Another "Twilightzone" episode with an after life theme is "A Nice Place to Visit". In this episode, the main character, Rocky Valentine, is a career criminal who get killed by police during a pawn shop burglary. He "awakens" from his death and is greeted by large smiling man, with white hair and beard, wearing a white suite, whose name is Pip. Pip explains to Rocky that he has died and that he (Pip) is his guide. Rocky is suspicious and soon draws his gun and demands Pip's wallet. Pip pleasantly hands over hundreds of dollars to Rocky.
Pip then escorts Rocky to his new home. It's a modern (1960's) apartment with all the current accoutrements. Pip suggests that rocky may want to freshen up. He does and emerges in the next scene showered, shaved and dressed in a perfectly tailored suit. Rocky soon realizes and accepts the fact that he has died. He surmises that he is in heaven and that Pip is an angel because his every wish is being granted. However, he doesn't know how someone like him made it to heaven. Pip escorts Rocky to the "Hall of Records" where they access his file in which all the nefarious activities of his life are recorded. Nothing in his file seems to validate his presence in heaven, but Rocky concludes that "if it's ok with Him (God), it's ok with me".
After being in his new domain for a month Rocky is bored. Although he is able to experience anything he wants (gambling, drinking, dancing, women etc.) he is completely unsatisfied. Rocky contacts Pip and explains his quandary. Everything that he thought he wanted in life is his and it brings no satisfaction whatsoever. He tells Pip that he doesn't really belong here and that he wants to go to "the other place (hell)". Pip who had been very obsequies up until this point sternly looks Rocky in the eyes and tells him "heaven...what made you think you were in heaven? Mr. Valentine....this is the other place!"
Rocky had lived a wanton life, thinking only of himself and his own gratification. After death he awakened the earth plane still attached to his worldly desires. He reviewed his life at the Hall of Records and his deeds speak for themselves. In Rocky's hell he is surrounded by all that he thought would bring pleasure but it actually only produces dissatisfaction and agony. Rocky's experience is similar to many NDE's.
Accounts of near death experiences are one of the learning tools we have at our disposal as we find our path. The personal testimony of someone who has seen the other side is very compelling. Through their experiences we are able to see what has value in the physical life and what is folly. As with other resources that we avail ourselves to, deriving the truth and guiding principals from NDE's bring us closer to our goal of awakening and developing our spirit self.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
Near-death Experiences and The Twilightzone Part 1
Near-death and out of body experiences and the afterlife in general are topics that interest me. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of books, videos and web sites covering these themes. I've read many of the books, watched numerous YouTube videos and visited multiple near-death web sites. Although none of the experiences are exactly alike there are common threads to them. After having explored near death books, videos etc. I've also begun to notice similar themes in secular media.
I'm a fan of the original "Twilight Zone" television series. There are many great episodes. One of my favorites is titled "The Hunt". The main character, Mr. Simpson, is an elder, hillbilly type of man. He and his dog Rip (rest in peace?)unexpectedly die one evening during a raccoon hunt. He of course, doesn't realize he (they) have died. He and Rip walk about the earth plane attempting to engage folks who, from his perspective, ignore them. He eventually comes to realize he's no longer among the living. He begins walking with Rip, following a fence line which leads them to a gate keeper. He assumes the gate keeper is St. Peter. Mr. Simpson is told that he can enter to his heavenly reward but dogs aren't allowed. Mr. Simpson, finds that condition unacceptable and continues walking down what he is told is "Eternity Road". He soon comes upon an "angel". The angel, a likable young country man himself, informs Mr. Simpson that he narrowly escaped the gate to hell and that "Heaven is up yonder a piece". Mr. Simpson and Rip enter heaven with the joyful knowledge that " there's a coon hunt tonight right after the square dance" and that his "old woman would be along directly".
In many near death/out of body experiences the departed don't realize they've passed. They attempt to continue their lives but no one they encounter on earth can sense there presence. Traveling through a tunnel to a bright light is common among NDE's. Versions of "Heaven" also are customized to the beliefs of the departed. Was the writer of "The Hunt" very imaginative or was he writing from personal experience or someone's personal testimony?
I'm a fan of the original "Twilight Zone" television series. There are many great episodes. One of my favorites is titled "The Hunt". The main character, Mr. Simpson, is an elder, hillbilly type of man. He and his dog Rip (rest in peace?)unexpectedly die one evening during a raccoon hunt. He of course, doesn't realize he (they) have died. He and Rip walk about the earth plane attempting to engage folks who, from his perspective, ignore them. He eventually comes to realize he's no longer among the living. He begins walking with Rip, following a fence line which leads them to a gate keeper. He assumes the gate keeper is St. Peter. Mr. Simpson is told that he can enter to his heavenly reward but dogs aren't allowed. Mr. Simpson, finds that condition unacceptable and continues walking down what he is told is "Eternity Road". He soon comes upon an "angel". The angel, a likable young country man himself, informs Mr. Simpson that he narrowly escaped the gate to hell and that "Heaven is up yonder a piece". Mr. Simpson and Rip enter heaven with the joyful knowledge that " there's a coon hunt tonight right after the square dance" and that his "old woman would be along directly".
