Writings in the SKeye

Questioning the 'swine flu' and the nature and business of vaccines

Skeyeopener — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:00:41 GMT

(above pic from this fashionable article: http://motoaus.com/news/latest/unit-tackles-swine-flu.html ) I will provide official reports, differing reports and my own questions for your assesment. This is not to spread fear, but to support awareness, our ability to be open, and take a deeper look at what is before us in the world, to truly question "what is going on?". I truly welcome any perspective or insights. When all the 'bird flu' scare was happening I read this article that felt to be enlightening: HOW MANY AMERICANS REALLY DIE OF THE FLU EACH YEAR? http://nomorefakenews.com/archives/archiveview.php?key=2254 (the American Lung Association article refered to:) http://www.lungusa.org/atf/cf/%7B7A8D42C2-FCCA-4604-8ADE-7F5D5E762256%7D/PI1.PDF UN BLACKMAIL? (and what about Malaria? GOOD QUESTION! Please read...) http://www.nomorefakenews.com/archives/archiveview.php?key=3625 So what is going on with the numbers? On the numbers: Please ask if the 'reasons' posited here sound scientific enough and offer enough accurate information to state that there are so many deaths due to flu. Questions and Answers Regarding Estimating Deaths from Seasonal Influenza in the United States http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/us_flu-related_deaths.htm And answering questions: Swine flu: Your questions answered http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/30/ep.swine.flu.questions.answers/index.html Excerpt: "1. Hasn't swine flu been around for a while? Yes. Swine flu was first identified in 1930 when researchers isolated the virus in a pig. In 1976, more than 200 soldiers at Fort Dix, New Jersey, got swine flu. From 1976 until 2005, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received approximately one report every year or two of humans with swine flu. From December 2005 until January 2009, there were 12 cases of swine flu reported." (end of excerptt) What I want to know is: Why do these things start up in Military compounds? Inluenza 1918: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/influenza/peopleevents/pandeAMEX86.html And after asking that question I found this article: Vaccines as Biological Weapons? Live Avian Flu Virus Placed in Baxter Vaccine Materials Sent to 18 Countries Tuesday, March 03, 2009 by: Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor http://www.naturalnews.com/025760_Baxter_flu_virus_avian_flu.html (excerpt:) "Examine the historical record. You'll find that the 1918 flu originated with servicemen. Even more interestingly, it began in multiple cities, simultaneously! There is no single point of origin with the 1918 flu. It appears to have "spontaneously" sprung up across multiple cities all at once, including a military base in Kansas. (Kansas? Yep. So how did it get to Kansas in an era when air traffic was virtually non-existent? Vaccines, of course!) http://www.naturalnews.com/military.html All those cities and servicemen have one thing in common: Flu shot vaccinations given to them by the military. If you put the pieces together on this, it's not too difficult to suspect that influenza could potentially be used as a tool of control by governments or drug companies to catalyze outrageous profit-taking or power grabbing agendas. A desperate, infected population will gladly give up anything or pay anything for the promise of being cured." (end excerpt) From this Times of India article: Virus mix-up by lab could have resulted in pandemic AGENCIES 6 March 2009, 12:02am IST http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Health--Science/Science/Virus-mix-up-by-lab-could-have-resulted-in-pandemic/articleshow/4230882.cms "Accidental release of a mixture of live H5N1 and H3N2 viruses could have resulted in dire consequences. While H5N1 doesn't easily infect people, H3N2 viruses do. If someone exposed to a mixture of the two had been simultaneously infected with both strains, he or she could have served as an incubator for a hybrid virus able to transmit easily to and among people." Well, that is a loaded statement. Wouldn't you say? So, at this point let's take a look at the 1976 'swine flu': Congressman Paul on the Recent Swine Flu Scare http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB5-Y08qbjo 1976 Swine Flu Propaganda http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASibLqwVbsk How the pandemic swine flu virus came to be http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-virus-qanda14-2009sep14,0,33423.story Excerpt from an article on No More Fake News that offers some perspective to consider: ~~~~~~~~~~ SEPTEMBER 14, 2009 You have to understand, for example, that if a person exhibits certain symptoms---fatigue, congestion, elevated temperature, and so on---and he has been around other people who have been labeled PROBABLE SWINE FLU CASES, there is a chance this person, too, will be designated with the “probable” diagnosis. The medical net is cast as wide as possible. Millions and millions of people around the world display the so-called symptoms of flu. Ordinary flu. And this in itself is not a cause for alarm. To switch over and call some of these people “probable Swine Flu cases” is meaningless---except that it brings more fear---because the public has been programmed to react with fear when the Swine Flu label is applied. In other words, there is a self-generated feedback loop of ridiculous and unsubstantiated diagnosis. Little by little, fake epidemic by fake epidemic, the public is being trained to knuckle under to pronouncements by medical authorities and their government allies. And in case you haven’t noticed, there is a growing Homeland Security aspect to all of this. “Terrorism” and “epidemic” are being linked under the same umbrella. Both labels, when applied, cause these authorities to swing into action and make dire predictions. It’s good for business---the business of selling drugs and vaccines (pharmaceutical companies) and the business of government agencies who need “emergencies” to respond to, so they can prove their worth when it comes time to extract funding from Congress. As I never tire of pointing out (I’ve been writing about this since 1988), medical control of the citizenry is a very good fascist strategy, because there appears to be no partisan or political agenda at work. Everything is done under the banner of: “we’re here to care for you and look out for you and cure your ills.” - Jon Rappoport ~~~~~~~~~~ Unanswered questions... Study: Tamiflu may do children more harm than good http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/08/11/influenza.children.tamiflu.relenza/ David Icke - July 12th 2009 - Don't Take The Flu Vaccine! