Freed Fox
25th September 2014, 01:10
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORrzpfIibjQ/U0MBKQKYksI/AAAAAAAAW84/vtqtNWEBa70/s1600/Mystery+light+Photographed+On+Mars+Surface+(Date+Unknown).png
Introduction
Greetings, everyone. This is the second in a series which began with The Nature of Fear (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?75241-The-Nature-of-Fear). Here I will discuss another topic integral to a 'message' I am attempting to convey, preferably without losing much meaning in transcription. In that first thread, I likened the endeavor to carefully painting a picture.
Just as with the aforementioned (ongoing) thread regarding Fear, I wish to focus upon one particular facet of my revelatory experience here. The experience, which occurred one month ago as of yesterday, has prompted a process of major (positive) life changes, along with the inspiration and energy to embark in this current undertaking (among other things).
Unlike the aforementioned thread, I believe I can summarize everything I want to say about Faith - for the time being - in this one post.
Lastly, I am even more open than in the previous thread to the input and experiences of others in the general vein of this subject. I am happy to discuss as long as there is some interest (and 'real-world' constraints and obligations allow).
Life's Greatest Mysteries
In life we have at least a handful of unanswerable questions. Incidentally, these are questions which virtually everyone wrestles with, at some time or another. They are also, perhaps not coincidentally, some of the most very fundamental questions we can think to ask:
What is the meaning of life?
Is there a benevolent God or higher intelligent force responsible for Creation?
Do we exist beyond the death of our bodies?
What is the destiny of our soul?
There are theories, of course. There are innumerable religions and spiritual traditions which each have their own variation of "the one truth". There is even scientifically-admissible data with which to point toward one possibility or another as being stronger than all the others.
There are, by some grace, even techniques and experiential phenomena which deliver us greater insight and inclination toward a certain answer. This is particularly true with questions 3. and 4. for example, when one sees the efforts and testimonies of Out-of-Body experiencers here on Avalon, such as TraineeHuman, (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?52121-OBEs-What-are-they-how-to-make-them-happen-and-where-does-the-Higher-Self-fit-in) sirdipswitch, (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?51152-The-Secret-Of-The-Soul-and-OBE) and Jake. (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?74995-The-Out-of-Body-Experience.-A-Place-Where-Science-and-Spirituality-Meet.)
But in these matters, substantial and irrefutable proof - at least as it would be accepted as such by scientific standards - cannot be conveyed to the collective without profound experience in that realm on the basis of the individual.
In short, they are simply unknowable for a great many people, for whom it ends up being a matter of choice and, essentially, faith.
Choices
Because the questions listed above are fundamental to who we are, in that what we become in life depends upon the purpose we ascribe to it, a great deal of other beliefs, opinions, theories, and even filters through which we engage with reality will be shaped and/or colored by what we decide about these fundamental questions.
Each one can be boiled down to a basic binary query:
Does life have meaning, or not?
Is there a benevolent higher power, or not?
Do we survive the body, or not?
Does the way I live my life here effect me beyond death, or not?
These are not false choices, because virtually any belief one can hold in these matters can be likened to answering with one or the other, at least in effect.
The crucial importance comes in how our choices on what to believe in these matters can have a dramatic ripple effect on the sort of person we become; informing our demeanor with the world, our priorities in life, our ambitions, and most importantly the values with which we fine-tune the instruments we commonly call our conscience and our intuition, separating them from the excess noise of simple, oft misguided thought.
The Glass is Half Full
I would argue that in every case, it is better to choose the more optimistic answer for each of the questions above.
Logic will scream; "the evidence says this!" or "there's nothing to support that!"
Let me be clear; although this IS a matter of faith, it is ALSO a matter of pragmatism. I would argue that there is no substantial, tangible benefit to choosing the negative disposition over the positive.
The ripple effects for doing so, and actually demonstrating that faith in positive ways in the world around you, is capable of causing much more favorable results than an effectively pessimistic outlook.
This is championed solely with regard to fundamental outlook and esoteric beliefs. It has nothing to do with ignoring real world concerns, or failing to exercise reasonable caution in the face of danger. It is about a solid foundation from which to derive guiding principles.
The natural demonstration of a positive foundation - and thus, outlook - is Love.
I believe a distinct lack of genuine Love is responsible for a lot of the world's largest and deadliest problems, but that is a subject for a different thread by another name.
Known Unknowns
The thing about Faith is that it is, by my working definition, concerning the 'unknowable'. Feel free to use another term if you like. "Trust" was suggested in the Fear thread. That works, if it carries enough weight with you. I fully understand how the term "faith" has been abused and dragged through the mud, but also how it carries legitimately negative connotations for some.
Too often for example, people hide behind "faith" to justify hatred, or over-reaction by way of some destructive, fearful response. This has a way of tainting the word's deeper importance.
