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I read your post about Life.  I figured you might not expect any comments and might not return to the Life thread so I started a new one to get your attention.  Hope you do not mind terribly.

Panabelle's post:
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I am one flute of many in a band playing a sad, sad song.
When the time is right, I will rush forth into the great, sad song of mankind, ride on the wind, and spread joy, happiness, love, and knowledge wherever I go.
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Dear Panabelle,

When something comes from the heart and is honest it is always a joy to read. You have a very poetic side to you. What you wrote reminds me of another poets work, Kahlil Gibran. He is most famous for the book "The Prophet" but all his writing is inspiring. Here is a little excerpt from his book the Prophet to give you a taste of his writing style so you can tell if you are interested.

______________________________
Then said Almitra, Speak to us of Love.
He raised his head and looked upon the people, and there fell a stillness upon them. And with a great voice he said:

When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
As the North wind lays waste the garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you.
Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

(There are a few paragraphs I have left out) then...

But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all your laughter, and weep, but not all your tears.

(There is more)

Kahlil spoke from the heart most powerfully. Perhaps you would like his poetry. (P.S. No I do not work for Barnes and Noble. Honest! Really! I am just an engineer that has taken a year off work to recover from burn out and read great books like this again.)
ISBN# 0-394-40428-9.

Sometimes I come across discussions about which is the best path to attain spiritual oneness.  I personally do not think there is a 'best path'.  There may be faster paths but I am not certain faster is better.  Just as I am uncertain that easier is better. I do believe there can be paths that are better for certain people and paths that are better at particular times in our lives.  

That aside I thought I would share with you a wonderful comment by Anandamoyee Ma (she is an Indian devote).  She said this when one of her followers of the path of love and devotions started arguing with a student following the path of yoga. His form of yoga being the path of discipline of mind and intellect.

"One should try to understand one's own inner worth and then follow the path best suited to him.  The path of devotion does not mean dumb devotion.  Devotion means total dedication, surrender and love for the Lord.  It is the path of the heart, but it does not contradict  intellect or reason which solves many problems of life. Devotion is also part of the other paths."

I deeply agree with Anandamoyee Ma that the many paths to the one while separate are intertwined.  I believe they rely on each other to make one intricately woven tapestry.  The main paths I am on in this life time are that of intellect, and devotion through prayer.  Perhaps we chose different paths in differnt lifetimes focussing on certain aspects more than others in each lifetime till all balances out.

Perhaps others would like to share their thoughts about the paths they are on and how that path has helped them grow and develop spiritually.

Love, Light and Wisdom to All,
timeless

Message deleted.

[]

Dear Weetabix,

Perhaps I didn't give the best example. I would like to recommend swimming instead of the gym.  Swimming gives a great overall body work out with much less stress on the joints.  It also feels less like going to the meat market!  I love hitting the water each day as long as I avoid the high diving board.[:O] Ouch!

Sorry for not getting the thread.[]

How much we learn is inversely proportion to how much of an authority we think we are.  If you are teaching to learn I would say you are not much of guru.  I get the impression this will be good news that you already knew.[]

Best Regards,
timeless

Dear Weetabix,

Guru's 'generally' place themselves in authority giving people a series of 'rules' and 'strict methods' to follow.  This may explain why some people react negatively to the word 'guru'.  Churches do similar things. Often people jump out of religion and churches only to jump into a guru's backpocket.  It looks all new and wonderful because the rules are new and different but essentially little has changed.  We are still being told by an 'authority' how to think and behave.  And some of the new guru rules can be very scary like the sex thing James mentioned.[B)]

Perhaps a good question to ask is, Why should people feel they need a guru?  There are so many methods to help with meditation, energy raising, self-reflection and self actualization written by countless people, written in countless ways that I wonder if there is much left to even teach these days?  Is it more a matter of finding a method that suits us and, "Just do it!" again and again without getting discouraged?  Getting in the habit of practicing a method we choose can be tough -- It's even tougher than getting in the habit of going to the gym.  At least when we go to the gym we can see our progress physically. With spritual methods the progress can seem so gradual we don't notice it and often give up too soon.  Someone to talk to for encouragement is nice but preferably not an authority who will order us to do such and such(a method that may not suit us at all).  Rather a friend who will listen and help us bounce around some ideas until we get settled again.    

Further, why take a guru's word about higher worlds when we can get their ourselves with practice.  Without experiencing things ourselves, what the guru says is just a new belief -- a new belief replacing an old perhaps less attractive belief.  The only way to really know for sure is to experience things ourselves. That is what most people are after I think? -- Not finding new beliefs but rather finding new meaningful direct experiences.  

