Towards Freedom

I came into this life as of March 10th, 1977, at about 11:11 AM. Here I am; in the midst of eternity. Playing the game called life. I'm grateful to be here, and am truly blessed in many ways. During the course of my existence, I have come to the powerful realization that I am here for two main purposes: Part of the reason for my being here now is to make a positive contribution to this world.

This story was initially conceived by Sangeeta as a present for a friend (who never got around to seeing it), but was written largely by prad many years ago. Sangeeta will be illustrating it sometime in the next several decades. If you know your chess or your life, you are welcome to play it out. Light shines in and there was a deep grumbling throughout the box … "Do we have to get up?

There once was a sealer named Bryce Whose heart was as frigid as ice. He clubbed 'em and snagged 'em Then brutally dragged 'em; Of mercy he didn't think twice. Now Bryce had some friends, it's been told Whose souls had long since been sold. They pandered and lied, Geoff Regan at side: A leader with morals "on hold". Geoff's greed was well-known in the land (He refused to have the slaughter banned.

There was once a very evil robber who had committed atrocities galore. He had come to the realization that he was in big trouble with a large account of bad karma due to his egocentric activities. Somewhat repentant, he went to a great sage to see what could be done before the revenue collectors came after him. The sage said that his actions had been so evil that there really wasn't much hope for him and that he was due for several lifetimes of nastiness.

Eckhart Tolle reminds me of a cartoon character mole I don't think he'd mind at all, he'd probably just say, LOL He sits in contemplative silence for quite a lengthy fraction Until he starts to stir and then we might just see some action He talks about how to be aware and in the present If you can manage this it is extremely pleasant But when thoughts come, if you get really pissed

Lettuce look at the apeeling benefits that eating fruits and vegetables can injuice. At this currant thyme there is much information available about how processed foods can contribute to health issues such as leeky gut, which cannot be ignoried. It is a good idea to beetroo to yourself by eating a simple natural diet and it doesn't take a sage to work thistle out. Eating a diet of wholefoods cresses every cell in our bodies with a sense of pease and makes us feel much more comfrey, plus it tastes good so we get a berry good dill.

Preamble: Sips a cup of tea whilst leaning against a red phone booth whilst holding a bag of salt' n' vinegar chips whilst saying 'How do you do?' whilst a stereotypical policeman walks by singing 'God Save The Queen' whilst criminals wearing stripy pajamas rob a bank using sacks across the road in broad daylight and make their get away on a big red bus of which Cliff Richard is the driver who is serenading them with 'Summer Holiday' whilst the passengers sit in awkward silence stewing in social shame because they are amongst strangers whilst they wonder who is the psycho driving the bus and inappropriately engaging in joyous self-expression in a public place but it doesn't bother them for long as they are busy planning a list of soap operas to watch that night and whether to have their potatoes roasted, boiled or mashed whilst they browse through the paper to check to see what murders, rapes and muggings took place the previous day… because everyone likes a routine in England ;) It's just a shame that they had to look in the paper for these things (which is surely second rate) when they could have captured the bank robbery on their very own iphones (and posted it on Facebook) but they missed it as they had been too busy tweetin' about what they had in their sandwich that day.

Last night I dreamt of a bluebird A beautiful warm hue of blue You keep dancing into my reality Bluebird do you I know you? Your feathers velvety smooth You flew gracefully up above Winding and twisting joyously For you I felt such love As a child I had a bike called Bluebird Which I loved to ride all day I liked the film called Bluebird And the magical adventure they take

While I tend to be agnostic, there are many aspects of various religions I admire, a viewpoint which permits one to not hold arrogant perspectives like 'my religion is better than yours'. This competitive attitude has been largely responsible throughout history for barbaric behaviour in the name of God who would be least appreciative of having One's 'children' slaughtering 'children' - with self-proclaimed Christians mutually slaughtering self-proclaimed Muslims mutually slaughtering self-proclaimed Hindus mutually slaughtering self-proclaimed whatevers etc etc

A prominent western philosopher had come to Japan to study with a zen master through an exchange program. The two of them sat down for a traditional tea. While waiting the philosopher thought he'd 'break the ice' by telling the zen master a bit about himself. Well, he started and a bit became more and more and more. He talked about his ideas of the history and development of philosophy and about the lack of consistency in different areas of thought and the problems associated with applying logic to situations considered unbroachable through logic.

