Rumi said,
"Whoever brought me here
will have to take me home."
Friday, May 21, 2004
Thirty Pieces of Advice From the Heart
By Gyalwa Longchenpa
First Advice
Alas! Having, through all kinds of skilful means, gathered round oneself a large circle of people, one may hold a flourishing monastic estate. But this is the source of quarrels and causes great attachments for oneself. To remain alone is my advice from the heart.
Second Advice
At the occasion of village ceremonies intended to discard obstacles and subdue evil spirits, one may display one's qualities in the crowd. But through covetousness for food and riches, it is one's own mind that will be carried away by the demon. To subdue one's own mind is my advice from my heart.
Third Advice
Having collected great contributions from poor people, one may thus erect statues and monuments, distribute plenty of alms and so on. But this is to cause others to accumulate sins on virtuous grounds1. To make one's own mind virtuous is my advice from the heart.
Fourth Advice
Desiring one's own greatness, one will expound Dharma to others and through numerous deceitful tricks, one will retain a cycle of important and humble people. But such a mind clinging to gross realities is the cause of pride. To have only short-term plans is my advice from the heart.
Fifth Advice
Selling, loaning with interest, and all these kinds of deceits; with the wealth amassed in the wrong way one may very well make large offerings, but merits resting upon greed are the source of the eight worldly dharmas. To meditate upon the rejection of covetousness is my advice from the heart.
Sixth Advice
Acting as witness, guarantor, and getting involved in law disputes, one may thus settle others' quarrels, thinking this is for the good of all. But to indulge in this will bring up interested aims. To remain without either expectations or apprehensions is my advice from the heart.
Seventh Advice
Administering provinces, having attendants and material wealth, one's renown may thus spread all over the world. But at the time of death, these things do not have the slightest use. To endeavour in one's practice is my advice from the heart.
Eighth Advice
Bursars, attendants, those in responsible positions and cooks are the pillars of the monastic community. But a mind interested in these is the cause of worry. To minimize this confusing bustle is my advice from the heart.
Ninth Advice
Carrying religious objects, offerings, books and cooking paraphernalia, one may go to the mountain's solitude with all necessary. But to be well-equipped now is the source of difficulties and quarrels. To have no needs is my advice from the heart.
Tenth Advice
In these decadent times one may reproach the crude people around one. Although one thinks it will be useful to them, it is just the source of poisonous thoughts. To utter peaceful words is my advice from the heart.
Eleventh Advice
Without any selfish consideration, one may, with affection, tell people their defects, only thinking of their own good. But although what one says is true this will ulcerate their hearts. To say gentle words is my advice from the heart.
Twelfth Advice
One engages in controversies, defending one's point of view and contradicting the other's thinking thus to preserve the purity of the Teachings. But in such a way one induces impure thoughts. To remain silent is my advice from the heart.
Thirteenth Advice
Thinking one is rendering service, one supports in a partisan way one's Guru's lineage and philosophical views. But to praise oneself and belittle others ripens one's attachments and hatred. To leave these things is my advice from the heart.
Fourteenth Advice
Having examined thoroughly the Dharma one has heard, one may think that understanding other's errors is proof of having discriminative wisdom. But to think in this way is to cause the accumulation of one's own sins. To view everything as pure is my advice from the heart.
Fifteenth Advice
Speaking only the language of blank emptiness and disdaining cause and effect, one may think that non-action is the ultimate point of Dharma. But to forsake the two accumulations will wither the prosperity of one's practice. To unite these two is my advice from the heart.
Sixteenth Advice
Concerning the third initiation, there is the descending of the essence and so on. One may think that the way of the other's body will lead to outstanding progress. But on this path of the impure many great meditators have been ensnared. To rely upon the path of liberation is my advice from the heart.
Seventeenth Advice
To bestow empowerments upon unqualified people and distribute to crowd sacramental substances is the source of abuse and of spoiling the samaya. To prefer upright behaviour is my advice from the heart.
Eighteenth Advice
To go naked in public and other eccentricities, one may think is to act as a yogi. But this is how one causes worldly people to lose faith. To be thoughtful in all things is my advice from the heart.