There are other virtues which should stem from faith (primarily Love) which, unless otherwise obstructed, should yield only positive results for all parties concerned. Otherwise, if someone's faith inspires action which produces little but harm, abuse, or suffering, then some part of their "faith" is self-evidently flawed.
It is a pragmatic approach, yet I doubt any logic can fully embrace it without a little kicking and screaming along the way. That was the case for me, even as I was experiencing total profundity. As such, I doubt I or anyone can ever effectively explain or vindicate true faith - in its essence - from any standpoint too logically inclined.
Simply put; it has to be found and experienced on an individual basis and on a personal level. Each person has to find it for him or her self. I hope I have made a case for how beneficial it potentially is. If it currently eludes you, you should know that remains elusive, even to someone whom it has been proven and validated.
One More Thing
Faith is a bit like a minefield. I am here today having been, only two months ago, pretty thoroughly averse to the notion of having blind faith in anything. I saw the virtue in questioning everything... That is, until I saw much greater virtue in believing certain things enough to change my life in order to reflect them.
The thing is, even when you manage to find this kind of faith, and even when it showers you with synchronicity at every correct turn, it can still start to slip through your fingers from time to time. It is frequently if not constantly tested, both from within and without.
Take American politics as an example, and the people who are meant to be looked up to as leaders and exemplary civil servants. "The Left" trivialize faith and imply it is the realm of those without critical thought. On "The Right", every candidate touts their faith as a basis for denying rights to certain groups, and waging war upon others. Faith is so twisted and convoluted and misappropriated that it begins to leave a sour taste in the mouth at the very utterance of the word.
I never dreamed I would be a faithful person. Not religious, mind you, but faithful.
One last thing, for fun (this is one of the lighter sides of the overarching issue, after all):
Look at the picture at the top of this post.
Assuming you do not already know, ask yourself; what is that light?
Without researching the photo, what would be your first/best guess?
Please take a moment to do so now before reading on.
You can keep your answer to yourself, or share it here. I won't judge in either event. ;)
I would suggest however that your answer may be revealing with regard to your disposition, and where your faith lies. Just something to consider, nothing more...
To be fair, my answer is that whatever that thing is, it is nothing I have any reason to fear or even concern myself with, given the more worthwhile things I could spend that time on.
No one is more surprised than me that I would genuinely feel that way (which is not meant to be a condescending remark; people have the right to decide for themselves what is worthy of their time).
And on that note;
Thank you all for your patience, time, and presence.
Introduction
Greetings, everyone. This is the second in a series which began with The Nature of Fear (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?75241-The-Nature-of-Fear). Here I will discuss another topic integral to a 'message' I am attempting to convey, preferably without losing much meaning in transcription. In that first thread, I likened the endeavor to carefully painting a picture.
Just as with the aforementioned (ongoing) thread regarding Fear, I wish to focus upon one particular facet of my revelatory experience here. The experience, which occurred one month ago as of yesterday, has prompted a process of major (positive) life changes, along with the inspiration and energy to embark in this current undertaking (among other things).
Unlike the aforementioned thread, I believe I can summarize everything I want to say about Faith - for the time being - in this one post.
Lastly, I am even more open than in the previous thread to the input and experiences of others in the general vein of this subject. I am happy to discuss as long as there is some interest (and 'real-world' constraints and obligations allow).
Life's Greatest Mysteries
In life we have at least a handful of unanswerable questions. Incidentally, these are questions which virtually everyone wrestles with, at some time or another. They are also, perhaps not coincidentally, some of the most very fundamental questions we can think to ask:
What is the meaning of life?
Is there a benevolent God or higher intelligent force responsible for Creation?
Do we exist beyond the death of our bodies?
What is the destiny of our soul?
There are theories, of course. There are innumerable religions and spiritual traditions which each have their own variation of "the one truth". There is even scientifically-admissible data with which to point toward one possibility or another as being stronger than all the others.
There are, by some grace, even techniques and experiential phenomena which deliver us greater insight and inclination toward a certain answer. This is particularly true with questions 3. and 4. for example, when one sees the efforts and testimonies of Out-of-Body experiencers here on Avalon, such as TraineeHuman, (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?52121-OBEs-What-are-they-how-to-make-them-happen-and-where-does-the-Higher-Self-fit-in) sirdipswitch, (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?51152-The-Secret-Of-The-Soul-and-OBE) and Jake. (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?74995-The-Out-of-Body-Experience.-A-Place-Where-Science-and-Spirituality-Meet.)
But in these matters, substantial and irrefutable proof - at least as it would be accepted as such by scientific standards - cannot be conveyed to the collective without profound experience in that realm on the basis of the individual.