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqMK_yu8APg For discerment purposes, here are a few official articles http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza_vaccine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiomersal Internists Remind Public To Get Seasonal Flu Shot http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/163950.php ("Every year in the U.S. about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications.") Reflections on the 1976 Swine Flu Vaccination Program http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol12no01/05-1007.htm I just found this 2005 article interesting considering that it is co-authored by Barack Obama: Op-Ed Contributors Grounding a Pandemic By BARACK OBAMA and RICHARD LUGAR Published: June 6, 2005 http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/06/opinion/06obama.html?ex=1130994000&en=1b199f715505a19c&ei=5070 Let's take a look at one statement: "At the moment, effective responses to an avian flu pandemic are limited and will come far too late for many people in Southeast Asia. Indeed, so far more than 60 percent of those diagnosed with the avian flu have died." 60%? Well 60% of what? http://www.searo.who.int/EN/Section10/Section1027.htm "WHO has reported 141 laboratory confirmed human cases of avian influenza in Indonesia, with 115 deaths since July 2005. Thailand has reported 25 cases with 17 deaths since December 2003. The South-East Asia Region accounts for 168 cases and 132 deaths from Avian Influenza A (H5N1)." Well, that puts things into perspective, but not as intimidating when stated this way, is it?. Here is the WHO chart: Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO 24 September 2009 http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/country/cases_table_2009_09_24/en/index.html And how about these statements from the op-ed article: "The precedent that experts fear is the 1918 flu pandemic, which began in the American Midwest and swept the planet in the era before air travel,..." 1918 influenza: the mother of all pandemics Taubenberger JK, Morens DM. 2006 Jan [date cited]. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol12no01/05-0979.htm "When and Where Did the 1918 Influenza Pandemic Arise? Before and after 1918, most influenza pandemics developed in Asia and spread from there to the rest of the world. Confounding definite assignment of a geographic point of origin, the 1918 pandemic spread more or less simultaneously in 3 distinct waves during an ≈12-month period in 1918–1919, in Europe, Asia, and North America (the first wave was best described in the United States in March 1918). Historical and epidemiologic data are inadequate to identify the geographic origin of the virus (21), and recent phylogenetic analysis of the 1918 viral genome does not place the virus in any geographic context (19)." This states it "...spread more or less simultaneously...", so how did it sweep the planet so quickly? "...killing 20 million to 40 million people." Why so vague on the number of deaths? Perhaps because they keep changing? Flu epidemic hits Seattle on October 3, 1918. By David Wilma, January 01, 2000 http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=2090 "Throughout the world, at least 21 million people died, including some 700,000 in the United States." And once again from 1918 influenza: the mother of all pandemics: "The "Spanish" influenza pandemic of 1918–1919, which caused ≈50 million deaths worldwide..." Updating the accounts: global mortality of the 1918-1920 "Spanish" influenza pandemic: http://preview.tinyurl.com/yefzlde "Further research has seen the consistent upward revision of the estimated global mortality of the pandemic, which a 1920s calculation put in the vicinity of 21.5 million. A 1991 paper revised the mortality as being in the range 24.7-39.3 million. This paper suggests that it was of the order of 50 million. However, it must be acknowledged that even this vast figure may be substantially lower than the real toll, perhaps as much as 100 percent understated." Even Wikipedia isn't sure, but the number is rising: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1918_flu_pandemic "The pandemic lasted from March 1918 to June 1920,[3] spreading even to the Arctic and remote Pacific islands. It is estimated that anywhere from 50 to 100 million people were killed worldwide." More from Mr. Rappoport: SEPTEMBER 15, 2009 It isn’t just Obama’s health plan. It isn’t just the fear mongering around fake epidemics. The medical/pharmaceutical establishment is moving a step at a time toward making illness a badge of honor. Children of a new generation are learning that it pays to have some disorder or another: ADHD, clinical depression, SAD, Bipolar Disorder. There are perks. The child doesn’t have to grow up with a great goal and the energy and determination to pursue it. He can become, instead, a person with an illness, and he can develop a whole language to describe it. It’s a fall-back position for him. “If at first you don’t succeed, obtain a diagnosis from a psychiatrist.” Of course, the medications dispensed to “treat” these “disorders” are highly toxic. They scramble, for example, neurotransmitter systems in the brain. They act like speed drugs. They repress a wide-ranging emotional life, substituting instead a dead zone. As time passes, the medical/pharmaceutical juggernaut obtains more control over people’s lives. It presents itself as the ultimate “care giver,” with only the best interests of the patient at heart. A chemical messiah. People want to believe in something. So they move under the medical umbrella and seek an authority to supply them with cradle to grave guidance. This journey is marked with many signposts (disease and disorder labels) that offer excuses for failing to find a truly satisfying life. The chief bureaucrats at The Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization are the priests of a new religion. They pretend to know the unchallengeable facts of an arcane catechism. They know how [to] issue orders and inform the masses about new disease threats. They know how to build a whole cosmology of disaster and imbue it with the sounds of authenticity. In this, they replicate the kinds of fairy tales that lead the slaves of organized religions. “We care, we dispense, we command, we point the way.” The separation of church and state was wisely written into the Constitution. But this new religion works hand in glove with government. That’s the rub. Its dictums and flaws and false assumptions and compromised research and greed and hunger for control are increasingly aligned with the Nanny State itself. With extensive media cooperation, the medical religion can ignore and bury many legitimate factual criticisms of its so-called science. The push in the direction of trying to make certain vaccines compulsory is just one instance of this overall power play. - Jon Rappoport And a little more perspective on reporting of numbers and seriousness, this time in regards to smallpox: LYING ABOUT VACCINES http://www.nomorefakenews.com/archives/archiveview.php?key=3624 It seems to me that it is a guessing game as to the actual number of deaths and really how these viruses come to be. I am not hearing anything substancial that explains where they originate, how they mutate, why vaccinations when they don't seem to offer much help and quite often do more harm than good? I could write more perspective on this, but I want to leave it more open ended and await any perspective you may have. I feel this article sums it up failry nicely and offers some more questioning perspective on the nature of the vaccines(scroll down for this article, the page in the link also includes the flu stats piece by Mr. Rappoport at the top): Flu Treatment http://www.life-enthusiast.com/news/s_flu.htm by Mark Sircus Ac., OMD International Medical Veritas Association http://www.imva.info