Nineteenth Advice
Wherever one stays, with the desire to be the greatest one will act in a traditional and clever fashion. But this is the cause of falling from the highest to the lowest. To be neither tense nor relaxed is my advice from the heart.
Twentieth Advice
Whether one dwells in villages, monasteries, or mountains retreats, without searching for intimates one should be friends with all, but with neither intimacy nor animosity. To keep one's independence is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-first Advice
Assuming an artificial countenance one may pay homage in a fine way to the patrons who take care of one's subsistence. But feigning on account of others causes one to entangle oneself. To act with uniform taste is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-second Advice
There are innumerable writings upon divination, astrology, medicine and so on. Although they all deal with the methods based upon the interdependent links, leading to omniscience. To become very fond of these various things will scatter one's contemplation. To minimize the study of these sciences is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-third Advice
At the time one stays inside arranging the interior, one may thus have all comforts in the midst of solitude. But this is how to fritter way one's whole life on trivial details. To put off all these activities is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-fourth Advice
Learned, virtuous and so on, also having some diligence towards accomplishment, thus one's personal qualities may reach their peak. But the clinging associated with this will just entangle oneself. To know how to be free, without egocentricity is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-fifth Advice
To make hail and thunder fall, cast magic spells, while protecting oneself from all these, one may think to subdue what has to be subdued. But by burning another's being one will end up in the lower realms. To remain humble is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-sixth Advice
One might have an abundance of desirable texts, spoken advice, notes and so on. But if one does not put them into practice, at the time of death they will be of no use. To study one's mind is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-seventh Advice
At the time one practices one-pointedly, one may have experiences, discuss them with others, write spiritual verses and sing songs of realization. Although such things are natural manifestations of the practice, they will increase wandering thoughts. To keep away from intellectualization is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-eighth Advice
Whatever thoughts arise it is important to stare at them. Thus when one has a clear understanding of the mind it is important to remain with it. Although there is nothing to meditate upon, it is important to remain in such meditation. To be always attentive is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-ninth Advice
In the midst of emptiness, acting according to the Law of cause and effect, having understood non-action, keeping the three vows, with absolute compassion, may we strive for the benefit of all beings. To unite the two accumulations is my advice from the heart.
Thirtieth Advice
One has followed many wise and accomplished Gurus, received many profound instructions, and looked through a few sutras and tantras, still one does not apply them. Alas! One is just deceiving oneself.
By Gyalwa Longchenpa
First Advice
Alas! Having, through all kinds of skilful means, gathered round oneself a large circle of people, one may hold a flourishing monastic estate. But this is the source of quarrels and causes great attachments for oneself. To remain alone is my advice from the heart.
Second Advice
At the occasion of village ceremonies intended to discard obstacles and subdue evil spirits, one may display one's qualities in the crowd. But through covetousness for food and riches, it is one's own mind that will be carried away by the demon. To subdue one's own mind is my advice from my heart.
Third Advice
Having collected great contributions from poor people, one may thus erect statues and monuments, distribute plenty of alms and so on. But this is to cause others to accumulate sins on virtuous grounds1. To make one's own mind virtuous is my advice from the heart.
Fourth Advice
Desiring one's own greatness, one will expound Dharma to others and through numerous deceitful tricks, one will retain a cycle of important and humble people. But such a mind clinging to gross realities is the cause of pride. To have only short-term plans is my advice from the heart.
Fifth Advice
Selling, loaning with interest, and all these kinds of deceits; with the wealth amassed in the wrong way one may very well make large offerings, but merits resting upon greed are the source of the eight worldly dharmas. To meditate upon the rejection of covetousness is my advice from the heart.
Sixth Advice
Acting as witness, guarantor, and getting involved in law disputes, one may thus settle others' quarrels, thinking this is for the good of all. But to indulge in this will bring up interested aims. To remain without either expectations or apprehensions is my advice from the heart.
Seventh Advice
Administering provinces, having attendants and material wealth, one's renown may thus spread all over the world. But at the time of death, these things do not have the slightest use. To endeavour in one's practice is my advice from the heart.