Best Wishes to you,
timeless

Dear FreeFaller,

Unfortunately, the fastest way for a fictional writer to improve his/her story is through criticism.  Typically, you give your story out to reading groups and beg for criticism.  Where was my plot weak?  Did my character appear superficial?  Where did the story drag?  Was I too wordy?  etc.  

If you do not like criticism, your story will take a long time to 'mature'.  If you can take hard hits, yet rise up and improve the story, you will eventually reach the point of being a successfully published writer.  It sometimes takes rewritting sections of a story 50 times -- one famous author did this.  The other thing all writers must face is rejection by literary agents and publishers.  This happened to most famous authors when they started -- lots of rejection and criticism.  I was fortunate and got an already published author to critique my story (as well as reading groups and friends) to find flaws. I am in the process of making 'final' revisions -- for the nineteenth time.  The criticism and necessary changes are decreasing each time though.  Yeah!!!!  Big Thanks to all the people who helped me by criticising my story.  You know who you are.

I would recommend you read the 'How to Write Fiction' books listed in this link.
http://www.astralpulse.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5351
These books are written by famous authors who explain their techniques and approaches.  

Best Wishes,
timeless

Dear Kerri,

I would recommend you purchase the book "Guide to Literary Agents."  They publish an updated version each year.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1582971463/qid=1083334495/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-5225950-6883303?v=glance&s=books
This book also tells you which literary agents specialize in your type of book and whether they accept query letters.  It provides valuable tips on how to write a good query letter as well.

Another thing I would STRONGLY recommend -- Can you tell how strongly I recommend this?[] -- go to the Preditor vs. Editor site and read up on which literary agents are recommended and who has recently gotten a bad rep.
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pealm.htm

You can also find alerts about agents at the swfa site.
http://www.sfwa.org/Beware/

Best of Luck and Best Wishes,
timeless[]

Dear Adrian,

AuthorHouse (1st Books) also does not get you on the bookshelf of a single bookstore.  The bookstores must be interested enough to stock your book. When they say they have you published that means your book is electronically ready for publishing, is entered electronically into Amazon.com etc and has an ISBN# etc.  You get this for $760 US.  

Unfortunately, very few books are sold if they are not on the self of a bookstore.  The www.sfwa.org link lists the low percentage of books sold on-line. Yes, AuthorHouse lists you on Amazon.com etc. But how many times does a person search for a book on-line...if they do not already have a title or author in mind?  Titles and author names come from being known in the industry, word of mouth etc.  

The gentleman I am dealing with at AuthorHouse even stated that the reason they started the return insurance package was specifically because of problems selling their books -- bookstores were not stocking their POD books. You are welcome to contact Robert Walters at AuthorHouse RWalters@authorhouse.com.  He is a very approachable fellow and if you ask him about the problems listed on the www.sfwa.org site he will be quite honest.

Even Robert Bruce did a great deal of free public access on-line articles before publishing his book.  It is wise to generate interest prior to publishing.  After publishing, he also advertised his books on Art Bell, Quest, etc.  Robert Bruce had a very unusual niche market to target and did a tremendous amount of work to get known and recognized. The same applies for almost all authors. Robert Bruce is the one who recommended I seriously consider the longer route of generating a reputation (hopefully a good one[]) prior to publishing.

Please do not think I have totally rejected fee based POD -- just put it on hold -- checking out other options and working on rep.  You have been very supportive in my writing efforts Adrian and kind enough to read my novel.  Again I thank you.  

One reason I may have no choice, but self-publish, is my book is the first of a trilogy.  If you are an unknown author, publishers apparently want the entire trilogy before publishing.  Perhaps this concept also made it tough for Rowlings?  She was not published until her next two stories were well underway.  This is understandable, I guess.  What if the next two books are...horrible? The publisher would be obligated to publish, if the first book did well. All the money gained on the first book could be lost on the next ones.  Also, some authors get writers block after their first book. Unfortunately the first 'novel' story that came to me, needed to be in the form of a trilogy.  I am not going to worry about it, just do my best to get a rep. -- hopefully a decent one.  

Best Regards,
timeless

Dear Oliver,

Your cat was very fortunate to be so loved. Cats do seem to wander away from home for big events like birthing litters and dying. I have immense respect for their inner knowing that their time has come and their lack of fear.  We humans hold on so tight to life.  It is wonderful we value it but we seem to place our emphasis on what we can touch instead of what we feel.  Your cat can still feel your love.  Pour it out and she'll lap it up.  Grieving is important.  Make sure to let it out and NEVER be shy about caring deeply about a person or a pet. It means you have a wonderful heart.