Bill Hicks, Jim Marrs and the 'interconnectedness' of things

Skeyeopener — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:12:51 GMT

Okay now, I feel to begin this with a clarification: I am not into violence references or sarcasm as a 'normal/regular' form of communication, but I do feel that the expression of exasperation with absurdities/insanities of life as a means of conveying such can be appropriate when spoken and shared with mature adults. I find it is actually very sane to do so at times. This is not meant as a simple 'complaining' about life, but honestly attempting to communicate something deeply felt to perhaps share insight and the potential for real sanity. I do not necessarily agree with all of Hicks' perceptions, but I honor and admire the 'brutal' honesty(have always admired people of this nature) with which he shares them. With this said read on.... And in his own words: "Well, with a five minute UFO experience I got a taste of holiness I never got in 20 years of religion. All the things I talk about are foils to point out perceptions, so I really don't have anything I'm against so much as I'm for, and that's what I think my material keeps pointing at -- deflating balloons, deflating fantasies and trying to find some element of truth." ~~~~ "We are the perfect and holy children of God, and I don't see, being the perfect and holy children of God, how any limits could be put upon us...not at all. That's the point of my act. I just want to be free of the fears and anxieties of death and the superstitions of religion. Being raised in a baptist...with an avenging God, a God who created hell for his children. I'm sorry, but...no. Wrong. You're wrong. That's an insane God and therefore not mine. Because, see, God would be very sane, don't you get it? That's my act. Everything branches off from that." ~~~~ from the forward to the book: Bill Hicks - Love All The People(The Essential Bill Hicks) "Hicks thinks against society and insists on the importance of this intellectual freedom as a way to inspire others to think for themselves. 'To me the comic is the guy who says "Wait a minute" as the consensus forms. He's the antithesis of the mob mentality. The comic is a flame --- like Shiva the Destroyer, toppling idols no matter what they are. He keeps cutting everything back to the moment." "The best thing I do is make connections. I connect 'everything'(italicized)." ~~~~ Now for the fun.... "I've been traveling a lot lately. I was over in Australia during Easter. It was interesting to note they celebrate Easter the same way we do -- commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus by telling our children a giant bunny rabbit... left chocolate eggs in the night. Gee, I wonder why we are so messed up as a race. You know, I've read the Bible. I can't find the words 'bunny' or 'chocolate' in the whole book. I think it's interesting how people act on their beliefs. A lot of Christians, for instance, wear crosses around their necks. Nice sentiment, but do you think when Jesus comes back, he's really going to want to look at a cross? Ow! Maybe that's why he hasn't shown up yet. (As Jesus looking down from Heaven) 'I'm not going, Dad. No, they're still wearing crosses -- they totally missed the point. When they start wearing fishes, I might go back again...No, I'm not going...O.K., I'll tell you what -- I'll go back as a bunny.' " ~~~~~~~~~ Okay now, continuing in the 'interconnectedness' of things vein: I posted about a book I had been reading called 'rule by secrecy' by Jim Marrs... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Marrs ...and recently I found a link that appears to be the book online. Not sure if it is the whole book, but it looks to have informational links in addition to what is mentioned in the book. The web page has a bit of an 'alarmist' tone to it, which I can understand but am note prone to, but if you have an interest here it is: http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/sociopol_rulebysecrecy.htm Hmm, it appears I am honoring 'two truth tellin' Texans' today. :) It all comes back to 'connectedness'...sooner or later, why not sooner? If we can realize the reality of our inherent 'nOneness' and live from this....this would be a much more enjoyable existence. Just did a search on Youtube and found this good piece that I have heard before on CD(which is echoing what I just expressed) and am happy to share it with you: Bill Hicks: What is the point to Life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q95kX_EP2Nk Peace All! P.S. while searching for some pics to post with this I found this page which shows Hicks' censored(cut) act from the Letterman show on October 1, 1993. Apparently Hicks's mother went onto the Letterman show and David apologized for cutting it and showed it: http://adap2k.blogspot.com/2009_01_25_archive.html Plus, it looks like I may have found another website to peruse. I like the header statement. ;)

A life goal...

Skeyeopener — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:29:32 GMT

...to play in the snow and soak in the hot springs with the Macaques of Japan. Perhaps when my son goes there to live after college. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_6c8CKpXQI http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=590_mhAuZhc

Two books to read

Skeyeopener — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:51:01 GMT

I know I have posted about these before, but this is a post I did today that includes some good excerpts and perspective writing. How the Rich Are Destroying the Earth http://www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/how_the_rich_are_destroying_the_earth:paperback# A good long excerpt from the book: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_15392.cfm Almost finished with this book.... Rule by Secrecy http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780060931841/Rule_by_Secrecy/index.aspx Excerpts: http://www.raven1.net/rulbysec.htm (just got this off a google search, am not familiar with the rest of the site, but it has a lot of excerpts) These books present what may be extreme to most in the manner of how the world is viewed, but they offer questions and information in a straightforward and balanced manner that help to see the threads of power structures and the mind sets behind them that we may know on some level, yet help to bring it to the surface to see more clearly. Even if you think you know what is going on and why, I recommend reading these. Not really to figure out 'who's doing what', but rather to see the 'big picture' in a different way perhaps, to be more aware of how interconnected it all is and how we are being faced with some serious choices right now. If we choose to face them. I don't believe in an 'us and them' or that 'we can stop them', but that we are being presented with an opportunity to meet the reality of our mortality head on....and in this meeting face the fear that is spiraling 'us' through this misery-ridden disaster as a world society to reveal the potential of realizing the strength and beauty of 'us' that is waiting to live wholly through 'us'.

The forwarding of the 'future' out of fear

Skeyeopener — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:10:43 GMT

Did a stream of consciousness following of links, connecting and collecting as I went: Military Domains: Air, Land Sea and Now Cyberspace http://www.livescience.com/technology/etc/090624-pentagon-creat-cyber-command.html Hackers stole data on Pentagon's newest fighter jet http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/21/pentagon.hacked/index.html Pentagon approves creation of cyber command http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N2388687.htm Pentagon Cyber Unit Prompts Questions http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/12/AR2009061204373.html (you can check out the 'Star Wars' related articles in links of the first article 'Military Domains...') Prototype Missile Defense Satellites Primed for Test Flight http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/090624-techwed-stss-missiledef.html ...then saw these videos at the end of it all Implanted. Enhanced. Invaded?: Human-Robot Mergers http://www.livescience.com/common/media/video/player.php?videoRef=LS_090309_06_ImEnIn Future 'Bots: Robot-Human Convergence Begins http://www.livescience.com/common/media/video/player.php?videoRef=LS_090309_00_FutuBots In this second video it gives a prime example of the rationalization behind the forwarding of the 'robotic future' and the experimentation, exploitation, and mutation of nature for 'our needs'(profit and pleasure), which by this rationalization will most likely end 'us'(humans). If nothing else at least watch the videos. Why? For awareness...awareness of how we as a species are 'selling ourselves short', quite literally shortening our time here by selling out to our insecurities and desires. (pic from this page: http://www.scienceahead.com/entry/top-21-wearable-technologies/ which offers more 'propaganda/programing' and the 'selling of the future' worth a look....)