There is a tasty seaweed On which I like to feed Mineral rich, purple and salty dulse is Good on salads, grains and pulses I feel like a mermaid Eating an Atlantis dish To add a sea-like flavour I needn't hurt a fish! I sprinkle flakes on salad Mix it into hearty stew Blend it into veggie soup Or snack on a piece or two! I have two bits of pet dulse

This is a story we often tell to those who feel they have suffered a loss of a loved one of any species.

Why does showering make people sing? Is it a biological or habitual thing? When the water starts cascading down Some start to make all kinds of sounds! Get thoroughly wet and lather the soap No room for rubber ducky or a sailor's boat Just a waterproof radio and a bottle or two And in the corner possibly some mildew A quick wash and go can refresh one nicely Or a long luxurious waterfall relaxes enticingly

Into the rainbow I fly Beautiful colours in the sky A portal to the unknown Infinite mysteries of the soul Waiting to be discovered Treasures to be uncovered I let go and am taken I surrender I awaken It's not over the arch It's not at the end It's not the pot of gold It's now it's fresh Carried on the breeze Of love's free wings Entering the newness

I can only speak for myself as I describe it how I see But I imagine that many will find a similarity The meaning of introversion is often misconstrued So try listening to a few before you conclude! Each of us has tendencies that are of both kinds Introversion and extroversion in each of us combined Energies that express themselves in many different ways Yet are one and the same like the nights and days

More to come, as we welcome new contributions.

A man and his wife having lived into their old age chose to leave behind their worldly possessions and follow the path of spirituality. They lived in the cleanliness of poverty filling their days with praying instead of preying. As they had no longer had a home of their own, they walked the dirt roads with the same reverence as though these led to heaven itself. One day during such a walk, the man who had moved several yards ahead of his wife saw a sparkling on the side of the road.

And so it begins The First Day The Second Day The Third Day The Fourth Day A New Life And so it begins I first saw this Eagle on Craigslist while looking for a car to possibly replace my wife Ranjana's Toyota Tercel. Of course, unlike the Tercel, this one ate gas, was large, had manual transmission and wasn't drivable. So the idea of a replacement was somewhat ludicrous.

(Graphic courtesy of dreamatico.com) into the mist a winged horse sings through the clouds music she brings gliding on rainbows high in the sky mysterious with grace she flies into the mist she sings

There is an ancient Hindu story about the messenger Narad who used to travel between heaven and earth to maintain 'communications' so to speak. On one such trip to heaven, he happened to go past two yogis practising in an effort to prepare for Nirvana. Each asked Narad to find out how long he would have to wait. So Narad checked out the situation for the yogis up in heaven and on his way back he dropped by to tell each their ETA.

I'm clearing out my life of baggage held so long no need for limitation this makes me strong No need to talk about the moment that is now plans or hopes or dreams why or when or how silence says it all heart sings aloud God is right here not on some distant cloud appearances can deceive but all that I need is here in my heart and so I am freed

Now, little Pericles Won't you come a bit closer, please? And whisper softly in our ear Those sweet phrases we long to hear "Baby", " Hi", and "Where are you?" Surely that's not all you can do! Oh yes, "Hi ho, Hi ho" As you rightly know Is our very favorite. We listen, we moan, we savour it Whenever you bless us with that tune Sadly we wonder why you stop so soon.