Eighth Advice
Bursars, attendants, those in responsible positions and cooks are the pillars of the monastic community. But a mind interested in these is the cause of worry. To minimize this confusing bustle is my advice from the heart.
Ninth Advice
Carrying religious objects, offerings, books and cooking paraphernalia, one may go to the mountain's solitude with all necessary. But to be well-equipped now is the source of difficulties and quarrels. To have no needs is my advice from the heart.
Tenth Advice
In these decadent times one may reproach the crude people around one. Although one thinks it will be useful to them, it is just the source of poisonous thoughts. To utter peaceful words is my advice from the heart.
Eleventh Advice
Without any selfish consideration, one may, with affection, tell people their defects, only thinking of their own good. But although what one says is true this will ulcerate their hearts. To say gentle words is my advice from the heart.
Twelfth Advice
One engages in controversies, defending one's point of view and contradicting the other's thinking thus to preserve the purity of the Teachings. But in such a way one induces impure thoughts. To remain silent is my advice from the heart.
Thirteenth Advice
Thinking one is rendering service, one supports in a partisan way one's Guru's lineage and philosophical views. But to praise oneself and belittle others ripens one's attachments and hatred. To leave these things is my advice from the heart.
Fourteenth Advice
Having examined thoroughly the Dharma one has heard, one may think that understanding other's errors is proof of having discriminative wisdom. But to think in this way is to cause the accumulation of one's own sins. To view everything as pure is my advice from the heart.
Fifteenth Advice
Speaking only the language of blank emptiness and disdaining cause and effect, one may think that non-action is the ultimate point of Dharma. But to forsake the two accumulations will wither the prosperity of one's practice. To unite these two is my advice from the heart.
Sixteenth Advice
Concerning the third initiation, there is the descending of the essence and so on. One may think that the way of the other's body will lead to outstanding progress. But on this path of the impure many great meditators have been ensnared. To rely upon the path of liberation is my advice from the heart.
Seventeenth Advice
To bestow empowerments upon unqualified people and distribute to crowd sacramental substances is the source of abuse and of spoiling the samaya. To prefer upright behaviour is my advice from the heart.
Eighteenth Advice
To go naked in public and other eccentricities, one may think is to act as a yogi. But this is how one causes worldly people to lose faith. To be thoughtful in all things is my advice from the heart.
Nineteenth Advice
Wherever one stays, with the desire to be the greatest one will act in a traditional and clever fashion. But this is the cause of falling from the highest to the lowest. To be neither tense nor relaxed is my advice from the heart.
Twentieth Advice
Whether one dwells in villages, monasteries, or mountains retreats, without searching for intimates one should be friends with all, but with neither intimacy nor animosity. To keep one's independence is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-first Advice
Assuming an artificial countenance one may pay homage in a fine way to the patrons who take care of one's subsistence. But feigning on account of others causes one to entangle oneself. To act with uniform taste is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-second Advice
There are innumerable writings upon divination, astrology, medicine and so on. Although they all deal with the methods based upon the interdependent links, leading to omniscience. To become very fond of these various things will scatter one's contemplation. To minimize the study of these sciences is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-third Advice
At the time one stays inside arranging the interior, one may thus have all comforts in the midst of solitude. But this is how to fritter way one's whole life on trivial details. To put off all these activities is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-fourth Advice
Learned, virtuous and so on, also having some diligence towards accomplishment, thus one's personal qualities may reach their peak. But the clinging associated with this will just entangle oneself. To know how to be free, without egocentricity is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-fifth Advice
To make hail and thunder fall, cast magic spells, while protecting oneself from all these, one may think to subdue what has to be subdued. But by burning another's being one will end up in the lower realms. To remain humble is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-sixth Advice
One might have an abundance of desirable texts, spoken advice, notes and so on. But if one does not put them into practice, at the time of death they will be of no use. To study one's mind is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-seventh Advice
At the time one practices one-pointedly, one may have experiences, discuss them with others, write spiritual verses and sing songs of realization. Although such things are natural manifestations of the practice, they will increase wandering thoughts. To keep away from intellectualization is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-eighth Advice
Whatever thoughts arise it is important to stare at them. Thus when one has a clear understanding of the mind it is important to remain with it. Although there is nothing to meditate upon, it is important to remain in such meditation. To be always attentive is my advice from the heart.
