NEW SLANT ON NEWS
This is a new kind of news delivery system. Articles found on TRUE/SLANT are taken from some of the best publications you can find: National Geographic, BBC, New York Times and many other sources. You will recognize many of the authors signed up to air their articles (with illustrations) on TRUE/SLANT. You can have it delivered to your computer.
The link supplied here is for an article about a new technological gadget called The Tablet being offered by Apple. You might want one some day soon! http://trueslant.com/marcflores/2010/01/03/the-apple-tablet-and-its-potential/
CENTRAL BOOKING
A Mini Review of Books Old and New
Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan was released on December 1, 2009. Over the past sixteen years, Greg Mortenson, through his nonprofit Central Asia Institute (CAI), has worked to promote peace through education by establishing more than 130 schools, most of them for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The story of how this remarkable humanitarian campaign began was told in his bestselling 2006 book, Three Cups of Tea. Mortenson’s philosophies about building relationships, empowering communities, and educating girls have struck a powerful chord. Hundreds of communities and universities, as well as several branches of the U.S. military, have used Three Cups of Tea as a common read. Even more remarkable than the project itself are the results as compared to those of violence.
Go to www.pbs.org and click on Bill Moyers, also www.threecupsoftea.com and www.stonesintoschools.com You won’t be sorry!
Themes he covers include: Death, Grief and Comfort, Earthly Spirits, Spiritual Energy, Soul Group systems, The Council of Elders, Community (spiritual) Dynamics, The Advancing Soul, The Ring of Destiny (My personal favorite!), Our Spiritual Path, and an enlightening forward. Printed in 2007, this book is a sequel to Journey of Souls and has been praised by Publishers Weekly and Shirley MacLaine.
Learn more about our purpose on Earth, where souls go after death, the soul-brain connection, spirit guides, soulmates, soul travel between physical lives, ways spirits comfort and connect with the living, why we choose certain bodies. There are references to angels and traditional heaven and hell allegories.
I would recommend this book to a person who has had a nagging desire to learn about the subject or someone who has full or partial memories of past lives. Takes a leap of faith to wrap yourself around this concept, but it is somehow reminiscent of Swedenborg's mystic journeys.
MIRABILIA FROM ROB BREZSNEY
- Every dawn, when first light penetrates the sea, many sea-horse colonies perform a dance to the sun.
- A seven-year-old Minnesota boy received patent number 6,368,227 for a new method of swinging on a swing.
- As it thrusts itself into our Milky Way Galaxy, the dwarf galaxy Sagittarius is unraveling, releasing a thick stream of dark matter that is flowing right through the Earth.
- A chemist in Australia finally succeeded in mixing oil and water.
- Except among birds and land mammals, the females of most species are bigger than the males.
- A scientist has just been awarded the patent for discovering the laser after a years-long legal battle. The discovery of the laser changed life on earth so much that almost every item we buy, consume or use in any way -- is possible because of lasers.
- Scientists have built a laser that is 3 football fields in size and can produce carbonless energy a billion times more concentrated than conventional methods. Developing it for household consumption is one of this laser's possible uses.
OASIS ON THE WEB
A web site you might get a lot from https://www.belovedpublications.com/services.php
Check out their blog page. I found a poem by Rumi on this site.
THE MAGIC OF CAIRNS
Did you know there is a Rock and Stone Balancing World Wide Community who preach about the bliss of balancing stones into cairns. Cairns are structures that are unmortared – made of rock and stone balanced in a shape or form. Mostly cairns are built by humans to mark trails, sites and burials, but can be natural formations.
Some of these edifices will make your jaw drop in awesome wonder. While some seen to be falling as you look, others appear suspended in arches, circles, towers and steps. The awful symbolism of stacking rocks in a permanent position to express your intention or inner feelings is stunning to every human who passes by. There may be a temporary inclination (no pun intended) to meditate, pray, or just worship in silence at the impossible.
What rocks are you stacking along your path? Will you leave wonder for those who come after you, or chaos? Can you feel the throbbing pulse of a rock that lives in minerality?