Everything is made of one All else is illusion If you perceive separation You will feel confusion There is no point in resisting And trying to block things out Just open up to more That is what life's about New experiences of the soul Another piece revealed Is this never ending Love that God is sending? Reveal that problems don't exist Except in our perception Surrender thoughts to God

This work came about as a result of having to defend two venomous onslaughts on the nobility of physics. Unfortunately, certain people don't seem to realize the universality of this simple truth - physics is everything! The word physics means the knowledge of nature and nature is all encompassing. Those engaged in other disciplines have a great deal of difficulty ap preciating the immeasurable debt they owe to physics. They don't seem to like it when they are told that their discipline is really physics, but called by a different name.

The process of folding paper is a rewarding one since it provides an opportunity to exercise one's creativity within strict outcomes. Furthermore, the finished product of this activity has various utilitarian applications as will be illustrated in the second part of this article. Though many types of folding exist, we will restrict ourselves in this document to the class of bifolds. Future articles may be published which deal with folding of greater complexities.

I wonder why period dramas particularly appeal to women Why some of us get flustered when we see Darcy swimmin' Is it the suits and dresses that the characters wear? Or perhaps it's their manners and vocabulary flare The male and female roles often contrast each other's And we are overjoyed when they finally are lovers Is it the lead up that gives us such a thrill Or does the first kiss provide the biggest chill?

Credit: ArtCuniqueLegend.DeviantArt.com Power of the breath Where all life is born Burst through the veil Divinity into form Like a thousand horses Running on the beach Each of them from heaven Divinity in each Like the wind up high Rolling through the storm Like contrast of soft petals Protected by a thorn Creation of life In a single breath Through embracing life Relinquishment of death Breathing in nourishment Then surrender letting go

We used to live near the water when we moved in 1995 to Duncan, BC on Khenipsen Road, beside a First Nations area. It was a very nice place, except for the hunting and fishing that took place there. Unfortunately, not only were these activities legalized, but there were many instances of illegal killings as well. That's what this is - killing regardless of the euphemisms used or the appeal to Indigenous 'rights' that are often put forth as an excuse to commit murder.

There is nothing left to stay for And everything for which to go As I give birth to my soul The rainbow river lets me know Which path to take Which trail to follow The treasure waits No time to borrow The current pulls me in As I let go to its strength No longer any resistance And I will go to any length To protect the alignment For it is all that's real

Throughout this story, click on the play button to hear each song. In a small town, not very far away, there lived a girl named Rosalind. She loved the spring with its blossoms, chirping birds, and wonderful rain that washes away the dirty snow and waters the plants. Rosalind played outside with her older brother Terrance. The two of them loved looking after the plants in their special garden in the backyard.

FOR AN INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE: Read whilst listening to the song that I was listening to on repeat as I wrote it in the middle of the night… wait until he's sung the intro… then you're good to go… Past the gates of time I walk in anticipation Surrender myself to A mysterious initiation Oh Celtic cemetery soul labyrinth Ivy creeping on grave cross stones Cracked and twisted beyond time

Photo credit: Peter Smith, Newbery Smith Photgraphy Surrounded by stone pillars On the altar of our love Spirit calls us from beyond To merge with the sky above I am you and you are me Divinity sees its face Within eternal stillness From each unique place You hold me and I hold you In a sacred embrace As we spiral endlessly Through time and space Timeless reality Calls us from the dream

I come from South East London Accent a mix of things It changes frequently And disappears when I sing I make up words quite often Out of laziness I guess Melding words together So that I can speak less "You've got that London twang" A friend said when I spoke "What do you mean?" I asked "I sound like common folk?" He explained grammatical errors And a lilting of my voice

The following is a well-known tale from the Liezi attributed to Taoist Lie Yukou. It appears in various translations such as A.C. Graham's The Book of Lieh-tzu (p82 pdf) and Eva Wong's Lieh-tzu: A Taoist Guide to Practical Living. The following is quoted from the Thomas Cleary translation (details provided at the end): Lung Shu said to the physician Wen Chi, "Your art is subtle. I have an ailment; can you cure it?