In many near death/out of body experiences the departed don't realize they've passed. They attempt to continue their lives but no one they encounter on earth can sense there presence. Traveling through a tunnel to a bright light is common among NDE's. Versions of "Heaven" also are customized to the beliefs of the departed. Was the writer of "The Hunt" very imaginative or was he writing from personal experience or someone's personal testimony?
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Three Gates
While traveling in the car recently I heard some interesting commentary on the radio regarding the things that we say. Our words are powerful, they affect those around us in varying ways. We posses the ability to control our speech but, we seldom do. We've all thought to ourselves " I wish I didn't say that" or said to someone after uttering an insensitive remark, " I didn't really mean that".
The guest on the radio program explained her rules for speaking. She stated that all of her words need to pass through three gates. The first is truth. Is what you are about to say true? How are the facts qualified? I know that I have started sentences with " I heard that..." Hearing of someone, or some event doesn't necessarily mean that either are true. We can certainly validate events that we observe directly, but do we need to make it public knowledge?
The second gate was described as kindness. Are the words kind? How will they affect the listener? How will they affect us in what we claim to be or desire to become. If something is true it also needs to pass through the second gate of kindness to be spoken.
The third gate was described as necessity. Is it what I'm about to say necessary? That really narrows things down doesn't it. Much of what we human creatures say is far from necessary. Ex. lies, gossip, cussing, etc. When I consider the words I've spoken, or heard others speak that don't meet the qualifications of the three gates I find that they're generally hurtful to someone. Even comments made in jest are targeting someone. You don't normally hear gossip like " he's a great guy, or she's a terrific gal".
That radio commentary has given me something to think about. I'm going to try to remember the three gates before I speak.
The guest on the radio program explained her rules for speaking. She stated that all of her words need to pass through three gates. The first is truth. Is what you are about to say true? How are the facts qualified? I know that I have started sentences with " I heard that..." Hearing of someone, or some event doesn't necessarily mean that either are true. We can certainly validate events that we observe directly, but do we need to make it public knowledge?
The second gate was described as kindness. Are the words kind? How will they affect the listener? How will they affect us in what we claim to be or desire to become. If something is true it also needs to pass through the second gate of kindness to be spoken.
The third gate was described as necessity. Is it what I'm about to say necessary? That really narrows things down doesn't it. Much of what we human creatures say is far from necessary. Ex. lies, gossip, cussing, etc. When I consider the words I've spoken, or heard others speak that don't meet the qualifications of the three gates I find that they're generally hurtful to someone. Even comments made in jest are targeting someone. You don't normally hear gossip like " he's a great guy, or she's a terrific gal".
That radio commentary has given me something to think about. I'm going to try to remember the three gates before I speak.
1 - is it true?
2 - is it kind?
3 - is it necessary?
Like our moms told us when we were kids..."if you don't have anything nice to say about someone, don't say anything at all"
Like our moms told us when we were kids..."if you don't have anything nice to say about someone, don't say anything at all"
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Tragedies of April 15,2013
We've seen the news reports. We've talked about it with co-workers and friends. Many people will say that what happened was a tragedy. I agree. It was tragic on many levels. Most obviously, the loss of life. Lives abbreviated by acts of hatred. The family and friends of the departed will experience tremendous grief and loss. Surviving victims will live with their physical and emotional wounds the remainder of their lives. Witnesses to the event may also experience emotional scarring, affecting them for years.
Yes, those are some of the initial obvious tragedies of April 15, 2013.
There are more, less obvious, but just as tragic consequences to this act of hatred. The attackers themselves are victims of their own actions. I don't condone their actions, neither do I sympathize with whatever their agenda is. I couldn't ever support anyone or group that uses hate and murder to promote their cause. The attackers held hatred and murder in their hearts. Eternally speaking, I'm not, and no one on this Earth is, qualified to judge them for their actions. They will however be judged accordingly and receive the appropriate consequence.
The scope of their crime is orders of magnitude higher than what will be reported on the cable news. The attackers had hatred in their hearts and purposed to kill and maim. It was an ego based, self fulfilling act of terror. We can only speculate on their motivation. But more than the act itself, the attackers also planted the seeds of additional hatred. Their fellow travelers will be empowered by this act and may plan evil acts of their own. Some families and friends of the victims may feel a need for vengeance. If that were to happen those seeds of hate will have been planted in them. Hate produces more hate. It's a terrible cascading affect.