To see the original articles about these cairns do a search for "cairns" on www.bing.com
THE LOTUS (padma)
...is a very important symbol in India and of Buddhism. It refers to the complete purification of body, speech and mind, and the blossoming of wholesome deeds in liberation. The lotus refers to many aspects of the path, as it grows from the mud (samsara), up through muddy water it appears clean on the surface (purification), and finally produces a beautiful flower (enlightenment). The white blossom represents purity, the stem stands for the practice of Buddhist teachings which raise the mind above the (mud of) worldly existence, and gives rise to purity of mind.
An open blossom signifies full enlightenment; a closed blossom signifies the potential for enlightenment.
From the website Exotic India Art:
“The lotus does not grow in Tibet and so Tibetan art has only stylized versions of it. Nevertheless, it is one of Buddhism’s best recognized motifs since every important deity is associated in some manner with the lotus, either being seated upon it or holding one in their hands.
The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows up through the water, and the heavily scented flower lies above the water, basking in the sunlight. This pattern of growth signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment. Though there are other water plants that bloom above the water, it is only the lotus which, owing to the strength of its stem, regularly rises eight to twelve inches above the surface.
Thus says the Lalitavistara, ‘the spirit of the best of men is spotless, like the lotus in the muddy water which does not adhere to it.’ According to another scholar, ‘in esoteric Buddhism, the heart of the beings is like an unopened lotus: when the virtues of the Buddha develop therein, the lotus blossoms; that is why the Buddha sits on a lotus bloom.’
Significantly, the color of the lotus too has an important bearing on the symbology associated with it:
1). White Lotus (Skt. pundarika; Tib. pad ma dkar po): This represents the state of spiritual perfection and total mental purity (bodhi). It is associated with the White Tara and proclaims her perfect nature, a quality which is reinforced by the color of her body.
2). Red Lotus (Skt. kamala; Tib: pad ma chu skyes): This signifies the original nature and purity of the heart (hrdya). It is the lotus of love, compassion, passion and all other qualities of the heart. It is the flower of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
3). Blue Lotus (Skt. utpala; Tib. ut pa la): This is a symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, and signifies the wisdom of knowledge. Not surprisingly, it is the preferred flower of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.
4). Pink Lotus (Skt. padma; Tib. pad ma dmar po): This the supreme lotus, generally reserved for the highest deity. Thus naturally it is associated with the Great Buddha himself.”
Teoh Eng Soon, in his book The Lotus in the Buddhist Art of India, traces the first appearance of the lotus in Buddhist art to the columns built by Asoka in the 3rd Century BCE. However, the lotus is found frequently in the early Buddhist texts.
FROM HEAVEN AND HELL
LOGOS is a newsletter about Swedenborg Foundation's publication and programs on the spiritual basis of life. In the Fall/Winter 2009 issue is was announced that in 2010 the foundation will begin releasing Swedenborg writings in the New Century Edition translation for ePub format. The first books available will be Heaven and Hell, Divine Providence, Divine Love and Wisdom and True Christianity vol. 1. Also look for Secrets of Heven vol. 1.
This is truly a remarkable time to be making such an announcement. With the advent of Kindle and other readers and this very day the presentation of the new Mac iPAD, shows visionary thinking on the part of the Swedenborg Foundation.
Sony's reader in ePub format can be found at Barnes and Noble's Book Store. Kindle reader is available on Amazon.com. Also ePub compatible is Apple iPhone or iPod Touch. For updates on this announcement go to www.swedenborg.com where the books above will be available for download in PDF format at no charge, now.
Retired columnist and sports reporter, Ed Plaisted, is building a new blog called, Ed Column. He has been semi-retired due to health problems and an unfortunate accident. He wants to share his expertise in sports reporting with the world. You may subscribe to his blog and receive notices of his new posts. Go to http://edcolumn.blogspot.com and sign up now. There is a PayPal button at the bottom of the blog for readers who want to remain on the subscriber list and want to show their appreciation for Ed's researched and entertaining articles. Well worth whatever you want to donate.
