Spirituality, infinity and thankfulness

continued from my examiner column http://www.examiner.com/interfaith-spirituality-in-columbus/spirituality-infinity-and-thankfulness

'You are infinite'. Examining the sciences further . . . findings from both recent months and hundreds of years . . . beyond pre-modern thinking is necessary. Let's review a few more scientific categories- (there are many fields we could apply to religious thinking.: Agronomy, Anthropology, History, Psychology, Neurology, Sociology, Art, Music) You get the picture: we have knowledge beyond the 1st, 15th, 16th centuries; why then have a pre-modern faith?

‘Geography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography 'as a discipline can be split broadly into two main subsidiary fields: human geography and physical geography. The former focuses largely on the built environment and how space is created, viewed and managed by humans as well as the influence humans have on the space they occupy. The latter examines the natural environment and how the climate, vegetation & life, soil, water, and landforms are produced and interact. As a result of the two subfields using different approaches a third field has emerged, which is environmental geography. Environmental geography combines physical and human geography and looks at the interactions between the environment and humans.’ Hayes-Bohanan, James. "What is Environmental Geography, Anyway?". http://webhost.bridgew.edu/jhayesboh/environmentalgeography.htm. October 9, 2006.

We overlook how dynamic the influence and interaction actually is between humans and geography! Rivers have shaped us; we attempt to control them and certainly pollute these veins of the body of our planet which are seen by Native Americans, Hindus and many others as sacred. Mountains were the very abode of God to Greeks, Hebrews and Buddhist alike; we still aspire to the mastery of climbing them. Early humans (Aztec, Inca) threw sacrificial victims into volcanoes to placate or propitiate ‘the Gods’ who could wreak havoc upon them. We now send a National Geographic team down the slopes into the active volcano with instrumentation.

Ecology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecology ‘is the scientific study of the relation of living organisms to each other and their surroundings. Ecology includes the study of plant and animal populations, plant and animal communities and ecosystems.’ We've been altering the planet, as has each species and player in the interdependent drama of life. Its just that we're conscious and have the ability to think, plan, create, engineer and avert disaster. Our world doesn't have to be exploited and trashed. A new way of thinking has been emerging for quite some time, in competition with the ancient forces of greed, deceit, power and avarice- which religion DOES address. This is important not to lose sight of!

Chemistry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemistry ‘is the science of matter and the changes it undergoes’ (and is) ‘concerned with the composition, behavior, structure, and properties of matter, as well as the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions’. Chemistry. Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary. August 19, 2007 ‘Chemistry is the scientific study of interaction of chemical substances that are constituted of atoms or the subatomic particles: protons, electrons and neutrons. Atoms combine to produce molecules or crystals. Chemistry is often called ‘the central science’ because it connects the other natural sciences such as astronomy, physics, material science, biology and geology . . . The transformations that are studied in chemistry are a result of interaction either between different chemical substances or between matter and energy.’ Muslim scientists were significant contributors to our understanding of many of the sciences including chemistry in a golden age of discovery beyond artificial religious boundaries.
The ancients did not know chemistry; they did know some of it’s results as ‘alchemy’ or ‘magic’. Illnesses were caused by devils and demons, not genetic mutation, bacteria or viruses. Pay attention: 'interactions between matter and energy can lead to transformation'. Both Candace Pert (Molecules of Emotion)and Bruce Lipton PhD (Biology of Belief) have plenty to say about the energy of thoughts and intention based upon their research at the cellular level and smaller.

Physics http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physics ‘is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through space-time, as well as all related concepts, including energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves. . . . Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines . . . physics aims to both connect the things observable to humans to root causes, and then to try to connect these causes together.’ Many of the findings emerging from physics contribute to our understanding of humans as energetic beings, wave fields, frozen light or collections of particles; ideas both sophisticated, and mind expanding at once. We become happenings/doings constantly changing form, attitude, atmosphere. Life is not static; nor should our belief systems & practices be.

