What I Believe and Why

The true nature of reality is unknowable

Descartes defined the limits of certain knowledge with 'I think. therefore I am.' Beyond this all is speculation. My entire experience of reality is mediated by the senses, I experience nothing that doesn't enter by these channels, including my study of accumulated knowledge. Perceived reality behaves extremely consistently, suggesting the likelihood that it exists independently of the perceiver, but there is no certainty. I could be a brain (of some kind) in a vat, fed perceptions by something entirely unknowable.

Science postulates a material universe operating in accord with rigid laws could theoretically explain all that exists including consciousness. There is no meaning, everything is essentially the product of blind chance. However, there is an abundance of EVIDENCE from parapsychology, numerous accounts of spontaneous anomalous phenomena (including several experiences of my own) as well as compelling cases in the domains of 'near death experience', reincarnation and spiritualism. But might these be explained by delusion, the law of large numbers (coincidence) or even fraud? There is no definitive answer. (more…)

Seeds of What?

by Cheri Neal

The book "Seeds of Joy, Growing Zinnias and Your Zest for Life" may have an interesting title, but what does it REALLY mean?  What do Zinnias have to do with Zest? And what does any of it have to do with You and ME?

Zinnias are filled with rich metaphors, bringing out the best in humanity. The Zinnia grows in every size and comes in a wide array of vibrant colors, much like human beings do. In Zen culture, the Zinnia represents joy, the slice of life that so many of us seem to be missing.

Then there's Zest.  Defined as great enthusiasm and energy, with synonyms like: passion, pep, pizzazz, sparkle, spirit, zeal, who on this earth, does not thirst for more Zest? (more…)

Is Success a Modern Myth?

by Ian Merrill

The stores are full of books on how to be successful. We are urged to awaken the giant within, win friends and influence people, or share in the secrets of the wealthy. We get hysterically excited at even the thought of success. We pump ourselves up with positive affirmations, we seek employee of the month, we chase victories, we stock up with achievements until our CVs reach that magic third page of puffed-up triumphs.

Why? (more…)

Can I Change My Destiny?

What is Destiny?

Our destiny is the tentative future path that lies ahead of us at any given now, subject to everything that affects us continuing along its current trajectory. Of course, we cannot possibly know our destiny even if that condition of continuance were satisfied because we cannot possibly know about everything that affects us.

What Determines My Destiny?

Spiritually we are part of an infinite existence, of which our current incarnation forms but the smallest step. Before beginning the journey known as life we agree, with our guides and helpers, what the overall purpose of that adventure will be, ie the experiences we will seek and the lessons we will try to learn. But to have any meaning whatsoever we are also endowed with free will. (more…)

Finding Meaning in Spirituality

I guess at some time in their lives most people ask themselves questions like: "why am I here?", "what's the meaning of life?", "what happens to me after I die?" etc etc.

One day, when I was about 15, I became acutely aware not just of my own mortality but also the futility of the entire universe slowly but surely winding down towards its own heat death. Maybe I was taking science too seriously, but the whole idea depressed me and shook the very optimism that someone just starting life's journey needs in abundance.

In my case it was the discovery of a spiritual perspective that caused my depression to subside and allowed me to progress with a (hopefully) purposeful life.

It's not the purpose of this article to preach any particular belief. None of us can know for sure whether any "God" exists, never mind what His/its nature might be. (more…)

Good Karma, Bad Karma

Karma is one of the West's best known Eastern Mystical concepts, even featuring in popular songs by John Lennon (Instant Karma), David Bowie (Karma Man), and Culture Club (Karma Chameleon) among others.

Some years ago the then England football manager Glenn Hoddle, a genuinely Spiritual man, was fired for an ill-considered remark that disabled people were paying for the sins of past lives.

A Definition of Karma

Karma is simply the process of cause and effect. If you do A, B will happen. If you plant tomato seeds, and water and look after them, tomatoes will grow.

whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap St Paul, Galatians 6-7 (more…)

Do What Thou Wilt

English occultist Aleister Crowley wrote "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law" in his classic The Book of The Law forcibly dictated to him by the discarnate higher intelligence called Aiwaz.

What is meant by this "law"? Does it mean we are free to do whatever we please - in other words that there is no law? Or does it convey a deeper, more subtle, truth?

Compare "do what thou wilt" to Jesus' expression of "thy will be done", referring to God's will. Are the two teachings irreconcilably incompatible? As we shall see, maybe not… (more…)

The Power of Focus

Isn’t life amazing? Though sometimes frustrating, overwhelming, even infuriating, our journey through the material world is a truly fantastic adventure filled with potential for fulfilment and pleasure. But how many of are actually taking advantage of all that is on offer? Or to put it another way, how many of us are simply coasting through on cruise control and missing much of what’s out there?

Life is certainly complex. Numerous things demand our attention, and in the final analysis most of these urgencies are utterly meaningless. Have we paid the gas bill?, remembered Mrs X’s birthday?, chosen the right outfit for the company “do”?….. The list is endless. The trouble is, with so much noise, can we even hear – never mind respond to – the real message? (more…)

Goal Setting and Achieving

Personal Goal Setting and Planning

Our logical, rational mind tells us we live in a predictable world. We flick the switch, the light comes on; turn the key, the car starts etc etc. But experience tells us life isn’t so simple. What we expect often doesn’t come about, while surprises happen with disturbing frequency. This inherent complexity and seeming randomness begs the question of whether it is ever worth the bother of trying to set goals or plan for the future.

How many of us drift through daily life on autopilot? How much of what we experience is the result of conscious planning or intention, and how much just simply happens? Routine and habit are very comfortable states for the mind in which the subconscious takes control allowing our consciousness to wander freely in aimless chaos. Those that have tried meditation will know how much effort it takes to tame the mental flow of garbage.

Whether you subscribe to the Spiritual view of being incarnate to learn and grow, or the materialist alternative of this life being all there is, spending our existence like a train traveling along fixed tracks is a terrific waste of potential. Despite life’s uncertainties, it follows that a degree of goal setting and planning combined with willful action is essential to make the most of our time on earth. (more…)

Purpose, Goals and Success

Purpose and Goals

Everyone has a purpose in life. For those of a spiritual disposition it might be to serve others, to resolve one’s karma, or simply to amass experience to carry back to the higher realm. For everyone else it might be to leave their mark in some (hopefully positive) way, to do their best for their family, or simple to fill their lives with as much happiness as they can find. Purpose is as unique as the individual.

Our true purpose remains constant throughout our life, but is most commonly expressed through our many and changing goals. It is our goals which motivate and drive our choices and actions and dictate, to some extent at least, our destiny (or the kind of life we experience).

At any one time an individual has goals at various different levels. At the highest level are our major goals. These specify what we want to do with our lives, what we want to achieve. Depending on our stage in life, as well as our unique character, major goals might be to graduate college, own a house, move to ABC, retire with a pension of $X,000 a month… (more…)