Twenty-ninth Advice
In the midst of emptiness, acting according to the Law of cause and effect, having understood non-action, keeping the three vows, with absolute compassion, may we strive for the benefit of all beings. To unite the two accumulations is my advice from the heart.
Thirtieth Advice
One has followed many wise and accomplished Gurus, received many profound instructions, and looked through a few sutras and tantras, still one does not apply them. Alas! One is just deceiving oneself.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Monday, May 17, 2004
First Floor- Master Qian Zhao Hong · Hou Nan 10 Animal Xing Yi
Master Qian Zhao Hong is one of the best Xing Yi fighters in China: member of Shanghai Wu Shu Association, Vice Chairman of Institute of Shanghai Pa-Kua, Vice Chairman of Institute of Shanghai Wu Dong Qigong, and Highest level- Ninth Generation of Xin Yi Liu He Quan (10 Animal Xing Yi). He has defeated more than 50 masters, earning his nickname "Chainsaw."
His specialty is wild ring fighting. He has a strong presence/electric field around him. He is a legendary fighter. Every inch he moves and every point on his body is a fist attacking you, every time. When he was young, if his defense touched your arm, your arm would break, his kick would break your leg. If his finger touched your body, you go to hospital. He is the most respected and undefeated master. He welcomes any challenge to fight from anyone. If you can beat him, your camp will be free. He will teach Xing Yi 10 Animal basics, internal art, hip loose/open, Xing Yi form and fighting principles, and Wu Dong Qigong.
Second Floor- Master Wei Chun Yuan · Shang Xi 12 Animal Xing Yi
Master Wei Chun Yuan is 83 years old and will teach with his top grand-student, Chan Zhuen Yuan, the #3 fighter and push hands expert in Shanghai. His nickname is "Water Man." Master Wei is a kung fu encyclopedia. Specialties are Xing Yi, two man fighting and Ancient Xing Yi Taiji, Bagua and weapons. He will focus on 5 Element 12 Animal Xing Yi, Xing Yi internal 8 palms training, 36 elbow and 64 invisible kicking training, and two man Xing Yi fighting form. He will demonstrate and possibly teach Xing Yi weapons, sword and spear.
Third Floor- Master Wang Zhi Qiang · Yang Style Taiji
Yang Style Taiji Master Wang Zhi Qiang is a specialist on Yang Style Taiji, Xing Yi 10 animals, Wu Style Taiji and Bagua. He is one of Shanghai’s best teachers. He has been teaching in France, Germany, and Italy for several years and has over 1,000 students overseas. His nickname is "Doctor Wang" because he is a massage doctor, herbalist, acupuncturist and graduate from Traditional Chinese Medical Institute. I call him a kung fu magician. His specialty is space power, human to heaven harmony to one. His power not only stays inside the body, but goes through everything outside of the body. His presence is everywhere. No one can affect him but he can affect everyone. He feels like a "swimming pool"; he covers you all over. He is a great push hands Master and fighter. His specialty is working on no effort, no technique, no strength. He beats you by mind, energy and Earth power. He has 3 Yang Style Taiji forms – standard form, fighting form and natural form. He was taught by Master Wang Zhan Hong, one of the best taiji fighters and who teaches the president’s bodyguards in Singapore.
Fourth Floor- Master Xu Guo Chuang · Wu Style Taiji
Wu Syle Master Xu Guo Chuang has as his specialty something magical called maximum natural gravity, liquid complete unit. His teacher was Dien Jien Shan, one of Wu Kuong Yi’s top students and one of the best and well respected push hands Masters. Xu Guo Chuang will teach Wu Style 13 step push hands technique, Wu Style form, Wu Style basics and principles. He can stand on one leg and no one can push him over. His force is deadly and natural, looks very soft but is very heavy, looks very slow, but is very fast. He is a kind hearted master at the same time, a good person.