Above image was modified using GIMP from an illustration by Anna Bhushan for Folio Society's Bhagavad Gita. See other illustrations by Anna at her website. On the field of Kurukshetra all was tranquil the evening before the battle between the forces of the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Arjuna who was the greatest archer of the latter group, pondered heavily on what was to come. For you see, the Kauravas were his brothers too and when the slaughter began, he knew he would be killing members of his own family.

Let us give a gift to the world, a gift of joy and boundless peace. Just for a moment, let us see through the eyes of those, so much weaker than us, who suffer: An infant prisoner, the veal calf, crying in darkness for the mother he has never known, her milk collected for "higher" appetites. The egg-layer huddling painfully in cramped confinement, destined never to know the joy of sheltering chicks

Buddha asked his disciples to help the poor during a great famine. A very wealthy man spoke up, "Not all my wealth can feed the hungry - there are so many!" Others talked loud and long with great consternation wondering how they could possibly solve such a dilemma even for the Buddha! Then a young girl rose to speak, "Master I am a beggar. I shall feed the hungry as you ask!

This article was inspired by Angelkate who has been kind enough to let me stowaway on her pirate ship. She has taken me on many an adventure while steering a true course between the water and the sky. We have seen glorious storms and traveled under the vibrant rainbows they leave behind. Perhaps she may agree that what follows is a proper compensation for the never-ending voyage. Imagine a rosebush.

Nanak was a travelling guru. He visited many places in India, Arabia and Mesopotamia. In Mecca is the Ka'aba, the sacred stone of the Muslims. One morning nanak was found sleeping with his feet turned to the stone! Some Muslims were furious! "How dare you be so insulting! How dare you sleep with you feet towards the face of God!" Gently, Nanak says: "Very well then. Turn my feet to where God is not.

The thoughts we think manifest the reality we live in. Collectively, we create our universe. The inner essence will manifest into the outer. The inner essence is thought - conscious and subconscious levels of thought. The outer is what we perceive as our life, what "is". Thought is senior to substance. All around us are manifestations of thought. Thoughts are very real, tangible things. Thoughts literally create waves! When we think, we create certain vibrations.

There is a fine story of a poor old lady who was selling some fruit she had gathered in order to make ends meet. As she walked back and forth on the streets calling people to come and buy, the child Krishna, disguised as a beggar boy, walked up to her asking to eat some fruit from her basket. She was a kind one and though it would cost her, she didn't refuse him.

Have you ever noticed that you have the power to control time? In fact, you are doing it right now. "That can't be true", I hear you say, "Time is shared by everyone, so if one person controlled it then everyone else would notice time speeding up or down! There would be conflicting influences on time happening from many different people, so it wouldn't be possible!" This logic makes sense based on the idea that time is a shared reality between all human beings and something that is unchangeable.

Long ago within the Ocean of Frungali there was born a baby whale who was named Prem. He was an exceptionally intelligent child, and indeed his parents were very proud of him. When all his friends swam into the ocean depth to play, he would go on his own exploring the beauties of the ocean. There he would meet many different species. He realized that each one of them had different personalities and acted in different ways.

Driving forward motion The fire burns away All that is not God And illuminates the way In this eternal moment Time does stand still I am in alignment With the one and only will Opening my petals Spreading my wings Not even thinking About what this brings The fire burns within My eyes glare bright No longer any darkness For I am filled with light The path lay before me

We examine the meaning of Compassion and find that: The need for a complete understanding of compassion arises out of the following facts. People are mostly very indifferent to the plight of animals. But some are not. What is the difference between these two classes of people. It is that the indifferent people lack compassion for animals and the others have compassion for animals. Animal exploitation will persist until the balance shifts and compassion comes to predominate.

Pieces die off that are no longer needed Tears of revelation cleanse my soul Release aspects with which I once pleaded As they wither away I let them go Things become barer and more plain But the chill that winter is thought to have Remains outside the window of my perception As I'm warmed by the fire with reason to be glad Branches are snapping but beneath the earth Roots are deepening and spreading The snow outside is a stunning landscape A mirror of where I am heading