than you could possibly imagine" - Obi-wan Kenobi

here are some other examples, from more recent times:-

- Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Nelson Mandella (not dying, but being locked in a prison for about a quarter of a century, simply for his non-violent political movement).

If Martin Luther King hadn't been assasinated then I doubt we would relate the words "I have a Dream...." to him. So, real stories, of gross injustices against non-violent people, whose aim was to teach people how to be happy and virtuous at the same time, and fighting the totalitarian regime that meant to opress the masses and minorities by preaching peace.

So these days we don't view Ghandi and others in the same way as the other 'Prophets' due to the fact that there were already a plethora of major religions all saying the same thing (There is one God, treat others well, pray/hope for others well-being and act when you can help someone, for being virtuous brings ultimate happiness) already.

So it wasn't a spiritual theology that was needed, but a more practical philosophy of non-violent protesting, to achieve the same outcome, a move toward a unified, peacefull and happy society. Also note that this has been approached from many sides. Music, movies, entertainment, books, etc.

That's why such glaring paralels exist between all major religions and even the insights. For they are all based on the saying, or some variation, - "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can't change, the courage to change what I can and the wisdom to tell the difference"

artosmor · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 6

I agree with you, but let me elaborate on my belief concerning the "prophets" of the past. I believe that they were divinely inspired (by tapping into the source of life, God, or whatever you may call it). I also believe, as you stated, that we are all the children of God (made in His image). Therefore, it is not hard to lead to the conclusion that men like Jesus, Mohammed, Confucius, etc are not special except that they realized their true potential and accepted their destiny. I truly believe that every human in this world could do the same, but we are limited by our egos and cultural boundaries that we set on ourselves.

Your beliefs are not so unpopular, I know many people that share them, and would dare say that they are gaining support every year.

I personally have a mixture of Eastern beliefs rooted in Taoism, Buddhism, and Hindu. I practice a form of meditation known as Kundalini, which, much to my dismay, is now gaining media attention like the Kabbalah. My hope is that it will not be cheapened as the Kabbalah was by celebrity influence. Kundalini is based on a cycle of birth death and rebirth (samsara), and that enlightenment is the only way to escape. Kundalini awakening is the physical/spiritual transformation that occurs when one reaches this stage of enlightenment. It is actually well documented as a real experience that can be duplicated. C. Jung the famous psychologist based much of his work on a Chinese text called "The Secret of the Golden Flower", a manuscript dealing with Kundalini experiences.

I believe that all of the "prophets" and wise men of the past may have experienced a Kundalini awakening in their lifetime, or chose to come back for the betterment of humanity. These individuals are known as Bodhisattva, one who not only seeks enlightenment for him/herself, but for the whole of humanity.

Aaron

Thales · Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 22

Love to hear holistic views like yours that extend beyond what you learn from media and schools.

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I had what it is refered to as Kundalini when I was twenty.

Initially viewed as a psychotic episode by immediate family, due to my attempt (without much concrete information or solid theories for support) to explain what I was experiencing and the vast number of epiphanies that I was getting every day/hour and the fact I felt like a million dollars.

My mother, who had me see psychiatrists, didn't understand that it was a mid-life crisis/existential dilemma/etc, all in one.

Weeks later, when talking to a pshychaitrist about these things, did he throw out concepts like dialetics, which was what I had in my head without the vocababulary to support it.

Then I read other philosophers, spiritual viewpoints, theologies, etc which all articulated the conclusions I came to within a couple of monthes.

All of that happened since I was raised only by my mother,( Athiest, God-hating, Mad-rational/overly logical, culturly versed, multi-lingual, world traveller) who sees the world through almost mathematical eyes.

This coupled with the fact my Grandfather (on fathers side) was a reverend, meaning my dad is the complete opposite, overiding spirituality grounded in logic (was ladscape architect now big construction manager).

So after 20 years of being taught by my mother to hate my father and God/ anything spiritual, did my own fundamental spirituality develop (leaving home at nineteen to move in with spiritual art students) and now, without too much contact with my dad over 20 years, did I turn out exactly the same.

Sorry if that was boring, just thought it might be of intrest.

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I also believe in enlightenment being the only way to 'escape'. But my analogy is less black and white about the 'distinction' between heaven/nirvana and the endless cycle of birth and death.

I view it as a massive long upwardly spiralling roadway, we all are 'riding' around in circles, moving up a level each time, but still only following that spiral.

The Kundalini is the moment when someone decides to veer off at the next plateau and see that there is so much more than just riding as fast as you can towards the 'top'. They can then choose to ride along with other people.

(not the best analogy I know, but I haven't heard a better one explaining my beliefs)

So basically I don't view heaven/nirvana as some place we go to after death, but rather the place you can exist always throughout life, as long as you have had Kundalini (or whatever your equivilent might be).