Fifth Floor- Master Jiang Zhong Bao · Chen Style Taiji
Master Jiang Zhong Bao studied with many Chen Style Masters including the famous Master Feng Zhiqiang. He is one of the best fighters and pushhands Masters in Shanghai. He defeated two champion boxers: China National Middleweight and Lightweight. He is nicknamed "Rope Man." He touches you and it feels like a rope ties you up and makes you immobile. His hand is also called "Sticky Rice Hand." He will teach Chen Style Forms, Basics, Push Hands, Fighting. Plus, George Xu will assist.
Sixth Floor- Master Wu Ji · Shi Chuan Wumei Mountain Lan Shou Shaolin
Master Wu Ji used to be in China’s special army where he defeated all other specialists. His nickname is "Copper Skin-Iron Bone Man". He is one of the best fighters. He will teach whole body unified power, body conditioning, Chinese 23 fighting principles, and also two man fighting training, Shaolin fundamental fighting basics, single line exercise training, six direction power, and power stretch. Master Ye Xiao Long and Master Qing Zhong Bao will be there as assistants. Both have taught in the U.S. Plus George Xu will be teaching.
Master Qian Zhao Hong is one of the best Xing Yi fighters in China: member of Shanghai Wu Shu Association, Vice Chairman of Institute of Shanghai Pa-Kua, Vice Chairman of Institute of Shanghai Wu Dong Qigong, and Highest level- Ninth Generation of Xin Yi Liu He Quan (10 Animal Xing Yi). He has defeated more than 50 masters, earning his nickname "Chainsaw."
His specialty is wild ring fighting. He has a strong presence/electric field around him. He is a legendary fighter. Every inch he moves and every point on his body is a fist attacking you, every time. When he was young, if his defense touched your arm, your arm would break, his kick would break your leg. If his finger touched your body, you go to hospital. He is the most respected and undefeated master. He welcomes any challenge to fight from anyone. If you can beat him, your camp will be free. He will teach Xing Yi 10 Animal basics, internal art, hip loose/open, Xing Yi form and fighting principles, and Wu Dong Qigong.
Second Floor- Master Wei Chun Yuan · Shang Xi 12 Animal Xing Yi
Master Wei Chun Yuan is 83 years old and will teach with his top grand-student, Chan Zhuen Yuan, the #3 fighter and push hands expert in Shanghai. His nickname is "Water Man." Master Wei is a kung fu encyclopedia. Specialties are Xing Yi, two man fighting and Ancient Xing Yi Taiji, Bagua and weapons. He will focus on 5 Element 12 Animal Xing Yi, Xing Yi internal 8 palms training, 36 elbow and 64 invisible kicking training, and two man Xing Yi fighting form. He will demonstrate and possibly teach Xing Yi weapons, sword and spear.
Third Floor- Master Wang Zhi Qiang · Yang Style Taiji
Yang Style Taiji Master Wang Zhi Qiang is a specialist on Yang Style Taiji, Xing Yi 10 animals, Wu Style Taiji and Bagua. He is one of Shanghai’s best teachers. He has been teaching in France, Germany, and Italy for several years and has over 1,000 students overseas. His nickname is "Doctor Wang" because he is a massage doctor, herbalist, acupuncturist and graduate from Traditional Chinese Medical Institute. I call him a kung fu magician. His specialty is space power, human to heaven harmony to one. His power not only stays inside the body, but goes through everything outside of the body. His presence is everywhere. No one can affect him but he can affect everyone. He feels like a "swimming pool"; he covers you all over. He is a great push hands Master and fighter. His specialty is working on no effort, no technique, no strength. He beats you by mind, energy and Earth power. He has 3 Yang Style Taiji forms – standard form, fighting form and natural form. He was taught by Master Wang Zhan Hong, one of the best taiji fighters and who teaches the president’s bodyguards in Singapore.
Fourth Floor- Master Xu Guo Chuang · Wu Style Taiji
Wu Syle Master Xu Guo Chuang has as his specialty something magical called maximum natural gravity, liquid complete unit. His teacher was Dien Jien Shan, one of Wu Kuong Yi’s top students and one of the best and well respected push hands Masters. Xu Guo Chuang will teach Wu Style 13 step push hands technique, Wu Style form, Wu Style basics and principles. He can stand on one leg and no one can push him over. His force is deadly and natural, looks very soft but is very heavy, looks very slow, but is very fast. He is a kind hearted master at the same time, a good person.