Much Love,
timeless

Dear Mustardseed,

I agree that there is a definite disrespect for Christianity shown by those administrating and having the greatest influence over this site. You and I are not the only ones to feel this way.  Other moderate Christians have said the same thing in PM to me and have left the site because of it.

I have great respect for Christianity.  Though as a moderate Christian I hang on the far left.  I also believe all roads lead to the same end.  That any religion if approached with deep devotion, love, compassion, and self reflection can achieve the same end but I do not think any of these is better that Christianity...nor worse.  

Christianity is my main religion and always will remain so.  However, I have no fear of looking at other religions, mythologies and cultural beliefs.  I believe they provide a road towards, compassion and understanding, which are taught in the Bible.  I do not believe for one second that Jesus would disrespect a nonpious, loving, compassionate holy man.  I am not talking about money hungry, power hungry pious preachers.  I am talking about holy men who have forsaken all and given their heart to God (who has many names...the Source).  Nah! Can't see it happening.  

A person who seeks to understand grows in compassion but does not have to fall for anything...except God's light and love.  And I know when I see God's light and love.  And I know when I do not see God's light and love.  This is my compass.

Best Wishes to you,
timeless    

Dear Inguma, MustardSeed, James, and Robert,

Additionally Robert stated, "Zen Buddism is an atheistic religion." I very much disagree with this statement. I have zero interest in arguing it though.  But again it could be seen as a slight.  

While an atheist could take up the practices of Buddhism I doubt the atheist could fully benefit from the riches of Buddhism without at some point starting to believe in a higher Source.  Also, much would revolve around one's definition of God.  Who can define God to all our satisfactions?  

Respectfully,
timeless

Dear Mustardseed,

Yet another way to look at the NT is that Jesus having studied and knowing the old stories emmersed himself in them.  He lived them and passed them on to others.  I could imagine someone who deeply understood symbolism and its value would do this.

Regards,
timeless

Dear Inguma, MustardSeed, James, and Robert,

MustardSeed has proven his point.  But why is he so adamant?  I think there is something that lies deeper.  I am guessing you could argue this point into the ground and miss the 'something deeper'.

When our belief system (say Christianity) becomes part of our identity we often do not like it when someone says to us, "This is better than what you identify with." This can be seen as a slight, a disrespect to what we identify with (say Christianity).  Christianity is not perfect but it holds great value and beauty.  It just depends whose eyes and whose hears are seeing and listening.  

MustardSeed will of course need to speak for himself but my guess is that the root problem is that many at Astral Pulse dump on Christianity without also stressing its beauty and positive side.

Usually all small arguements (which may seem silly to some) have their root in something much deeper.  Countless, squirmishes could likely be avoided if this deeper problem is understood and resolved.

Regards,
timeless

Dear Mustardseed,

When we go back into antiquity it is almost impossible for either side to prove beyond any doubt this or that.  Fires, wars, time, corruption, have robbed both sides of solid irrefutable evidence.

Beth stands on the same ground you and I do.  She realizes this (I am almost certain).  She merely presents a case based on her experience, perception and studies.  This does not mean she has an open and shut case.  

Since we cannot prove beyond all doubt to all people the case that: Jesus walking the earth, or Jesus was married, or Jesus is only a story etc. etc. it comes down to personal choice.  My personal choice is that Jesus did exist but that there is also truth to the 'story' concept.  That story overlays or was hidden within the record of Jesus (a fiction based on a true story concept).  Beth has chosen her perception.  What I appreciate about her perception (even though I may disagree with aspects of it) is that she sees beauty and value in Christianity.  That beauty and value is just different than the beauty and value you or I see or may be want to see.  

This whole situation sort of reminds me of the Dalai Lama allowing psychologists do MRI studies on Buddhist monks.  The Dalai Lama is so comfortable and secure in his beliefs that his main interest is that science and medicine gains some benefit.  He seems totally unconcerned about how their findings might be used to breakdown meditation into something purely chemical or physical, or maybe even be used to discredit Buddhism itself (though I doubt that would happen).  What other people do with knowledge is their concern.  All he hopes is that something positive will be gained.

Respectfully,
timeless

Dear Beth,

Thank you so much for taking the time to post this material.  I will go through it and once I have absorbed at least some of it I will come back if I have any questions.  

Many Thanks,
timeless

Dear Beth,

When we stand as stone someone can feel like they are chipping away at us.  When we become like wind they can take swings but eventually realize they cannot defeat something that gives no resistance.  

Often people who feel the need to convert, change or control others are people who are out of control inside.  When they find an anchor they feel everyone must have 'this anchor'.  They also feel that by controlling others and all that is external to them they will somehow calm what is inside.  This almost never happens and they become locked in endless wars, real or imaginary, all outside.  Perhaps so they never have to look where they do not want to look, inside.  


