old3bob

ok, then I'll raise you three absolutes

We keep repeating (or often) a lot of madness and seem to always learn the hard ward...but I feel such can only repeat for so long (besides for ages!) and then come to an end at last, how about you?

I'll see your bet and raise you two absolutes...

an iron fist (if needed) in a silk glove.... an indomitable will, wisdom and a heart of gold, these are also needed to deal with that which would corrupt or destroy the goodness mentioned by Brahma Viharas

true, and if we can't do the so called little things right then we we wont do big things well either...

I'd say the extreme reactionary denial or nixing of politics at this site is more or less baloney... the problem is not politics although how such is discussed can become so. There are aspects of "politics" in various forms in everything, including the air we breathe and the water we drink. (via environmental issues or through politics related to same carried out by mankind) There are politics of various forms in all religions and spiritual ways since mankind is involved. Religions and spiritual ways are not divorced from politics, their leaders and students need the ability to exist safely in this world which is not possible in a vacuum of non-politics among human beings. So I'd say its time to get real on the subject which is really covered/protected by the already existing site guidelines for interactions among members...thus the knee-jerking should stop if someone dares to bring up things that affect all of us...and which may be uncomfortable to some.

are spiritual masters involved in politics "Yes, spiritual masters and leaders have been involved in politics throughout history and continue to be so. Historically: In various cultures and time periods, spiritual leaders like prophets, religious figures, and even royalty with strong spiritual leanings have played influential roles in political decision-making and power structures. For example, the Pope's influence over the crowning of kings in Europe or the reverence given to the advice of religious leaders in ancient societies. Modern Examples and Perspectives: Social and Political Advocacy: Many spiritual leaders view their involvement in politics as an extension of their spiritual calling to promote justice, compassion, and the well-being of their communities. Examples: Martin Luther King Jr.: A Baptist minister who was a central figure in the American civil rights movement, using his faith to advocate for racial equality and justice. Desmond Tutu: An archbishop who used his platform to speak out against apartheid in South Africa. Marianne Williamson: A spiritual teacher and author who has run for political office and engages with political issues from a spiritual perspective. Balancing Faith and Politics: Spiritual leaders who engage in politics often face challenges in navigating the balance between their spiritual mission and political advocacy, aiming to remain grounded in their values while addressing societal issues. Influence on Communities and Policy: Spiritual leaders can influence political discourse and policy by shaping social values, mobilizing communities, and advocating for issues aligned with their spiritual beliefs. They can also serve as intermediaries between political authorities and marginalized groups. The Spiritual is Political: Some views highlight the inherent connection between the spiritual and political realms, emphasizing that actions motivated by spiritual values can naturally lead to involvement in efforts to improve society. Challenges and Considerations: Separation of Church and State: Concerns arise about religious leaders' political involvement potentially blurring the lines between religion and government. Criticism: Some argue that religious leaders who take strong political stances risk alienating members of their communities who hold different views. Tax Exempt Status: Organizations with tax-exempt status, which often includes religious institutions, face legal restrictions on direct political campaigning. In conclusion, while navigating the complexities of their roles, spiritual masters and leaders continue to play a significant role in politics, driven by their spiritual beliefs and a desire to contribute to a more just and compassionate society." AI Marianne Williamson brings spirituality to politics Oct 13, 2015 — Marianne Williamson brings spirituality to politics — Harvard Gazette. ... For Marianne Williamson, politics is not only personal, it is spiritual. ... The Cali... Harvard Gazette SPIRITUAL LEADERS AND POLITICS: THE PERCEPTIONS ... Jun 17, 2019 — We seem to have forgotten that before time, spiritual leaders across the world have always been significant political figures. We seem to forget how King David ... Medium The Role of Religious Leaders in Political Advocacy Oct 31, 2024 — Many communities look to their spiritual leaders for guidance not just in matters of faith but also on social and political concerns. * A Historical Perspective... The Havok Journal

good point but I'm talking more about all of us and not just a few of us,

right...

Imo JK was an anti-guru guru which was his form of incongruent hypocrisy...

sounds like more wonderful and enlightened platitude's...

Good news, human madness will actually end on this Earth when this Earth becomes/evolves into more like a heaven for then madness/adharma will not be able manifest upon Her, as for other human/soul type habitations or worlds where madness can still manifest that is above my pay grade.

I'd say when most of humanity evolves enough it will about end...at least on the Earth. most of humanity know all the wise sayings, but alas....

yea that is an age old saying...

Star Trek, "Strange New Worlds" is taking for ever for a new season to be released! Btw a past episode had the whole crew come under a singing spell for communication, it was quite unique and entertaining.

intermediary processes and teachings have a place and order, (granted such can become corrupted and go awry) but the deeper meaning is they help and have the keys to unlock that which is inside a student for the student, since a true helper has unlocked the same within themselves....without that they too would be bound up somewhere within mind stuff.

In (more esoteric) Christianity God actually reaches out to humans through Jesus Christ. In Hinduism God actually reaches out to humans through (true) Satguru. In American native ways God as (great Spirit) and Grandmother and or Grandfather reach out to humans through all of life that is sacred.

" "I said I wouldn't be morally troubled by it, but yes, I do think that there are points in which the morally 'right' thing to do is to cause suffering..." Paradoxal The "Right" thing to do is not to swallow such dark crap!!

people can have reams of hard proven, undeniable facts covering a wide array of issues from reliable and respected sources or from first hand witness's about what a perpetrator has repeatedly gotten away with over for a long periods of time. Such facts are far more than what should not just to be written off as opinions or tit for tat banter, why - because a great number of people, places and things have been seriously harmed, yet the perpetrator has never really been held accountable!!

sounds like you described Osho in Oregon... btw it also sounds like you are grinding a big ax?

um, no.

just testing 1, 2, 3, testing 1 ,2, 3 seems to be working today, although approval need is still in force ;-)

ok, that's the dualistic take,

I'd say what differentiates us is our individual and unique souls, but when soul merges with God then that unique soul (of woven light) no longer exists, for then there is only "God"... same as when a unique drop water merges into the ocean then there is only the ocean...anybody ready to give up being a super duper and still individual soul identity?