Mathematics http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematics ‘is the study of quantity, structure, space, and change. . . . The first abstraction, which is shared by many animals, was probably that of numbers: the realization that a collection of two apples and a collection of two oranges (for example) have something in common, namely quantity of their members . . . . In addition to recognizing how to count physical objects, prehistoric peoples also recognized how to count abstract quantities, like time – days, seasons, years. Elementary arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) naturally followed.’ Forty days and forty nights for the ancient Hebrews meant a long time; three days meant a short, significant time. All numbers are symbolic representations, which help us organize and communicate. This is why the TV preacher who has 'end times' all figured out with elaborate charts and predictions based on pre-modern never-intended-to-be-literal-but-metaphoric Biblical bsymbols is as guilty as the New Ager flipping through Nostradomous making prophecies of religious malpractice.

Ian Lawton of 3C says this: 'It’s tempting as an inclusive spiritual leader to say “live and let live” in this marketplace of religious and moral preferences. If people choose beliefs different to mine, that’s fine. But does this stretch to include all beliefs? The problem is that not all beliefs are equal and not all beliefs are harmless. Some beliefs lead to violence and innocent suffering. If children die from diseases that could be cured but their parents believe in faith healing, then this is an irresponsible belief.' (this from his 11-29-2010 Aussie Heretic post).

'You are infinite' implies that 'your impact is infinite'. Your impact is not all equally great, but integral given each individual's gifts, potentiality and the interdependence of this sophisticated intelligent, living breathing, cosmic organism/Life . . . . for sure damn important in the evolving (or devolving) fabric of things. That belief should lead us to behave/live differently. It matters one hell of a lot.

photo from my archives, Ash Cave, Hocking Hills in winter

Understanding Islam

continued from my examiner column http://www.examiner.com/interfaith-spirituality-in-columbus/spirituality-and-what-is-yaum-al-arafah-islamic-day-of-atonement-101

Professor and author Stephen Prothero writes, ‘The Quran begins almost every sura with the reminder that Allah is merciful and compassionate, and repeatedly we are told that He is ‘All-forgiving to him who repents and believes, and does righteousness, and at last is guided” (20:82) But at least at often we are told of the horrors to come for ‘the inhabitants of the Blaze” (35:6) Repeatedly I read that Allah is watching me, that I should fear him, since he is both ‘terrible (40:3) and ‘swift’ in retribution (6:165), and that He will bring down fire on the unrepentant, the unbeliever, the unrighteous, and the boastful.’

The professor continues, ‘In short, the Quaran reads like a fire-and-brimstone sermon from start to finish. The Arabic term for torment/punishment/chastisement appears hundreds of times. In fact, it is one of the Quran’s most frequently used words.’ Prothero points out how the Hebrew Bible prophets use a similar strategy to urge hearers to repentance and correct behavior. The Hebrew and Christian bible carries plenty of texts of terror and commands ‘the annihilation of entire peoples (Dtr 20:16-18)’ from p 47 God is Not One, the Eight Rival Religions that Run the World and Why Their Differences Matter. This is why educated readers will realize the need for textual interpretation and the importance to considering the cultural and historic context of the time.

One example the author cites is verses telling ‘Muslims to forgo non-Muslim friends.’ (5:51) According to Prothero, in a historical context this applied to tribal alliances where Jewish or Christian groups allied with those opposed to Muhammad created a treasonous situation; this same dynamic doesn’t apply in modern times. Clearly in the hands of fanatical or un-educated interpreters, one might have unfortunate results for/by any of the 'peoples of the book'.

One of the important ways 'people of the book' or Abrahamic faiths differ is in the importance of ‘law’. Christianity has stressed the importance of both, but ultimately predominance of grace. Readers of the Hebrew bible will recall the importance of ‘judges’ who were arbiters and rulers. Religious law is very important in Judaism and covers everything from kosher foods to ritual behavior. In Islam, ‘Shariah’ or ‘right path’ refers to law. As Prothero describes it, ‘Historically, Muslims have not separated the sacred and the secular, so Shariah extends into all aspects of life-family, society, economics, and politics. It covers ritual and ethics, as well as criminal law, taxation, and public policy. This robust concept tilts toward the afterlife too, instructing Muslims not only how to live on Earth but also how to get to Paradise. . . interpretation of Shariah, is based on both the Quran and the Hadith, a secondary body of scripture . . . gathered in the eight and ninth centuries into six respected Sunni collections. Not all Hadith are equally authoritative, however.’ p 49 God is Not One.