Dear Tab,

In a place of no sight or sound we mow down what we think we mow down.

Regards,
timeless

Dear Beth,

You probably know this already but please do not feel you must fight Narrow Path.  He is on a crusade.  He will mow all down in his path not seeing the hurt he is doing...to himself.  He is so negative and reactionary it is not funny.  

You are liked and appreciated.  Narrow Paths quotes are interesting in a bizarre way...as long as one is not emotionally invested in anything he says.  The problem is he does PM and attempt to get people emotionally invested.  It is not easy to let these things go but it is best to.  I am so sadened and tired by arguements on this site that it is not funny.  Nothing is gained and we all end up losing time and respect for each other.  We lose time that could be spent writing and reading about amazingly interesting things.

Sigh,
timeless

Dear Beth,

I am looking forward to a nice quiet and interesting discussion.

I appreciate that you take a great deal of time doing all this.  It is kind of you to do so.  

Respectfully,
timeless

Dear Soulfire,

We function on different perceptions, which is fine.  We are different.

All I ask is people understand why there is concern on the part of some and hoping that people understand it is okay for me to remain unconvinced and concerned.    

I leave you all hoping for the best.
timeless

Dear Squeek,

The thing is we are all different.  What convinces one person does not convince another.  Why?  Simply because we are all different --  nothing personal.  

People will question and people will question even more when they see arguements, ego and other negativity surrounding something.  We need to let people question and not take it personally.  We need to respect we are all different.  If this attitude had been deeply instill right from the beginning would this whole mess turned out differently?  I don't know.

All I know is a lot of people have been deeply hurt on both sides (which made the trenches even deeper) and faith lost all round.  When things turn out like this please understand that people will be concerned about the Source.  People who have worked with the esoteric are very cautious.  Remember Robert Bruce's thoughts on all this.  I agree with him.  Things can look wonderful at first but when one digs a little deeper we can discover something we did not expect. Unfortunately by the time something wrong is detected we maybe in too deep -- especially if we have made deep emotional investment and/or ego is involved (these concern me most) and even later identity wrapped up in the situation. Unfortunately all this arguing has likely increased the risk of this not lessened it.  

Regards,
timeless

Dear Squeek,

Actually, I read your posts.  But I had no issue with them.  You had a very open but healthy view in my opinion.  Only very recently have I seen deeper emotion set in.

For me the debate is not over using a pendulum.  It is not over the fact that Mayatnik had some valuable things to say.  It is not over whether Mayatnik is in contact with other worldly entities.  

I stayed out of this situation a long time.  I let it play out.  Maybe I should have gotten involved earlier.  I don't know.  When I took issue was when:
(1) I asked people to double check who they were talking to and got well you know... In my experience there is zero harm in questioning who is at the other end of the phone line.  But when there was malcontent for saying this I grew concerned.  But again I left people to sort it out for themselves since this topic held little interest for me.
(2) Then I saw that a war was being created.  Highly spiritual beings would not allow such things to happen.  Edgar Cayce easily put peoples doubts to rest.  He could read the Akashic records.  But Edgar was a very spiritual man who hated arguements and did not let his staff argue. Now I realized there was a huge problem.  For me this is a big issue and debate. That you are wrong to question who is on the other end of the line.  From what I have seen and what I have experienced (not just in this forum) I hold great doubt who is there for many...not all.
(3) And my biggest issue with this is that it is not yeilding a spiritual environment, so something is definitely wrong and it takes two to tangle.  

Regards,
timeless

Dear Soulfire,

This whole situation is long past 'nicety'.  Both sides are deeply dug in to their trenches.  The deeper one trench is dug, the deeper the opposing trench becomes.  Egos are stirred on both side and away we go.  For ego cares about nothing except itself. That the situation would ever be allowed to go this far is mind boggling.  I am not talking about banning anyone. I am talking about spiritual people realizing what they have created.  A very nasty environment.  

This is not spirituality.  The man whom all this circles around, Mayatnik, is unwilling to step into the forefront and deal with the situation directly.  He made a big announcement...The truth shall be known...of course there will be reaction to this.  If he returned and admitted to just a few mistakes I would have more respect for him.  If he would face what he has started I would have more respect for him.  If he would help calm the emotions of this situation I would have more respect. I could never start something like this and then just leave such a mess behind me.  Thus, the emotional drainage increases for all members and Astral Pulse is dragged down in the process.  

Regards,
timeless

Edi,

If you cannot see the ego in the comments you support and perpetuate then you are bound to get lost in the muttle of ego.  

It takes a theif that knows a lot about being a theif to catch a theif.