Fifth Floor- Master Jiang Zhong Bao · Chen Style Taiji
Master Jiang Zhong Bao studied with many Chen Style Masters including the famous Master Feng Zhiqiang. He is one of the best fighters and pushhands Masters in Shanghai. He defeated two champion boxers: China National Middleweight and Lightweight. He is nicknamed "Rope Man." He touches you and it feels like a rope ties you up and makes you immobile. His hand is also called "Sticky Rice Hand." He will teach Chen Style Forms, Basics, Push Hands, Fighting. Plus, George Xu will assist.
Sixth Floor- Master Wu Ji · Shi Chuan Wumei Mountain Lan Shou Shaolin
Master Wu Ji used to be in China’s special army where he defeated all other specialists. His nickname is "Copper Skin-Iron Bone Man". He is one of the best fighters. He will teach whole body unified power, body conditioning, Chinese 23 fighting principles, and also two man fighting training, Shaolin fundamental fighting basics, single line exercise training, six direction power, and power stretch. Master Ye Xiao Long and Master Qing Zhong Bao will be there as assistants. Both have taught in the U.S. Plus George Xu will be teaching.
Friday, May 14, 2004
From George Xu:
"Master Qian Zhao Hong is one of the best Xing Yi fighters in China: member of Shanghai Wu Shu Association, Vice Chairman of Institute of Shanghai Pa-Kua, Vice Chairman of Institute of Shanghai Wu Dong Qigong, and Highest level- Ninth Generation of Xin Yi Liu He Quan (10 Animal Xing Yi). He has defeated more than 50 masters, earning his nickname "Chainsaw."
His specialty is wild ring fighting. He has a strong presence/electric field around him. He is a legendary fighter. Every inch he moves and every point on his body is a fist attacking you, every time. When he was young, if his defense touched your arm, your arm would break, his kick would break your leg. If his finger touched your body, you go to hospital. He is the most respected and undefeated master. He welcomes any challenge to fight from anyone. If you can beat him, your camp will be free. He will teach Xing Yi 10 Animal basics, internal art, hip loose/open, Xing Yi form and fighting principles, and Wu Dong Qigong."
"Master Qian Zhao Hong is one of the best Xing Yi fighters in China: member of Shanghai Wu Shu Association, Vice Chairman of Institute of Shanghai Pa-Kua, Vice Chairman of Institute of Shanghai Wu Dong Qigong, and Highest level- Ninth Generation of Xin Yi Liu He Quan (10 Animal Xing Yi). He has defeated more than 50 masters, earning his nickname "Chainsaw."
His specialty is wild ring fighting. He has a strong presence/electric field around him. He is a legendary fighter. Every inch he moves and every point on his body is a fist attacking you, every time. When he was young, if his defense touched your arm, your arm would break, his kick would break your leg. If his finger touched your body, you go to hospital. He is the most respected and undefeated master. He welcomes any challenge to fight from anyone. If you can beat him, your camp will be free. He will teach Xing Yi 10 Animal basics, internal art, hip loose/open, Xing Yi form and fighting principles, and Wu Dong Qigong."
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Please Daddy Not That Story Again
by Joel Atkinson
I wonder if one single fundamentalist even knows who Joseph Campbell was. Well, thanks to my atheistic best friend, I now do (and actually have for several years). Joseph Campbell was one of those pluralistic nuts (or so they would no doubt say) who dared to see the beauty in diversity of culture and mythology and went a step further to criticize the way in which Christians, Muslims, and Jewish people get caught up in the metaphors of their mythologies to a harmful extent. "A harmful extent?", some may ask.
Yeah, the extent to where the Jews of old invaded lands occupied by their native peoples only to slaughter them all, tear down their gods and sacred places, claim their land for themselves, and then stamp it with the always dependable "God said I could" bullshit excuse.