I view Redfields books as an attempt to help as many others acheive this as possible and all credit to him. I sincerly hope the movie takes the world by storm the way the matrix did, because our fractured society needs unifying and what better way to do it than through a media form that has contributed to some of the discord.

sister goshe · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 151 Location: Kirtland, Ohio

Heb. 11: 1

NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
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Sister Goshe

artosmor · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 6

I understand what you are saying and for lack of time I did not go too much into the concepts of Kundalini and Chakras, etc. There are multiple levels of existence (infinite as far as I know), and we are only experiencing a couple of levels in our present state. Therefore when one has a Kundalini awakening (enlightenment), they are starting to increase their energetic/vibrational existence. This is not saying that there is not room for improvement. There are seven main energy centers (chakras) in the physical body (and many smaller ones), but there are possibly inifinite numbers outside the body both in higher and lower vibrational frequencies. It is assumed that to exist physically we have already overcome the lower levels of existence often attributed to the most primal or animalistic nature.

So, it is not really "black and white", but rather an infinite cycle of growth and learning.

Aaron

Guest · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2006 2:12 pm Post subject:

to Aaron

Taken on board,

sorry if my explanation sounded like I was claiming I was "100% enlightened" or I "get it". I didn't intend to come across that way.

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I am fully aware of the infinitness of the universe/god's/etc (whatever your belief). I know not even leonardo da vinci, isacc newton, socrates, confucius, etc, could 'get there', because

a. you can't reach the end of an infinitley long path.

and

b. I don't think I, or the other 99.9% of people, will ever understand the world/universe as completley as they did. My post name might be Thales, but I don't pressume to be some 'great philosopher' just a guy who like's intresting ideas and a good conversation/debate.

If, we can't do that, then this ain't much of a free democracy.

c. black and white are absolutes, and that's a human concept. It's all varying shades of grey.

d. people are discovering new things, forming new ideas/theories, etc that change the paradigm of a culture/society, all the time. Sometimes fundamentally, so even if you somehow knew everything ever said, written, thought and did, they still wouldn't 'know' everything. And never could.

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So, if you can point out when I do sound like a full of themselves idiot, please tell me.

I don't presume to 'know' the answers to everything, but I try to put foward the most succinct, accurate view that I can infer, from the 'data'/experiance that life and other people's views can give. If you disagree with something I say, tell me. I enjoy a good, rational debate anytime. And I actually like 'losing', because it means I've learned something new, and there will always be something new to learn.

cheers.

artosmor · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 6

Thales,

I made no presumtions, but just wanted to clarify my position in case it was misunderstood. It sounds like you have a very good understanding of the universe in general. If simple men like those you named could come to be great men, then why can't anyone else? Those men were not born that way (at least most were probably not), they became great through their questioning the status quo and their sense of awe in nature and the universe. I believe that most people have the potential to be great, but are just missing the question that drives them to it. Einstein asked "What would light look like if I was going the speed of light?" and his answer is found in Relativity.

All the great philosophers/scientists of the past were driven by a fundamental question. Many great spiritual leaders emerge because of social/moral questions, philosophers because of societal questions, etc. Find the question that drives you, and you will reach your full potential. We all feel it inside us, this nagging urge that we should be doing something that we may not be doing. Once you realize what that motivational force is driving you to do, proceed with all of your heart, and you will be remembered as one among many great people.

Unfortunately, I think most of us miss the mark in so many ways, and it is becoming harder in our modern age to take the time to look inside ourselves for the answers to our unspoken questions.

Aaron

Rocky · Joined: 03 Apr 2006 Posts: 8 Location: San Diego

Reverend Loush · Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 148 Location: texas

as a christian mystic i would like to just point out two things....not to correct anyone but to clarify what is often misunderstood about my religion!

thales wrote "an eye for an eye would leave the world blind"........i would say tho that, it is true in the regaurd that people even in my religion never finish that verse......the verse actually says "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, vengence does not belong to you but is mine sayeth the lord"....meaning we are not suppose to try and take vengence, God will do that for us through the divine system of the law of karma which he has instituted........and it is not about revenge as we think of it, but rather about teaching lessons that desperatly need to be learned by some poeple! well all people really at one time or another or several in our lives!

also sister goshe wrote about faith.........according to biblical techings faith is believing in God with out any experiance, or proof that he exists! now all of us who have matured in Christ do not strive for faith, but rather a knowing, or experiance beyond faith! it is not enough for me to believe blindly in God as faith allows for......i want to know him.......to experiance his power and intercession in my life! Smile

these are just my thoughts! Smile

on the whole essene thing.....i am also sure there were many more sects like the essenes that could be called indigo! for example... the druids!