What's to be done about it? I can't reverse time and make this event not happen. I can't directly stop people I've never met from hating and killing. If I look outside of myself there's not much I can do. But if look inside myself there are things I can do. I can become a better me. I can follow the words of Jesus; " ...do unto others as you would have done unto you.." and " ...forgive them Father for they don't know what they do..." If I can be the best "me" I can be, perhaps I can positively affect one or two lives. Those lives can affect other lives. Seeds of love and caring could be planted producing a positive, healing cascading affect. By doing these things I can stop the spread of hate...and it's master.
Yes, those are some of the initial obvious tragedies of April 15, 2013.
There are more, less obvious, but just as tragic consequences to this act of hatred. The attackers themselves are victims of their own actions. I don't condone their actions, neither do I sympathize with whatever their agenda is. I couldn't ever support anyone or group that uses hate and murder to promote their cause. The attackers held hatred and murder in their hearts. Eternally speaking, I'm not, and no one on this Earth is, qualified to judge them for their actions. They will however be judged accordingly and receive the appropriate consequence.
The scope of their crime is orders of magnitude higher than what will be reported on the cable news. The attackers had hatred in their hearts and purposed to kill and maim. It was an ego based, self fulfilling act of terror. We can only speculate on their motivation. But more than the act itself, the attackers also planted the seeds of additional hatred. Their fellow travelers will be empowered by this act and may plan evil acts of their own. Some families and friends of the victims may feel a need for vengeance. If that were to happen those seeds of hate will have been planted in them. Hate produces more hate. It's a terrible cascading affect.
What's to be done about it? I can't reverse time and make this event not happen. I can't directly stop people I've never met from hating and killing. If I look outside of myself there's not much I can do. But if look inside myself there are things I can do. I can become a better me. I can follow the words of Jesus; " ...do unto others as you would have done unto you.." and " ...forgive them Father for they don't know what they do..." If I can be the best "me" I can be, perhaps I can positively affect one or two lives. Those lives can affect other lives. Seeds of love and caring could be planted producing a positive, healing cascading affect. By doing these things I can stop the spread of hate...and it's master.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
The Awakening Process
There are four main concepts in what is known as the "Perennial Philosophy". Briefly stated they are:
1 - There are two realms of existence. A physical realm and a non-physical or spiritual realm.
2 - Human beings partake of both realms. We each have a physical body and a non-physical spirit.
3 - We have the ability to recognize our spiritual self.
4 - To do so is the greatest goal of human existence.
This recognition of our spirit self is known by such names as, awakening, enlightenment, salvation and the born again experience. It is many times triggered by a specific life event. Sometimes it comes with the wisdom of age. Regardless of the timing or method of this discovery, the event itself isn't a destination. It is a beginning.
Spiritual awakening is a lifelong process. On that day of discovery we realize we've somehow changed. In time we begin to view our world differently. Our former ego-centric, temporal perspective diminishes and an eternal perspective develops. We begin to seek out an understanding of our newly discovered self. We sense a need to learn and develop this new self. We seek out resources and others that have had a similar experience. We look for a deeper meaning and purpose in our lives.
There are as many ways to begin this journey as there are people on Earth. Once we begin, we can take our exploration as far as we want to. There's no danger of reaching the end of our learning. Our human minds can't possibly fully understand the nature of God the Creator or our unlimited potential. We begin to make notable changes in the lives we lead.
Our motivations change, our desires are redirected. Activities and possessions once sought after are no longer satisfying. We learn to forgive (ourselves and others). Negative emotions come under control and an ethical lifestyle is valued. Generosity and service to others develops. To begin our journey, discovering our true self, our purpose in life and our relationship with The Creator is indeed the greatest goal of our existence.
1 - There are two realms of existence. A physical realm and a non-physical or spiritual realm.
2 - Human beings partake of both realms. We each have a physical body and a non-physical spirit.
3 - We have the ability to recognize our spiritual self.
4 - To do so is the greatest goal of human existence.
This recognition of our spirit self is known by such names as, awakening, enlightenment, salvation and the born again experience. It is many times triggered by a specific life event. Sometimes it comes with the wisdom of age. Regardless of the timing or method of this discovery, the event itself isn't a destination. It is a beginning.
Spiritual awakening is a lifelong process. On that day of discovery we realize we've somehow changed. In time we begin to view our world differently. Our former ego-centric, temporal perspective diminishes and an eternal perspective develops. We begin to seek out an understanding of our newly discovered self. We sense a need to learn and develop this new self. We seek out resources and others that have had a similar experience. We look for a deeper meaning and purpose in our lives.