Yes sir, the extent to where the Christians of only some few hundred years ago reenacted the same story when they came to this wild and free paradise called America, slaughtered the natives (those savages who dared talk to trees and paint their bodies with feather and sun), tore down their gods (in some instances even burning their sacred crops and groves...see Kit Carson, a true American hero and Sharp Knife, better known as President Jackson...course, I think Sharp Knife belongs in the 'slaughter the natives' category myself), claimed the land for themselves (anyone remember learning about the beautiful belief of manifest destiny...i.e. the landlust birthed in a shitter somewhere outside a seedy bar in the lower depths of a eurocentric hell?), and then stamped it all with yet more divine right vomit filled with chunks of pregnant Indian women with bayonets through their wombs.
Yes ma'am, the extent to where Muslims (who I admittedly know less about) can sometimes seem so eager for jihad that some among them gladly die on a daily basis so long as it means taking only a few infidels (christians, jews, nonmuslims???) with them. I think you get the point about the extent these 3 major religions go to when it comes to taking the metaphors of their mythologies just a tad bit too seriously. Joseph Campbell most certainly got the point. Moreover, he understood the importance of enacting the right kind of mythology, or story.
Boyo, boyo, I am pretty fucking positive it's high time we get a new story to enact. We could flip a coin, you know? Say...between a story that would lead away from jihad and conquest and conversion ethics and a story that would lead away from jihad and conquest and conversion ethics. I think that's a pretty fair choice. Of course, if these religious zealots continue in their enactment of apocalyptic stories where their side wins out and everyone else gets to bathe in fire and brimstone where there are just no virgins or streets of gold to be found, we may just have to kick their asses if it means keeping this planet green instead of ash colored dust (for all you apocalyptic junkies out there, that's what the earth will look like if you idiots persist in your violent, bloodlusting, "I win, you lose, get fucked" stories).
So, anyone out there think the late Joseph Campbell had the right idea? Any Christians reading this want to tell me your stories don't affect the way you look at us heretics and sinners? Any fundamentalists want to tell me why you cannot just enact the stories that your Savior told (like the one where he said that not everyone who calls him Lord, Lord will enter his kingdom?) instead of all the bullshit he fought to rid the world of (like the stories in the OT where Canaanite babies died for the sin of being born not Jewish? or the stories in the NT where the world ends with everyone BUT Christians getting dropkicked into a barbecue pit that just never seems to stop cooking). I mean, when are their God and his people going to stop the bbq and just eat our sinful asses...damn it, just let me die a sinner and be done with it...so long as they baste me in honey bbq sauce, I'm cool, baby...after all, I was so "unhappy" in my "indulgent, sensual, cum-spurting filled life" that I deserve at least some peace, don't I?).
Oh, well, I doubt the stuff of Campbell will do anything but threaten the fundies of the Big 3 and piss them off. He was far too kind and enlightened for their narrow dead eyes to see and appreciate. Maybe we should just let the man rest in his eternal darkness as the flames roll over his body. And maybe we should breathe a little fire in remembrance of those like him and roast the bigots first...but only with the sword from our unholy mouths. Words can be sharp enough, after all. Just read their very own end of Revelation to see that.
Well, in my story Jesus comes back and kicks all the fundies' asses. Riding next to him are Crazy Horse and a few of the Pharoahs who want their slaves back. Their calvary is followed by crocodiles, tigers, and an endless flow of hissing horny toads who chase the Christians into the sea. But I'm just drunk...don't mind me. "I want your blood. I want your souls. And I want 'em both right now." You know what, maybe I'll stay drunk. Better that than to enact a story that leads to the end of all things and the death of all life, not to mention the shattering of dreams dreamed far and near, apparently all dreamed in vain because of a stupid people enacting a stupid stupid story.
by Joel Atkinson
I wonder if one single fundamentalist even knows who Joseph Campbell was. Well, thanks to my atheistic best friend, I now do (and actually have for several years). Joseph Campbell was one of those pluralistic nuts (or so they would no doubt say) who dared to see the beauty in diversity of culture and mythology and went a step further to criticize the way in which Christians, Muslims, and Jewish people get caught up in the metaphors of their mythologies to a harmful extent. "A harmful extent?", some may ask.
