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JJ -
There are also a few Christian churches that focus on mysticism (liberal catholic catholic, united catholic church {neither of these are affiliated with the roman catholic church - they broke away decades ago}, church of antioch - malabar rite). All have churches locally.
posted by
sannhet
on July 24, 2005 at 11:44 AM
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caleb -
Being intentional about the future is important, but one cannot experience the divine while involved in the future. One must be in the present moment to do it.
posted by
sannhet
on July 24, 2005 at 11:41 AM
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Sannhet,
That's interesting. I'll have to look into the Christian mystic you mentioned--actually into Christian mysticism in general. It seems almost no one, even of the Christian faith, speaks much of them. I'm sure that some groups do, but it is rare.
I did visit a Christian monastery some years back, near Aspen, Colorado, and was quite impressed by the similarity of their practice to that of the Buddhist monasteries. It seemed almost identical. Thanks for the idea. 
JJ
posted by
Jack_Flash
on July 24, 2005 at 12:44 AM
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I'm not sure I understand
the comments about only the present being important. It seems to me that being intentional about the future is important. I might want a fancy car today in the present... but I probably should buy something less expensive as I might need that money in my old age.
posted by
calebs_blogger
on July 23, 2005 at 7:31 PM
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JJ -
Yes, I am familiar with both Buddhist and Hindu teachings, having studied them earlier on my journey. But I was really affected by a book titled "Putting on the Mind of Christ," by Jim Marion, a Christian mystic. When I woke up again a few years back and continued down my path, I discovered this book. He offers a fascinating account of his mystical experience from a Christian perspective but brings in many other religions to support his view of spiritual growth.
And yes, I'm one of the few non-mormons in the area.
posted by
sannhet
on July 23, 2005 at 12:49 PM
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Sannhet,
I have only glanced at your posts on various occasions, but for some reason this one caught my attention. I think it was the parallel that I saw in your discussion of ego with the teachings of the Buddhist and Hindu faiths. Are you familiar with those? If you aren't, I am quite curious about how you have developed y0ur thoughts in this area.
Tonight I first noticed that I live just down the road from you, in East Phoenix.
All things considered, I expected you to be of the Mormon faith, although I realize that many people from that part of town are of other faiths. JJ
posted by
Jack_Flash
on July 23, 2005 at 1:37 AM
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JJ -
You're right. It's a very fine line. We need Ego to survive; we need to overcome Ego to touch the divine.
posted by
sannhet
on July 22, 2005 at 8:39 PM
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donald -
I like that. A necessary companion, but not in the lead.
posted by
sannhet
on July 22, 2005 at 8:37 PM
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Flightpath -
You're absolutely right. Thanks for stopping by.
posted by
sannhet
on July 22, 2005 at 8:37 PM
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Avant -
It was the same with me. I used to want to fight my ego, but I've learned, as you, that it is a necessary aspect of this dualistic world.
posted by
sannhet
on July 22, 2005 at 8:36 PM
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Sannhet,
When we discuss ego, is ego not in control? Has the discussion of ego not lured us from the path?
JJ
posted by
Jack_Flash
on July 22, 2005 at 8:08 PM
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The ego is a necessary attribute for functioning...
in the world, but the ego belongs in the rumble seat, not in the driver's seat!
posted by
donaldoji
on July 22, 2005 at 7:56 PM
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Sannhet...beautiful Post. Somehow ego leads to the demeaning of others. It is then that the best of one's self is lost.
posted by
reasons
on July 22, 2005 at 7:46 PM
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sannhet
good topic. i used to get frustrated because i couldn't transcend my ego for long, but now i see it is a rhythm. how else can we experience anything, without that which defines it? so, the ego is valuable in that it becomes the darkness that makes light possible. being 'in the box; becoming aware of the box; and, finally, the box disappearing.' over and over we can do this. but, thinking that the ego is 'bad' is the ego! thank you for the lesson, my friend.
posted by
avant-garde
on July 22, 2005 at 3:51 PM
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