there was a post on here by artosmor that i thought brought up many fine points! on questions and answers......i think we must remember that the question is just as important as the answer, and that often the answers lead to many important questions (the journey is more important than the destination because the destination is assured)! also artosmor brought up the whole kundilini thing.............let us definine what that is! there are hundreds of laylines in the body called the myriddians which are info lines from the chakras to the rest of the body! then there is the feild around the body called the aura or the electro magnetic feild as it is called in science and this subtle body is a raidence of our chakra system!........then there are hundreds of energy centers in the body called chakras of which there are eleven major ones seven of which are given prime signifigance! out of these there is one that is the most complicated! the orange womb chakra located near the lower abdomen is the center for sexuality, creativity, financial issues and a few more! it is conjoined with an energy center called the kundilini which is pictured as a celtic looking knot sphere with two snake heads......this is the center for all issues involving masculine, feminine, male, female issues! all issues about gender and personal identity are located here! many say the awkening of this before a person is prepared is dangerous. i beilieve that it is not so much dangerous as tramatic! for the person who is ready though it can be a true enlightenment experiance! here is where all of our balance emenates! this is surrounded by yet a third energy center which is the biggest energy center of the entire body called the hara or the core star! (this is where we experiance that gut feeling or that intuition, or that small still voice)

so here is the list from the head to the feet!

clear transversal points (clear chakras running up to God)

the white archtyple chakra with a pink energy cord that runs down to the

purple crown chakra

the indigo third eye or brow chakra

the blue throat chakra

the green heart chakra with a gold cord running to

the yellow solar plexus chara

the orange womb chakra (encircled by the kundilini and the hara)

(the kundilini is red, blue, and gold, and the hara is white, appearing the three together look like a great copper sphere)

the red root chakra with brown and silver threads running to the black void or earth chakra located at the feet!

the white chakra containes prelife contracts and soul information

the purple crown chakra is our link energetically to God and often seen as the halo though not always looking purple

the indigo brow chakra is all our mental issues, dreams, visions, and our e.s.p. abilities

the blue chkara is concerned with truth and manifestation

the green chakra is our emotional center and where we recieve energy, and perceive the world, linking it to the brow chakra

the yellow chakra is our personal power, how we deal with the world and send out our energy!

the womb chakra is concerned as i said before with all sexual, creative, financial, gender, and masculine/feminine energy and issues! and is the seat of power within us

then there is the red chakra located at the perinium and it is concerned with societal, tribal, familial issues, and conecting us to the earth through cords running down into the earth chakra at our feet

this is a complete map for understanding our etheric bodies provided us by many religions, and cultures! we are temples, vessels of divine spirit and energy, as every ancient religion and culuture teaches us! this gives us a better picture of the body as a temple with different levels yet all working in harmony with eachother! "we are fearfully and wonderfully made"! Smile

blessed be! Smile

L
_________________
Rev. Loush O'Raven

Blessed be most excellent! Smile

Rocky · Joined: 03 Apr 2006 Posts: 8 Location: San Diego

are there certain Gemstones or crystals that coincide with the different Chakras?
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I found the 10th,

and brought back the 11th...

http://www.lulu.com/rockyshorz

sister goshe · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 151 Location: Kirtland, Ohio

Mr. Rocky Shorz,

I have read your letter and the beginning of your manuscript. I regret I do not have the significant funding to support your great quest fianncially, but I would like to offer my spiritual support.

Your attension and attitude on the situation in foreign lands is something I feel instinctively I can trust.

I also felt touched by your statement about using our gifts to help children... another souls stumbling toward a destiny... I have yet to understand. You're off to a great start! Keep up the critical work! And let me know if you think I could ever be of any help.
_________________
Sister Goshe

wizanda · Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 91 Location: Nottingham, UK

Just quickly they run like this more or less

1 No EGO.

2 All is Energy and spirit makes pictures.

3 Sound; all is God.

4 Time and space; requires meditation to see.

5 Gravity; comes through lack of care for mother earth and reality being alive eve/quantum breath and Adams/Atoms, both must not take.

6 Matter/Maya do not kill life or eat it as all is holy!

7 Anti-matter; all thought is one beware what is felt inside shows out side in effect of reality on your lives.

We think in 7 consciousness and act in 6 Maya/Matter.

8 Infinity; we must not take that which doesn‚Äôt belong to us as all of time is foreseen and already counted for, if you want remember to need and to ask and be patient, then all good things are there to seek the last parts of this.

9 Chaos; you can not see past here as it is lies and until some of the lies are show we will need to fix these for others and then show though love why as global whole for it to succeed.

10 free of desires! As this is the Matrix/Zion/pyramid on dollar bill is reality viewed from heaven in some ways without edges though.

11 unconditional love and start of oneness not love as we perceive. Yet a love based on one supreme intelligence well above our own to have created a dynamic rainbow grid for so many to live in.

Now some reach there and think that is it, only as in unconditional love is to nurture many.

12 is wisdom the ancients the Dao and the intrinsic logic of a rainbow and sound spectrum with 13 colours, 13 months and 12x2 as each is feminine and masculine in one.

13 The centre core of the universe the light source that is all of this and until we sort out reality we can only perceive some of the intrinsic qualities, from the understanding of such a thing to create a full pattern of rainbow learning in a Childs playground again and again.
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Spiritology Oneness - True Faith