Michael Jackson: They Don’t Care About Us

Skeyeopener — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:34:51 GMT

Is there any question really about who 'they' are? In a relative/duality sense, 'us and them' exists, yes we can recognize and realize the unreality of 'us and them' in U'n'I~versality, but it may be necessary to get clear on the relative tendencies of the mind that separate, discriminate, and justify it with an air of 'superiority'. In this criteria: who are 'they'? We can see how this type of behavior exists within all of us, but for some of us this behavior has a more extreme and far reaching effect. Who today has such potential? And are we going to wait until 'they' care about 'us'? Or can 'we' care about 'them'(us...they are self) enough to stop supporting the misperceptions of 'themselves, the world and us'? How do we do this? Come to see the underlying behaviors that are being enacted(look within, past surface identifications), admit how they exist within 'self/other'(embrace the darkness, forgive), so that they can easily be seen(witness without judgment)...then bear the energy of impulse that seeks to engage in the separating, fear based, over-consumptive actions(be still in the midst of conditioned response)....realize the Self that exists within us all, that is whole and unaffected by anything...is divine and pure regardless of manifesting energies of 'war and hatred'....and with all your heart pay attention to the peace that is desired in the world that exists as 'You', before, during and after any thought of 'you' arises(be aware of awareness...does awareness move...come or go...change in any way?). Within this realization is the potential for all to awaken to the reality that 'we' do not exist as we think we do, as separate beings, but are as we are without any thought of 'who we are'....united, inseparable, wholly(Holy)...not 'One', for there would be two...only 'self' that is no~thing...essence/being of All. This is the only chance for Peace....if 'we' are to realize this, if it is possible, it will be revealed...as it has and continually is 'here'. This song is not shared to add to a sense of 'self pity' or story of victimization, but to offer the potential to feel deeper what is really wanted and to tell the truth of that within...and see where the willingness is to be done with all the stories that seek to separate, keep the ego-dream 'alive' that misperceives 'self'...and in this misperception 'fears', and in fearing enacts all the misery of the world upon it~Self. May the Light be revealed, may Love live through 'Us'. They Don’t Care About Us Written and composed by michael jackson Original prison version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97nAvTVeR6o (another 'sunnier' version continues where last video left off with Michael running through the alley...) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCqQ2JcQWGs Skin head, dead head Everybody gone bad Situation, aggravation Everybody allegation In the suite, on the news Everybody dog food Bang bang, shock dead Everybodys gone mad All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us Beat me, hate me You can never break me Will me, thrill me You can never kill me Do me, sue me Everybody do me Kick me, strike me Dont you black or white me All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us Tell me what has become of my life I have a wife and two children who love me I am the victim of police brutality, now Im tired of bein the victim of hate Youre rapin me of my pride Oh, for gods sake I look to heaven to fulfill its prophecy... Set me free Skin head, dead head Everybody gone bad Trepidation, speculation Everybody allegation In the suite, on the news Everybody dog food Black man, black mail Throw your brother in jail All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us Tell me what has become of my rights Am I invisible because you ignore me? Your proclamation promised me free liberty, now Im tired of bein the victim of shame Theyre throwing me in a class with a bad name I cant believe this is the land from which I came You know I do really hate to say it The government dont wanna see But if roosevelt was livin He wouldnt let this be, no, no Skin head, dead head Everybody gone bad Situation, speculation Everybody litigation Beat me, bash me You can never trash me Hit me, kick me You can never get me All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us Some things in life they just dont wanna see But if martin luther was livin He wouldnt let this be Skin head, dead head Everybody gone bad Situation, segregation Everybody allegation In the suite, on the news Everybody dog food Kick me, strike me Dont you wrong or right me All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us All I wanna say is that They dont really care about us Memorial tribute: Just released short clip of Michael Jackson's last concert rehearsal at Staples Center, June 23, 2009 "They Don't Really Care About Us" © 2009 AEG Live, LLC. Orianthi Panagar is on guitar. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THQDBQpZ9AM

Within This Human Condition

Skeyeopener — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:42:28 GMT

Bought a new Rumi book today....Love's Ripening: Rumi on the Heart's Journey (Shambhala) Here is the first poem... Ripened Fruit Do you remember how you came into existence? You may not remember because you arrived a little drunk. Let me give you a hint: Let go of your mind and then be mindful. Close your ears and listen! It is difficult to speak to your unripeness. You may still be in your springtime, unaware that autumn exists. This world is a tree to which we cling---- we, the half-ripe fruit upon it. The immature fruit clings tightly to the branch because, not yet ripe, it's unfit for the palace. When fruits become ripe, sweet, and juicy, then, biting their lips, they loosen their hold. When the mouth has been sweetened by felicity, the kingdom of the world loses it's appeal. To be tightly attached to the world is immaturity. As long as you're an embryo, all you think about is sipping blood. There's more to be said, but let the Holy Spirit tell it. You may even tell it to your own ear. Neither I, nor some other "I," needs to tell you, you who are also I. Just as when you fall asleep, you leave the presence of yourself to enter another presence of yourself. You hear something from yourself and imagine that someone else has secretly spoken to you in a dream. But you are not a single "you," my friend----you are the wide sky and the deep sea. Your awesome "You," which is nine hundredfold, is where a hundred of your you's will drown.

Pleasure and happiness

Skeyeopener — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 06:26:30 GMT

Pleasure depends on things, happiness does not. As long as we believe that we need things to make us happy, we shall also believe that in their absence we must be miserable. Mind always shapes itself according to it's beliefs. Hence the importance of convincing oneself that one need not be prodded into happiness; that, on the contrary, pleasure is a distraction and a nuisance, for it merely increases the false conviction that one needs to have and do things to be happy, when in reality it is just the opposite. But why talk of happiness at all? You do not think of happiness except when you are unhappy. A man who says "Now I am happy" is between two sorrows, past and future. This happiness is mere excitement caused by relief from pain. Real happiness is utterly un-self-conscious. It is best expressed negatively as: "there is nothing wrong with me, I have nothing to worry about". Once you have grasped the truth that the world is full of suffering, that to be born is a calamity, you will find the urge and the energy to go beyond. Pleasure puts you to sleep and pain wakes you up. If you do not want to suffer, don't go to sleep. You cannot know yourself through bliss alone, for bliss is your very nature. You must face the opposite, what you are not, to find enlightenment. From: http://end-to-suffering.blogspot.com/ ~~~~~~~ I would clarify that this does not mean to seek suffering, to be masochistic, but to not seek pleasure out of boredom, fear of not being 'okay' or 'happy'. See if there is the willingness to be present with 'suffering' and see what reveals itself in this willingness. The darkness must be faced to find the light.

MJ's 'Earth Song'

Skeyeopener — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:58:36 GMT

Here is a compilation of sharings from facebook: Just saw this last night for this first time and I would have to say it is a fitting 'parting message'. It's not about despair or laying blame, just realizing and acknowledging...and facing it all, however we can...we can honor this gift of life or we can ignore it. I can say this: If we honor it, it will honor us....realize we are life, we are love...and love 'yourself'. This was the Magic of Michael...that he gave voice to what was felt, regardless of how it was perceived. What do you feel from this...how will you perceive it...and respond? Help by realizing how the world is harmed...acknowledge in what ways there is the participation in 'warring' on the world(earth, people, animals...all Beings) in relations of all kinds...and in whatever way possible: stop. The paradox to this 'stopping' is to realize what is not 'harmed, changed, effected' by anything....that is always whole...this offers the space of peace that supports and enables true compassion and the possibility of 'healing' for the world. http://www.videomela.com/video/4028/Michael-Jackson--Earthsong

A pause can speak volumes....