Sunni and Shiite Muslims differ here and there are differing legal schools. Authority is more likely to rest with an Imam in the Shia community- as say, with the Pope in Catholicism, whereas Sunni’s would place authority in the community. A fatwa is a legal opinion or force of law only to those who recognize it. Eighty-five percent of the Muslim world is Sunni; 15% Shia. Its important to understand this rapidly growing religious-cultural group within Central Ohio, North America, Europe and beyond our shores for a peaceful tomorrow and the future of the planet, species & peoples.

[The Baitul Futuh Mosque in London photo by Paki, 2007 Wikimedia Commons]

Spirituality and Near Death Experiences

continued from my examiner column . . . http://www.examiner.com/interfaith-spirituality-in-columbus/spirituality-and-near-death-experiences

One researcher, Jeffrey Long, MD evaluated 1,300 near death experiences. He explains that, common to all is that: a) the heart stops; b) blood flow to the brain stops; c) the EEG is flat- ie. there is no brain activity which all constitute physical death. Yet, out of 613 subjects 74.4% experienced clear consciousness of the experience when brought back. Long identified 33 elements of a near death experience; being ‘out of body’ is common early in the experience. There is tremendous consistency in what subjects report: an enhanced feeling of peace, joy, love, and vision in 360 degrees; also a sense of oneness.

Consciousness appears to exist apart from the body. (Which is what Andrew Newberg, MD- a neuroscientist and others have also postulated). Ie. It is ‘non-local’ a term Larry Dossey, M.D. uses. There are other explanations for the experience which this doctor (and several others) have examined- such as hallucinations of a dying brain, dream-like memories etc. What blows these theories apart are the details patients can recall from above their bodies, being able to explain what was happening to them, describing serial numbers on the defibrillator, knowing what family members said in the cafeteria, being able to recount the entire scene from start to finish. [One of my dying patients would talk with her deceased mother, aunt and sister and then turn to her living spouse. She informed him a cousin had died within the last 3 days; he could read the obit in the paper; they just told her. There was no way she could have known this fact.]

Long reports that later in the near death experience other elements consistently observed include: experiencing passage in a tunnel, mystical light, unearthly beautiful realms, meeting deceased loved ones, a life review, music and the requirement that it wasn’t their time- they must return to the body. Following the experience, subjects had an increased belief in afterlife, reduced fear of death, they were less materialistic, they valued loving relationships and held an increased belief in ‘God’. The book 'Hello from Heaven' by Bill and Judy Guggenheim is based on 353 firsthand accounts of 'after death contacts'. The authors estimate at least 50 million Americans have experienced an 'after death' experience. The authors interviewed 2,000 people from all walks of life and collected more than 3,300 firsthand accounts.

Because of confidentiality, I won’t share the experiences countless others have confided, but one of my family members. My aunt went in for ‘same day surgery’ for a fractured wrist, but had difficulty coming out of anesthesia. They decided to keep her overnight at the (large area hospital which shall remain anonymous). During the night she coded, and (in spite of a DNR- do not resuscitate order) they resuscitated her. When we arrived to visit the following morning, expecting to take her home, we discovered she was in a different wing- ICU, and in-tubated. This was a surprise. The doctor and anesthesiologist were arguing. Mom, a BSN/RN nurse educator and former Director of Medical and Surgical nursing for a large Wisconsin hospital asked if my aunt had brain function. They affirmed that, ‘yes, they’d checked it all’ and quickly left.

My aunt later ‘came to’ and showed signs of wanting the tube out by hand gestures. I explained that there was a question whether she would breathe on her own or not. Mom ordered the disconnect, matter-of-factly. My aunt was able to breathe on her own. As my aunt was able to express herself further, she complained of a sore throat and painful chest and ribs. A nurse confirmed that this often happens when people are revived. This was our first indication of what had actually happened, what mom certainly surmised. My aunt said that yes, she knew she had coded because she saw the whole thing from up near the ceiling where she was hovering. It was peaceful there and she was bathed in incredible light and love. She described the lead crash cart doctor. Interested in more?