Yeah, the extent to where the Jews of old invaded lands occupied by their native peoples only to slaughter them all, tear down their gods and sacred places, claim their land for themselves, and then stamp it with the always dependable "God said I could" bullshit excuse.
Yes sir, the extent to where the Christians of only some few hundred years ago reenacted the same story when they came to this wild and free paradise called America, slaughtered the natives (those savages who dared talk to trees and paint their bodies with feather and sun), tore down their gods (in some instances even burning their sacred crops and groves...see Kit Carson, a true American hero and Sharp Knife, better known as President Jackson...course, I think Sharp Knife belongs in the 'slaughter the natives' category myself), claimed the land for themselves (anyone remember learning about the beautiful belief of manifest destiny...i.e. the landlust birthed in a shitter somewhere outside a seedy bar in the lower depths of a eurocentric hell?), and then stamped it all with yet more divine right vomit filled with chunks of pregnant Indian women with bayonets through their wombs.
Yes ma'am, the extent to where Muslims (who I admittedly know less about) can sometimes seem so eager for jihad that some among them gladly die on a daily basis so long as it means taking only a few infidels (christians, jews, nonmuslims???) with them. I think you get the point about the extent these 3 major religions go to when it comes to taking the metaphors of their mythologies just a tad bit too seriously. Joseph Campbell most certainly got the point. Moreover, he understood the importance of enacting the right kind of mythology, or story.
Boyo, boyo, I am pretty fucking positive it's high time we get a new story to enact. We could flip a coin, you know? Say...between a story that would lead away from jihad and conquest and conversion ethics and a story that would lead away from jihad and conquest and conversion ethics. I think that's a pretty fair choice. Of course, if these religious zealots continue in their enactment of apocalyptic stories where their side wins out and everyone else gets to bathe in fire and brimstone where there are just no virgins or streets of gold to be found, we may just have to kick their asses if it means keeping this planet green instead of ash colored dust (for all you apocalyptic junkies out there, that's what the earth will look like if you idiots persist in your violent, bloodlusting, "I win, you lose, get fucked" stories).
So, anyone out there think the late Joseph Campbell had the right idea? Any Christians reading this want to tell me your stories don't affect the way you look at us heretics and sinners? Any fundamentalists want to tell me why you cannot just enact the stories that your Savior told (like the one where he said that not everyone who calls him Lord, Lord will enter his kingdom?) instead of all the bullshit he fought to rid the world of (like the stories in the OT where Canaanite babies died for the sin of being born not Jewish? or the stories in the NT where the world ends with everyone BUT Christians getting dropkicked into a barbecue pit that just never seems to stop cooking). I mean, when are their God and his people going to stop the bbq and just eat our sinful asses...damn it, just let me die a sinner and be done with it...so long as they baste me in honey bbq sauce, I'm cool, baby...after all, I was so "unhappy" in my "indulgent, sensual, cum-spurting filled life" that I deserve at least some peace, don't I?).
Oh, well, I doubt the stuff of Campbell will do anything but threaten the fundies of the Big 3 and piss them off. He was far too kind and enlightened for their narrow dead eyes to see and appreciate. Maybe we should just let the man rest in his eternal darkness as the flames roll over his body. And maybe we should breathe a little fire in remembrance of those like him and roast the bigots first...but only with the sword from our unholy mouths. Words can be sharp enough, after all. Just read their very own end of Revelation to see that.
Well, in my story Jesus comes back and kicks all the fundies' asses. Riding next to him are Crazy Horse and a few of the Pharoahs who want their slaves back. Their calvary is followed by crocodiles, tigers, and an endless flow of hissing horny toads who chase the Christians into the sea. But I'm just drunk...don't mind me. "I want your blood. I want your souls. And I want 'em both right now." You know what, maybe I'll stay drunk. Better that than to enact a story that leads to the end of all things and the death of all life, not to mention the shattering of dreams dreamed far and near, apparently all dreamed in vain because of a stupid people enacting a stupid stupid story.
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