Love 2

As I indicated yesterday, having encountered the same loving force that Jesus describes, I feel compelled to share it, to "pass it on". In fact, being with that love and desiring it to continue gives me no choice - a wonderful and fulfilling choice.. I have certainly been transformed because of that love and I will do everything I can to nudge others to experience that transformation, be it through religion, science or whatever.

Love

I find it quite remarkable that according to the scholars who have studied the life of Jesus, "His own self-understanding did not include thinking and speaking of himself as the son of God whose historical intention or purpose was to die for the sins of the world, and his message was not about believing in him. Rather, he was a spirit person, subversive sage, social prophet, and movement founder who invited his followers and hearers into a transforming relationship with the same Spirit he himself knew, and into a community whose social vision was shaped by the core value of compassion [love]." (Marcus J. Borg). Having encountered a small portion of that love myself, I have to ask "how could he have done otherwise". That love is totally consuming and transforming.

Knowing

Once again today I find myself wondering what to do with the information I have received. As I commented earlier this month, I have had numerous miraculous, numinous, sacred, God-shot experiences and am familiar with the Christian view of those experiences. Through experiences like the sweat lodge and vision quests I have explored several aspects of the Native American approach to the sacred and I also have some familiarity with the approach of other indigenous people. Through my prayer and meditation I have come to know the Buddhist perspective expressed by Jack Kornfield and Nisargadata Maharaj. I also have some familiarity with the more scientific but approaching the spiritual perspective of quantum physics. I am quite aware that they are all talking about the same thing, generally using different words. I know that all of these approaches support each other and are within the realm of knowing, not knowledge.

Acceptance

In the recovery meeting today a fellow spoke of having some serious physical problems and his need to accept life on life’s terms. When I spoke I also spoke of my own physical challenges and expressing gratitude since things could be and have been a lot worse. I also admitted having gone through some hard times, especially due to my disability. I mentioned the fact that it is difficult dealing with a body that does not "cooperate" and also that dealing with my body has led me to a better spiritual connection. My body is perfect for me.

Life Is Good.

I lead a fairly simple and extremely rewarding life based on love, my spiritual connection, connection in general, inclusiveness and being of service to my fellow travelers. I have had many difficult times and have grown from overcoming them. I have gotten and given a lot of help. I have learned to accept that I am disabled and also have the normal difficulties which result from getting old. I don’t fight any of that and I am very grateful for the many gifts I have received in the process. Life is good.

Historical Jesus & The Absolute

I have been reading about the historical Jesus who clearly had a direct experience of God that was much stronger than what I experience, but similar in some ways. As I talk about in my book, I experience that force or power as, what I call, the Absolute of unconditional love. Absolute meaning there is no criticism, judgment, requirement of obedience or anything else, just love. Jesus knew of this, generally spoke of it as compassion and felt it strongly. Following his suggestion and my own experience of God, I attempt to incorporate that in everything I do and the people I meet. That feels right.