Watch Jeffrey Long, MD in his presentation to the New York Academy of Sciences June 2010 copyrighted and presented in this video by the Nour Foundation.:

http://www.nourfoundation.com/media-gallery/videos/Shifting-Realities-Myths-Models-and-Morality/The-Contingent-Nature-of-Reality/Life-Death-and-the-Pursuit-of-Morality/Jeffrey-Long-MD.html

'Death is simply a shedding of the physical body like the butterfly shedding its cocoon. It is a transition to a higher state of consciousness where you continue to perceive, to understand, to laugh, and to be able to grow.' Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D.

[artwork is called, Ascent of the Blessed and is by medieval artist Hieronymous Bosch. This is in the Doge's Palace in Venice and is a fragment of a triptych.]

copyright, 2010, Patricia A. Rodemann

Spirituality and Shinto Religion

continued from my examiner post . . . http://www.examiner.com/interfaith-spirituality-in-columbus/spirituality-and-what-is-shintoism

As John Bowker explains in World Religions, ‘Religion in Japan is a rich tapestry of interwoven traditions and religions which has been developing for over 2,000 years. Some of the strands are indigenous; others have been introduced during the course of history. In general, Japanese people do not choose between the different religions, but like the Chinese participate in several for different occasions and purposes. Common to all is an emphasis on the sacredness found in nature, respect for ancestors in strong family associations, local cults and festivals, and the unity of religion and the nation of Japan. The main sources of Japanese religion are indigenous folk beliefs and practices, organized Shinto, Confucianism, Buddhists and Taoist teaching, and some Christian influence.’

You could call this faith very ‘green’ in its attention to nature. Several authors explain another key feature summarizing the worship, ‘matsuri’ is obedience, listening and respectful attendance to the kami. Rituals and symbolism are exceedingly important in understanding shrines, festivals and practices. There are several Japanese festivals worth noting for international business travelers: Nara Yamayaki during January; Kasuga Matsuri in March, Kanda Matsuri in May, Gion Matsuri in July; Nebuta Matsuri in August and Chichibu Yo Matsuri in December. Some festivals are centered in Tokyo; some in Kyoto, others related to specific sites, mountains etc. The Star Festival of Agonshu Hoshi Matsuri is held in February attracting some 500,000 visitors.

The Shinto faith is more centered on deeds, respectful attitudes and behaviors and action rather than theology or a structured belief system of doctrine. Buddhism has separate forms and branches (Zen for example and the Nichiren Shoshu sect) in Japan. Newer religions include Tenrikyo, which means ‘religion of divine wisdom’.

There are some charming practices in Shinto religion. One writes one’s prayer request via an Ema, which is hung in a temple site or shrine. Ema means horse picture. This practice derives from horses being intermediary messengers which bring the message to the Kami. Eventually the request is released by a ritual burning practice. I can think of plenty of things to write about, one central wish. One can also hang a Fuda or amulet to increase good fortune and ward off evil. In Japan, births and weddings might incorporate Shinto ritual traditions; Buddhist traditions however are used for funerals and the dead commemorated at Higan which takes place at spring and autumn equinoxes.

Walking the shelties late one Saturday afternoon, a red balloon floated across the water of the dam and landed at the shore where I pulled it from the water, much to Danny’s delight- he is a ball player. Attached was a prayer request, written by an adolescent. I held it for a time and sent my own prayer back, holding the young one in special regard and loving thought. The dogs played with the balloon pushing it to the next shore where the wind caught it again and it skimmed across the water, heading upward with the next gust. We squinted in the sunlight and the dogs barked farewell. It was a Shinto-Zen moment, though a Christian Prayer. My husband wrote his own childhood prayer request on a little piece of carefully folded paper and placed it in a secret compartment of his special jewelry box. P.S. He did pass the test and get a good grade.

[photo from Wikimedia Commons shows Procession at Toshogu Shinto shrine, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan during spring festival, May 2005]