Skeyeopener — Sat, 16 May 2009 02:51:17 GMT

Please watch the news video at the bottom of the article. It posts some good questions. Can you hear the lack of conviction in Obama's statements? Not sounding so eloquent or sure of himself. If we want real change we have to pay close attention and not accept anymore 'promises' or political rhetoric from anyone, no matter how well they talk or especially how 'charismatic' they are.. We Wouldn't Want to Inflame Anti-American Sentiment by Glenn Greenwald http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/05/14-8

On 'conspiracy' and the distinction between Hebrews, Jews and Zionists

Skeyeopener — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:43:12 GMT

The following excerpt is from a book('rule by secrecy' by Jim Marrs) that I feel offers a clear distinction between Hebrews, Jews and Zionists and the issue of anti-Semitism that often confuses the discussions we have in the Jews and Muslims Together tribe. It also offers a little insight into the nature of 'conspiracy' and the reason as to why there can be a shying away from its consideration. May this help to bridge and not distance. ~~~~~~~~~~~ It was also about the time of Nathan's arrival in London that Mayer Bauer changed his name to Rothschild (literally "red shield") taken from a red shield emblem on the ghetto home of his ancestors. This name change undoubtedly was an attempt to separate his family from the raging anti-Semitism prevalent in Germany at the time. To further insulate the family from such racism, the Rothschilds used a stable of registered agents and front men to operate their far-flung business dealings. This may be a good point to dismiss claims that the modern secret societies, either wittingly or otherwise, are furthering the aims of an international Jewish conspiracy. While it is undoubtedly true that many of the world's wealthy elite have a Jewish heritage, one should not be sidetracked by the issue of race or religion. There is no evidence of substance to prove that Jews or Hebrews----or any other racial or religious group----are any more greedy or ambitious than anyone else. Furthermore, any discussion of anti-Semitism is frequently lost in a misunderstanding of the distinction between Hebrews, Jews and Zionists. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language describes a Hebrew as a member of the Semitic people, a race descended from Abraham of the Old Testament which, ironically enough, also includes most Arabs. A Jew, on the other hand, is a[n] adherent of Judaism, a religion handed down by the Israelites. A Zionist is a member of a political movement concerned with preserving and furthering the aims of the state of Israel. These constitute three separate issues: race, religion, and politics. To lump these singular issues into one single conspiracy is both wrong headed and contrary to the historical evidence. Most people in modern America realize that it is wrong to judge a person on race, an attribute over which that person has no control. Likewise, it is considered bad manners by most to publicly attack another person's religion. Only one's politics are fair game for dissension and argument. It is here, in the realm of politics,that much confusion has been sown. Supporters of Zionism for years have skillfully attacked their opponents as "anti-Semites" to the extent that many Americans, Jews and gentiles alike and especially the media, are loath to even question the policies of Israel no matter how odious. Furthermore, the broad brush of anti-Semitism frequently has been used to besmirch anyone offering a conspiratorial view of history. While it may be true that secret organizations in the past were built along both racial and religious grounds, attempting to bring race or religion into a discussion of modern secret societies and conspiracies only serves to confuse the issue and repel conscientious researchers. Although many international financiers are of Jewish descent, it is no more fair to accuse the Hebrew race of an international conspiracy than it would be to blame all Caucasians for the acts of Hitler's Nazis. W. Cleon Skousen, a former FBI agent who served as police chief of Salt Lake City in the late 1950s, wrote about international conspiracies in several books, including The Naked Communist. He, too, came to understand that racial identification was "an oversimplified explanation for the rise of the global power structure which has snared mankind." He explained, "In studying the global conspiracy it is important to keep in mind that it was not any particular race or religion but the 'passion for money and power' which has drawn the tycoons of world finance into a tightly knit, mutual-aid society." But such considered and reasoned understanding of anti-Semitism was not in vogue during Mayer Rothschild's time. So he built his financial empire while studiously attempting to avoid the racism of his day. This is not to imply that the Rothschilds were not proud of their Jewish ancestry. By all accounts, family leaders have been most devout in their observance of Jewish traditions and customs. Over the years, the family has donated liberally to Jewish causes and may have even played a vital role in establishing the state of Israel, although some conspiracy writers claim that Rothschilds interest in Israel more concerns the control of oil than love of a homeland. One method utilized to avoid racism was the enlistment of non-Jewish operatives as fronts for the Rothschild organization. At the time of the American Civil War, J. P. Morgan publicly made anti-Semitic remarks, yet he furthered the goals of the Rothschilds. "How much of Morgan's anti-Semitism was real and how much may have been a pragmatic a guise is, in the final analysis, of little importance....Regardless of one's interpretation of the nature of the relationship between the Houses of Morgan and Rothschild, the fact remains that it was close, it was ongoing, and it was profitable to both. If Morgan truly did harbor feelings of anti-Semitism, neither he nor the Rothschilds ever allowed them to get in their way of business," noted author griffin. According to author Icke, Morgan and Rockefeller were wealthy "gofers" who used Rothschild financing to "build vast empires which controlled banking, business, oil, steel, etc., and ran the United States economy in the way the Oppenheimers do in South Africa." ~~~~~~~~~~~ (end of excerpt)

The Search for Eternal Youth

Skeyeopener — Sat, 09 May 2009 00:10:27 GMT

(Click on image to see Skeye collage full size) Looking to the bookmarked page in Rumi ~ In the Arms of the Beloved I find this appropriate poem: All My Youth Returns You are the comfort of my soul in the season of sorrow. You are the wealth of my spirit in the heartbreak of loss. The unimaginable, The unknowable---- That is what you give my soul when it moves in your direction. By your grace my eyes have looked upon eternity. O King, how could this crumbling empire ever take me from you? The voice that sings your name is sweeter than midnight sleep, more graceful than the song of a royal poet. When deep in prayer my faith is bound by the thought of you, not the seven verses of faith. You greet sinners with mercy, You melt stone hearts with love. If I were offered a kingdom, And the world's riches were placed at my feet, I would bow with my face low and say, This does not compare to His Love! Union is the pure wine. My life is the cup. Without your wine what use is this cup? I once had a thousand desires, But in my one desire to know you all else melted away. The pure essence of your being has taken over my heart and soul. Now there is no second or third, only the sound of your sweet cry. Through your grace I have found a treasure within myself. I have found the truth of the Unseen world. I have come upon the eternal ecstasy. I have gone beyond the ravages of time. I have become one with you! Now my heart sings, "I am the soul of the world." From my first breath I have longed for Him---- This longing has become my life. This longing has seen me grow old.... But one mention of Sham-e Tabriz and all my youth comes back to me. ~~~~~~~~ I cannot say that this is 'my experience', because this does not have to do with the finite perspective of 'me', but that this resonates so strongly Here with the infinite~silent~still unfolding of awareness that is un-conceptualized...that what this is pointing to has been revealed and it is all Grace. A revealing insight of the nature of man's attempt at 'immortality', to make the finite Infinite, to make the images of life the Reality of Life: The search for the 'fountain of youth' has been misinterpreted as a physical reality that can transform the mortal body to an immortal being, instead of the 'inner search' for the eternal youth of Being....the Truth of Self....of which feels to be what the movie The Fountain attempted to represent. All the suffering of the world is propagated by this misinterpretation. All the attempts to 'control the experience of life', to influence and manage 'things to benefit me', to 'become something more'... ...all based on the simple 'lie'(phenomenal perception belief) that 'we are separate'...that the Eternal Whole(that is nOne) can be come~apart~mentalized: that the immortal~un~conceptualizable~being~ness of Self(God if you will) is ever truly separable or possible of being imagined. That Nothing is ever realy 'anything else' than no~thing. Thus, this is why the more there is the attempt to know the 'truth of things' through intellectual means and believing in the mind's definitions, the more we are 'harming' the manifestations of reality. Because by the very nature of placing value on the limited intellect as primary reality there is an ignoring of the divine resonance of Self that is the essence~frequency of all life that does not seek to 'control or harm', but merely inform what is 'most appropriate and pleasing' to the peaceful nature of Self. The suffering that is perpetuated by this ignorance is merely a pointing back to the true primary reality that exists before any perceptions of reality. The outward flowing attention of the mind gets directed back to it's Source and the reality of all that comes into appearance/existence. 'Our thoughts' do not create reality, but reality gives life to thought...and it is in the manner in which thought is attended(or not) that shapes the nature of what appears to be 'experience for me'. The maturity and wisdom of Self has no need to 'define itself' or any 'thing'...for there is no 'other'...other than the Eternal Youth that has no beginning or end. The calendar in the kitchen says it is 'Buddha Day' tomorrow[and looking over to the Rumi calendar on the wall next to me as I write I see it says: Wesak(Buddhist), [more on this below] and this reminds of a recent find online: Buddha's Re'sume' http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/buddhasresume.html Emptiness http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/emptiness.html Wesak has been revealing itself more intently over the last few years, just noticing that when there feels to be 'significant resonance' and a stronger sense of peace, clarity, that I notice it is Wesak time. Vesak(Wesak) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesak Full Moon in Scorpio Friday, May 8, 2009 9:01 PDT 18º 40’ http://www.astrowisdom.com/thisfullmoon.htm (can't say I agree with the 'shoulds' in this one, but most of it resonates) And in researching more on Wesak I am finding it is actually today, or rather that today is a reminder/pointing to the nature of Wesak that is ever unfolding. There are many things unfolding right now that this applies to and I am thankful for this revealing. There are more 'connecting references' that have appeared today(i.e.: The Dalai Lama and Tibetan history, Mount Kailash in Tibet, etc.), but I will leave it at this: Whenever you feel the call of, or are invited to examine, 'truth'(however this resonates for you), to listening deeper, self-reflecting, facing fear, just answer without an expected outcome....you will not be disappointed, ever.