In short, they are simply unknowable for a great many people, for whom it ends up being a matter of choice and, essentially, faith.
Choices
Because the questions listed above are fundamental to who we are, in that what we become in life depends upon the purpose we ascribe to it, a great deal of other beliefs, opinions, theories, and even filters through which we engage with reality will be shaped and/or colored by what we decide about these fundamental questions.
Each one can be boiled down to a basic binary query:
Does life have meaning, or not?
Is there a benevolent higher power, or not?
Do we survive the body, or not?
Does the way I live my life here effect me beyond death, or not?
These are not false choices, because virtually any belief one can hold in these matters can be likened to answering with one or the other, at least in effect.
The crucial importance comes in how our choices on what to believe in these matters can have a dramatic ripple effect on the sort of person we become; informing our demeanor with the world, our priorities in life, our ambitions, and most importantly the values with which we fine-tune the instruments we commonly call our conscience and our intuition, separating them from the excess noise of simple, oft misguided thought.
The Glass is Half Full
I would argue that in every case, it is better to choose the more optimistic answer for each of the questions above.
Logic will scream; "the evidence says this!" or "there's nothing to support that!"
Let me be clear; although this IS a matter of faith, it is ALSO a matter of pragmatism. I would argue that there is no substantial, tangible benefit to choosing the negative disposition over the positive.
The ripple effects for doing so, and actually demonstrating that faith in positive ways in the world around you, is capable of causing much more favorable results than an effectively pessimistic outlook.
This is championed solely with regard to fundamental outlook and esoteric beliefs. It has nothing to do with ignoring real world concerns, or failing to exercise reasonable caution in the face of danger. It is about a solid foundation from which to derive guiding principles.
The natural demonstration of a positive foundation - and thus, outlook - is Love.
I believe a distinct lack of genuine Love is responsible for a lot of the world's largest and deadliest problems, but that is a subject for a different thread by another name.
Known Unknowns
The thing about Faith is that it is, by my working definition, concerning the 'unknowable'. Feel free to use another term if you like. "Trust" was suggested in the Fear thread. That works, if it carries enough weight with you. I fully understand how the term "faith" has been abused and dragged through the mud, but also how it carries legitimately negative connotations for some.
Too often for example, people hide behind "faith" to justify hatred, or over-reaction by way of some destructive, fearful response. This has a way of tainting the word's deeper importance.
There are other virtues which should stem from faith (primarily Love) which, unless otherwise obstructed, should yield only positive results for all parties concerned. Otherwise, if someone's faith inspires action which produces little but harm, abuse, or suffering, then some part of their "faith" is self-evidently flawed.
It is a pragmatic approach, yet I doubt any logic can fully embrace it without a little kicking and screaming along the way. That was the case for me, even as I was experiencing total profundity. As such, I doubt I or anyone can ever effectively explain or vindicate true faith - in its essence - from any standpoint too logically inclined.
Simply put; it has to be found and experienced on an individual basis and on a personal level. Each person has to find it for him or her self. I hope I have made a case for how beneficial it potentially is. If it currently eludes you, you should know that remains elusive, even to someone whom it has been proven and validated.
One More Thing
Faith is a bit like a minefield. I am here today having been, only two months ago, pretty thoroughly averse to the notion of having blind faith in anything. I saw the virtue in questioning everything... That is, until I saw much greater virtue in believing certain things enough to change my life in order to reflect them.
The thing is, even when you manage to find this kind of faith, and even when it showers you with synchronicity at every correct turn, it can still start to slip through your fingers from time to time. It is frequently if not constantly tested, both from within and without.
Take American politics as an example, and the people who are meant to be looked up to as leaders and exemplary civil servants. "The Left" trivialize faith and imply it is the realm of those without critical thought. On "The Right", every candidate touts their faith as a basis for denying rights to certain groups, and waging war upon others. Faith is so twisted and convoluted and misappropriated that it begins to leave a sour taste in the mouth at the very utterance of the word.
I never dreamed I would be a faithful person. Not religious, mind you, but faithful.
One last thing, for fun (this is one of the lighter sides of the overarching issue, after all):
Look at the picture at the top of this post.
Assuming you do not already know, ask yourself; what is that light?
Without researching the photo, what would be your first/best guess?
Please take a moment to do so now before reading on.
You can keep your answer to yourself, or share it here. I won't judge in either event. ;)
I would suggest however that your answer may be revealing with regard to your disposition, and where your faith lies. Just something to consider, nothing more...
To be fair, my answer is that whatever that thing is, it is nothing I have any reason to fear or even concern myself with, given the more worthwhile things I could spend that time on.
No one is more surprised than me that I would genuinely feel that way (which is not meant to be a condescending remark; people have the right to decide for themselves what is worthy of their time).
And on that note;
Thank you all for your patience, time, and presence.