There are as many ways to begin this journey as there are people on Earth. Once we begin, we can take our exploration as far as we want to. There's no danger of reaching the end of our learning. Our human minds can't possibly fully understand the nature of God the Creator or our unlimited potential. We begin to make notable changes in the lives we lead.
Our motivations change, our desires are redirected. Activities and possessions once sought after are no longer satisfying. We learn to forgive (ourselves and others). Negative emotions come under control and an ethical lifestyle is valued. Generosity and service to others develops. To begin our journey, discovering our true self, our purpose in life and our relationship with The Creator is indeed the greatest goal of our existence.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Our Dual Nature
We perceive ourselves merely as physical beings in what we believe to be our natural environment. The physical world is perceived by our physical senses and measured and verified by experimentation and the instruments of science. Our physical bodies and environment are governed by physical laws. Our daily activities are marked by the passage of linear time. Many of our personal choices and judgements are based solely on our limited understanding of the physical world. Like tropical fish in an aquarium, we're not truly aware of the greater reality that surrounds us.
I believe that we are much more than mere physical beings who are living a temporal existence. We also have a spirit "self" which resides within our physical framework. Its' also been labeled as consciousness or soul, which has sometimes been defined as our mind, will and emotions. Science hasn't been able to verify the existence of anyone's spirit or soul. But how could it? Physical sciences are bound by the same laws of the physical realm. The range of discovery, experimentation and examination of science is "physically" limited and couldn't possibly verify something outside it's parameters.
The spiritual component of our dual nature is what I believe to be our true self. We are in essence spirit beings living temporarily in a physical realm. Our spirits are learning the lessons we need to learn and growing in the manner we need to grow. Understanding our true self allows us to perceive life outside the fishbowl and encourages us to help others do the same.
I believe that we are much more than mere physical beings who are living a temporal existence. We also have a spirit "self" which resides within our physical framework. Its' also been labeled as consciousness or soul, which has sometimes been defined as our mind, will and emotions. Science hasn't been able to verify the existence of anyone's spirit or soul. But how could it? Physical sciences are bound by the same laws of the physical realm. The range of discovery, experimentation and examination of science is "physically" limited and couldn't possibly verify something outside it's parameters.
The spiritual component of our dual nature is what I believe to be our true self. We are in essence spirit beings living temporarily in a physical realm. Our spirits are learning the lessons we need to learn and growing in the manner we need to grow. Understanding our true self allows us to perceive life outside the fishbowl and encourages us to help others do the same.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Our True Self
What is our "true self"? -Who are we?-Why are we here?
These certainly aren't new questions. They've been asked and debated for thousands of years by millions of people. As I've been pondering the depth of these questions I realized a need to organize and express my thoughts. Hence, the creation of this blog.
At a basic level we are human. Created, physical beings living in a physical realm. We possess senses which allow us to navigate and experience the physical realm. We see the sunrise, hear the voices of others, smell the fresh rain, feel a cool breeze and taste a sweet indulgence. We perceive the physical world through the interaction of our senses. We are also endowed with sufficient degrees of gifts or talents which allow us to find and complete our purpose.
Considering the world in general, it's easy to see the tremendous variance of gifts that people possess. Something like birth, the start of the physical journey. Some are born into poverty, some are born into wealth. Some are born into exceptional health, some are born into handicap and hardship. Regardless of the circumstances we all have purpose to fulfill.
As for me; I'm a husband, father, grand father, sibling and friend. I've been given what I need to fulfill those roles to the best of my ability, so it's important to me that I do my best. My purpose doesn't end there. I believe there's more. My endeavor is to continue to awaken the potential of my "true self" and help others do the same.
"Ask and it shall be given to you...seek and you shall find" Matthew 7:7
These certainly aren't new questions. They've been asked and debated for thousands of years by millions of people. As I've been pondering the depth of these questions I realized a need to organize and express my thoughts. Hence, the creation of this blog.
At a basic level we are human. Created, physical beings living in a physical realm. We possess senses which allow us to navigate and experience the physical realm. We see the sunrise, hear the voices of others, smell the fresh rain, feel a cool breeze and taste a sweet indulgence. We perceive the physical world through the interaction of our senses. We are also endowed with sufficient degrees of gifts or talents which allow us to find and complete our purpose.
Considering the world in general, it's easy to see the tremendous variance of gifts that people possess. Something like birth, the start of the physical journey. Some are born into poverty, some are born into wealth. Some are born into exceptional health, some are born into handicap and hardship. Regardless of the circumstances we all have purpose to fulfill.
As for me; I'm a husband, father, grand father, sibling and friend. I've been given what I need to fulfill those roles to the best of my ability, so it's important to me that I do my best. My purpose doesn't end there. I believe there's more. My endeavor is to continue to awaken the potential of my "true self" and help others do the same.
"Ask and it shall be given to you...seek and you shall find" Matthew 7:7
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