Tax Day mix

Skeyeopener — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:01:35 GMT

Beatles Taxman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yKdGWXTUG4 Whitey on the moon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5smPcN8AoE Inner City Blues http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDckI2P_DPA (not only the IRS is wanting to talk to Supes, but Immigration as well...it seems there's is a little matter of being an 'illegal alien') Illegal Alien http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMgzHTf37-U

The Nowness of Being

Skeyeopener — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:50:27 GMT

This is one of the closest pointings I have heard that resonates as much as Ramana http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGnvmw_aZv0

A beautiful way to start the day

Skeyeopener — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:40:03 GMT

Enjoy....oh, and it's okay to laugh.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iimMKWF7SK0

The Ears

Skeyeopener — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 07:22:06 GMT

A couple of days ago I wrote this blog post: Listening Awareness http://people.tribe.net/skeyeopener/blog/06d001b2-af48-4d6c-8b2d-8bdd5e0820b0 Then that evening I read the first random poem from a new Rumi book(The Rumi Collection edited by Kabir Helminski): The Ears The big ear on the outside of our head could be closed. It is so good at hearing that the inner ear goes deaf. What if you had no hearing at all, no nose, no mind-stuff! Then one could hear well the three syllables: "Turn around." Our sounds, our work, our renown, these are outer. When we move inwardly, we move through inner space. Our feet walk firmly, they experience sidewalks well. There is one inside who walks like Jesus on the sea. (translated by Robert Bly) Today(4/5/09), sitting at the computer....I look over at the Rumi calendar on the wall and it says: The beauty you crave was always my glimmer seen through a veil. Turn around, and see where beauty comes from.

Listening Awareness....

Skeyeopener — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:43:41 GMT

Looking through my archive of 'Skeye' writings I found this: 2-3-06 Awareness of 'the past, not living *from* it Awareness of 'the future', not living *for* it Living life...now...in reality ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If or when a 'world society collapse' occurs, will you be one that says, "Why didn't anyone tell me?"? Recognize now that it won't be because it wasn't spoken, only that you didn't listen. Let it be for those that have ears to hear...listen. No need to figure it out 'what is' or judge it as right or wrong, but hear for the sake of awareness. Let the intuitiveness of your nature discern appropriateness. If there is resistance out of fear to hearing, truly listening, recognize this and trust yourself. Do not let fear stand in the way of awareness, of facing life openly. It's all here being spoken, it is only for you to hear. When the moment of 'passing' arrives, will you say, "If only..."? Not sure if this was ever posted, but felt to now. Peace....

Chasing after illusions

Skeyeopener — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 23:59:22 GMT

This video encapsulates a wonderful analogous representation of the mind's futile search for satisfaction through the senses: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=48211504 Thinking 'we know' what we see is 'real', following thought impulse, identifying with the many degrees of 'experience' in the attempting to attain what is thought will 'satisfy'...all the while already wholly fulfilled in our Holiness.

Does it itch?

Skeyeopener — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 05:45:12 GMT

The Function Of Art / 2 (from The Book of Embraces by Edwardo Galeano) The preacher Miguel Brun told me that a few years ago he had Visited the Indians of the Paraguayan Chaco. He was part of an evangelizing mission. The missionaries visited a chief who was considered very wise. The chief, a quiet, fat man, listened without blinking to the religious propaganda that they read to him in his own language. When they finished, the mission- aries awaited a reaction. The chief took his time, then said: "That scratches. It scratches hard and it scratches very well." And then he added: "But it scratches where there isn't an itch." (end book excerpt) ~~~~~~~~~~ Is there an itch that is in need of scratching? What is it? Where does it come from? What won't you do to scratch it? I listen to this song...and I hear 'Jesus'...I hear the Heart speaking to all those that are fighting over words in books...and tears flow. Afro Celt Sound System: Release http://www.imeem.com/dialogs/standaloneplaylist/?p=f81GAemh Don’t think you can’t see me Don’t argue amongst yourselves Because of the loss of me I’m sitting amongst yourselves Don’t think you can’t see me Don’t argue amongst yourselves Because of the loss of me I haven’t gone anywhere But out of my body Reach out and you’ll touch me Make effort to speak to me Call out and you’ll hear me Be happy for me Don’t argue amongst yourselves Because of the loss of me I haven’t gone anywhere But out of my body Reach out and you’ll touch me Make effort to speak to me Call out and you’ll hear me Be happy for me Reach out and you’ll touch me Make effort to speak to me Call out and you’ll hear me Be happy for me

MLK Jr. on 'Peace'

Skeyeopener — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:07:39 GMT

Here are a few good ones from, fittingly, MLK Jr.: One of the most persistent ambiguities that we face is that everybody talks about peace as a goal. However, it does not take sharpest-eyed sophistication to discern that while everbody talks about peace, peace has become practically nobody's business among the power-wielders. Many men cry Peace! Peace! but they refuse to do the things that make for peace. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. One day we must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but that it is a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. We will not build a peaceful world by following a negative path. It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it. We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war but on the positive affirmation of peace. We must see that peace represents a sweeter music, a cosmic melody, that is far superior to the discords of war. Somehow, we must transform the dynamics of the world power struggle from the negative nuclear arms race, which no one can win, to a positive contest to harness humanity's creative genius for the purpose of making peace and prosperity a reality for all the nations of the world. In short, we must shift the arms race into a peace race. If we have a will — and determination — to mount such a peace offensive, we will unlock hitherto tightly sealed doors of hope and transform our imminent cosmic elegy into a psalm of creative fulfillment. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Is this what Obama is saying? It is not what I am hearing. What about you?

Pine Ridge Oglala Sioux Reservation IN DESPERATE NEED OF HELP

Skeyeopener — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:02:56 GMT

Friend Merlin putting the word out and I'm passing it along, do what you can, be the change. :) http://people.tribe.net/da7fbb5a-20e6-4c7c-a402-d619f6440cac/blog?topicid=1fec7649-1c84-4775-bfdd-00d79d690f50

Harold Pinter, Eartha Kitt and Professor Griff

Skeyeopener — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:34:24 GMT

I am in the midst of compiling, what I feel to be, an 'essential writing' that will express much about 'these times' we find ourselves in. Some will be 'my writing' and some will be links to writings that already express much of what I have been feeling to share, but for now I would like to present some articles that give insight into an aspect of what we face...and that is the 'political'. I am not a 'socialist' or of any particular political affiliation, but these writings feel to express simple truths that go beyond any affiliation. May they serve... Harold Pinter and Eartha Kitt, artists and opponents of imperialist war 27 December 2008 http://www.wsws.org/articles/2008/dec2008/pers-d27.shtml Harold Pinter’s Nobel Prize speech: a brave artist speaks the truth about US imperialism http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/dec2005/pint-d09.shtml (excerpt:) Pinter prefaced a discussion of his body of dramatic work and his approach to art with the following observation: “In 1958 I wrote the following: ‘There are no hard distinctions between what is real and what is unreal, nor between what is true and what is false. A thing is not necessarily either true or false; it can be both true and false.’ “I believe that these assertions still make sense and do still apply to the exploration of reality through art. So as a writer I stand by them but as a citizen I cannot. As a citizen I must ask: What is true? What is false?” Pinter proceeded to give some insight into the complex and elusive process by which he composed his dramas, making clear that his primary concern was the utilization of language, plot and character to discover important human and social truths. Concerning the relationship between art, language and truth he said: “So language in art remains a highly ambiguous transaction, a quicksand, a trampoline, a frozen pool which might give way under you, the author, at any time. “But as I have said, the search for the truth can never stop. It cannot be adjourned, it cannot be postponed. It has to be faced, right there, on the spot.” This theme of the responsibility to seek and present the truth was the connecting link between his remarks on drama and his remarks on history and politics. He said: “Political language, as used by politicians, does not venture into any of this territory since the majority of politicians, on the evidence available to us, are interested not in truth but in power and the maintenance of that power. To maintain that power it is essential that people remain in ignorance, that they live in ignorance of the truth, even the truth of their own lives. What surrounds us therefore is a vast tapestry of lies, upon which we feed.” (end of excerpt) And I would like to present these two relatively short videos (roughly 15 mins total) I saw today of Professor Griff of the musical group Public Enemy speaking to the need for awareness and asking questions. Not that easy to hear everything the interviewer is saying, but Griff elucidates well enough and offers some good questions for consideration. This was a lead up to the Democratic primary and in support of Cynthia McKinney. Professor Griff (Public Enemy) says No to Barack Obama, Supports Cynthia Mckinney Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnCOdbVxVKk Professor Griff (Public Enemy) says No to Barack Obama, Supports Cynthia Mckinney Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFobU__tGuw All for now....Peace.

Hearing MLK...discerning BHO

Skeyeopener — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 02:04:39 GMT

Reposting this MLK post from last April...still relevant, so I feel. Listen/read the depth of what this man spoke, learn/remember what he lived then listen/read what Obama is speaking and see what he is doing regardless of what he says...then tell me, truly, if Obama is anywhere close to expressing or living such heart. I don't hear or see it... Let the dream end...real~eyez the reality: http://people.tribe.net/skeyeopener/blog/3098e1e3-953f-4427-8810-76f44f4c509f Over 100 Speeches of Barack Obama http://obamaspeeches.com/ Admittedly I have not read them all, but I have heard enough from him to hear the 'spin' talk. Yes, he's a politician and this is why we should not be complacent but ever more demanding of his integrity and honesty. Can anyone truly say that they 'trust' him completely? Should we not be able to ask this of the President, to be worthy of our trust? They used MLK to get him in the white house and I can't say that was honorable to the memory of this man and what he spoke for.

Dream song of the Kali Yuga

Skeyeopener — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:12:42 GMT

(image: Kali Yuga by ~menum on deviantart.com) This morning I awoke with this song playing over from dreamtime.... Yes... I can't believe the news today Oh, I cant close my eyes and make it go away How long... How long must we sing this song? How long? how long... cause tonight...we can be as one Tonight... Broken bottles under childrens feet Bodies strewn across the dead end street But I wont heed the battle call It puts my back up Puts my back up against the wall Sunday, bloody sunday Sunday, bloody sunday Sunday, bloody sunday (sunday bloody sunday...) (allright lets go!) And the battles just begun Theres many lost, but tell me who has won The trench is dug within our hearts And mothers, children, brothers, sisters torn apart Sunday, bloody sunday Sunday, bloody sunday How long... How long must we sing this song? How long? how long... cause tonight...we can be as one Tonight... Tonight... Sunday, bloody sunday (tonight) Tonight Sunday, bloody sunday (tonight) (come get some!) Wipe the tears from your eyes Wipe your tears away Wipe your tears away I wipe your tears away (sunday, bloody sunday) I wipe your blood shot eyes (sunday, bloody sunday) Sunday, bloody sunday (sunday, bloody sunday) Sunday, bloody sunday (sunday, bloody sunday) (here I come!) And its true we are immune When fact is fiction and tv reality And today the millions cry We eat and drink while tomorrow they die The real battle yet begun (sunday, bloody sunday) To claim the victory jesus won (sunday, bloody sunday) On... Sunday bloody sunday Sunday bloody sunday... ~~~~~~~~~~~ The 1988 rockumentary Rattle and Hum includes a particularly renowned version of the song, recorded on 8 November 1987 at the McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado. On this version Bono's mid-song rant angrily and emphatically condemns the Remembrance Day Bombing that had occurred earlier that same day in the Northern Irish town of Enniskillen: “And let me tell you somethin'. I've had enough of Irish Americans who haven't been back to their country in twenty or thirty years come up to me and talk about the resistance, the revolution back home…and the glory of the revolution…and the glory of dying for the revolution. Fuck the revolution! They don't talk about the glory of killing for the revolution. What's the glory in taking a man from his bed and gunning him down in front of his wife and his children? Where's the glory in that? Where's the glory in bombing a Remembrance Day parade of old age pensioners, their medals taken out and polished up for the day. Where's the glory in that? To leave them dying or crippled for life or dead under the rubble of the revolution, that the majority of the people in my country don't want. No more!” After the Joshua Tree Tour, Bono was heard saying the band might never play the song again, because the song was "made real" with the performance in Denver, and it could never be matched again. Following their original intent, "Sunday Bloody Sunday" was not played during any of the forty-seven shows on the Lovetown Tour in 1989. ~~~~~~~~~~~ U2 Sunday Bloody Sunday http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKLCQv2wBTg Saul Williams' sublime cover of SBS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keqAQk1YuOs Reading YUGA: An Anatomy of Our Fate....when 'time' permits(yes, we do have to ask permission, don't we? of 'time', the regulator of our 'reality'...), I will post more on this book, but for now I am off to 'work'.

On the 'world illusion' and the nature of 'suffering'

Skeyeopener — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 18:35:38 GMT

Short time to post....reading a great book...YUGA: An Anatomy of Our Fate by Marty Glass So I did a search to see more about him and possibly getting in touch with him, since I find his expression so resonant, and found a website with interviews and such. There is a questionaire that he and some other 'spiritual folk' answered and I found a couple answers by Charles Upton to really resonate and felt to offer them here for your consideration. All for now... 1. What do people mean when they say things like "this is all an illusion"? Does the world matter? Charles Upton - The world is an illusion in the sense that it is not what it seems. It is a partial, symbolic manifestation of God -- or as the Hindu classic the TRIPURA RAHASYA says, an apparition in the mirror of the Absolute Self. If, in the words of Blake, "the body is the portion of the soul perceived by the five senses," then the material world -- including the body -- is the portion of God perceived by the five senses, just as the psychological and psychic worlds are the portions of God perceived by the feelings and the thinking mind. In itself, apart from God, the world is nothing. Does the world "matter"? If it is all we know of God, then it matters "quasi-absolutely" -- at least while it is here, or while we are here in it. Nonetheless the world, like all forms, is ultimately reabsorbed into God, which means that, on a certain level, it is annihilated in God right now. The unbroken, direct perception of the world as annihilated in God right now, even as forms arise, even as we interact with them on all levels, whether practical, aesthetic or imaginative, is the reality of Liberation. The world matters because we are forced, ad it were, to believe that the world is real, until we transcend this belief. And so the world is the "place" -- and I include within this definition the psychic as well as the material world -- without which we could not develop the virtues; and without development of the virtues, our egos become so opaque that the continuous direct perception of the world, and our incarnate selves, as relative and partial versions of the One Unique Reality becomes next to impossible. And perhaps the chief virtue conducive to Liberation is Mercy or Compassion. The world may be nothing in itself, but this nothing is filled with sentient beings suffering in ignorance and pain, beings who, if they were liberated, would not be suffering. And so Compassion is the virtue which most closely expresses the liberated state. A part of Compassion, of course, is compassion for future generations, care that we do not bequeath to them a materially and psychologically unlivable world. This does not mean, however, that the world can be fundamentally "improved" or "saved" it its own terms. Some things are improving, many things and degenerating, but the world itself, as a partial and imperfect manifestation of God, remains imperfect, and always will. The (so to speak)perfection of the world does not entail the end of all occasions for suffering, such as war, disease and old age, but rather the vision of all these things within the mirror of the Absolute Self. The enlightened sage dying of a painful disease is not numb to the pain; the pain continues till it has worked itself out. It is simply that the sage does not posit a sufferer to suffer the suffering; the suffering, while undoubtedly real, takes place within God, and thus is no suffering. 2. Is it good to suffer? How so? Why do people suffer even when they try to do the right thing? (I liked this one too...) Farid Jaafar - I can only speak for myself. I think there is a certain bearing of personal attitude once when you accept the Truth or even in my case when you are sincere deep in your hearts to really want to find the Truth. The personal tendency then seems to attract "sufferings" more readily then when we are ignoring truth and focus only on what "I" want. I imagine and suppose because the Absolute cannot consent, eventually that the "I" (as individuals) oppose God, in whatever form. The "forms" that we enjoy must in the end perish leaving only the Essence. To those who accepts this concretely I suppose will find sufferings to be an aspect of Mercy from God and maybe to some even "joy" because they reminds him/her of God all the more, however hard for any person to swallow. Charles Upton - Suffering in itself is an evil because it is a consequence of imperfection, inseparable from the existence of the material and psychic universes, which are perceptions of God imperfect enough to make suffering possible, and unavoidable. Morally, however, suffering can be either good or evil. The suffering of Hell does not purify the soul; the suffering of Purgation does purify it. The first leads to ever greater suffering and Self-alienation, the latter to increasing openness to the Love and Truth of God. If you close up like a fist and resist your suffering, you are moving in the direction of Hell; if you use your suffering as an occasion for submission to God's Will and longing for His Mercy, you are moving toward Paradise. Good people suffer because everyone suffers who has not realized that, in Meister Eckhart's words, "my truest 'I' is God." If they are fundamentally good, then their suffering is purgatorial, not infernal. To ask why good people have to suffer is like asking why honest people have to work. Work and suffering are necessary here because the belief that we exist in our own right, apart from God -- which is our ticket of admission into this world -- in moral terms constitutes a "debt" which must be paid, and in intellectual terms an error which must be dispelled, if suffering is to be overcome. The good are fundamentally dedicated to paying this debt; this is the meaning of their suffering. Yet this debt cannot simply be paid through the work and suffering of a sentient being who sees him- or herself as existing in his- or her own right, apart from God. In Christian terms, the debt is infinite, and so only God, through Christ's sacrifice, can pay it -- though we can only avail ourselves of this infinite payment by "taking up our cross and following Him." In Muslim terms, the "permanent archetypes" longed for incarnate existence in this world, and God mercifully granted their wish, just as He mercifully grants the wish to return to Him of sentient beings who are suffering in the bonds of this world by sending prophets and sacred laws to open the return Path. In Hindu terms, even the most self-sacrificial action to pay one's karmic debt generates more karma, which is, simply, action and its consequences; only divine knowledge, only jnana -- the recognition that all worlds are simply reflections in the mirror of the Absolute Self (real as phenomena alone)-- is sufficient for Liberation, though "meritorious" karmic action can produce circumstances conducive to, but not sufficient in themselves, to produce such jnana, which is basically a manifestation of the Grace and Mercy of God.