Ed also has written and published three novels: Disaster Plan, Terror In Berlin and The Impostor Wore Number 13. All three novels display uncanny attention to detail, insider knowledge of the military, airlines and sports industry ... and the author's sense of mystery and humor. These books may be purchased on Amazon or from the author's web site www.edauthorllc.com
Ed is a personal friend of mine, but I really enjoyed his books. You might recognized some of the characterizations of people you know from this area. He evens names some characters after his local friends. As the blog progresses I plan to be contributing -- writing articles about sports that include animals (dogs, cats and horses) and skydiving. I know what you are thinking, but Westminster is the biggest sports program on TV except for the Kentucky Derby. There are several thrilling competitions involving horses and dogs ... Iditarod, Crufts, Breeder's Cup, Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont, CFA National Championship and on and on. I have local connections to the Skydiving Capitol of the World and will be doing a lot of interviews.
It's all about the Olympics now. For a glimpse of Olympic past read today's post. Also read the post I wrote about last weeks Westminster Kennel Club dog show. You will find that article on eraserheadgraphics.blogspot.com I welcome your comments.
SPORTS FANS SUBSCRIBE TO NEW BLOG
Ed also has written and published three novels: Disaster Plan, Terror In Berlin and The Impostor Wore Number 13. All three novels display uncanny attention to detail, insider knowledge of the military, airlines and sports industry ... and the author's sense of mystery and humor. These books may be purchased on Amazon or from the author's web site www.edauthorllc.com
Ed is a personal friend of mine, but I really enjoyed his books. You might recognized some of the characterizations of people you know from this area. He evens names some characters after his local friends. As the blog progresses I plan to be contributing -- writing articles about sports that include animals (dogs, cats and horses) and skydiving. I know what you are thinking, but Westminster is the biggest sports program on TV except for the Kentucky Derby. There are several thrilling competitions involving horses and dogs ... Iditarod, Crufts, Breeder's Cup, Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont, CFA National Championship and on and on. I have local connections to the Skydiving Capitol of the World and will be doing a lot of interviews.
It's all about the Olympics now. For a glimpse of Olympic past read today's post. Also read the post I wrote about last weeks Westminster Kennel Club dog show. You will find that article on eraserheadgraphics.blogspot.com I welcome your comments.
iPAD MAKES HISTORY ...IS IT DO OR DUD?
The iPad tablet has wireless connectivity and an iPhone-style touch screen interface. The iPad can surf the web and access a variety of media from electronic books, to video content, to games. The iPad has easy access to the iTunes store and can play music much like an iPod . The iPad can display photos in a number of formats. The iPad will run virtually every app that the iPhone can run. Ebooks will be sold by some of the top publishers in the world directly to the iPad.
The technical specs for the iPad are, according to USA Today:
"The device is 0.5 inches thin and weighs 1.5 pounds, thinner and lighter than any netbook. It has a 9.7-inch IPS (high quality) display and full capacity multi-touch screen. The device is powered by Apple's own custom silicon chip.
"The iPad will be available with 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB of Flash storage. It will also include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a speaker, microphone, compass and 30-pin connector to plug into iPod accessories.
"As for battery life, Jobs says it last up to 10 hours."
The product announcement of the iPad is the biggest Apple has conducted since the iPhone. The question remains, will customers actually buy the product? The history of past attempts to create and market a tablet computer has been less than successful.
MORE ABOUT SWEDENBORG FOUNDATION
TAO
The Master explained to Chester, "Every one of the seven true religions contain a special Wisdom. The Wisdom of Balance burns brightly within Taoism. Yin and Yang, the power and beauty of balanced opposites. Tao also teaches that there is Supreme State of Being, a pure perfection from which all beings, including man, are separated from it by a delusion of viewpoint. You will learn that separateness is an illusion. Instead there is only Oneness"" Taoism
Tao, the subtle reality of the universe cannot be described, That which can be described in words is mearly a conception of the mind. Although names and descriptions have been applied to it, the subtle reality is beyond the description.Tao Teh Ching - beginning of chapter 1
The subtle essense of the universe is elusive and evasive.
...
It is the subtle origin of the whole of creation and non-creation. It existed prior to the beginning of time as the deep and subtle reality of the universe. It brings all into being.
Tao Teh Ching - portions of chapter 21
Tao Te Ching (Tao Teh Ching)
The Healing Power of Tai Chi and Qigong
The Tao of Sabbath
How to Manifest Miracles
Knowing
Chrysalis Garden Center
825 Mercer’s Fernery Road
DeLand, Florida
32720-2310
chrysalisgarden@gmail.com
chrysalisgarden@gmail.com Information in this newsletter does not reflect the beliefs of any member of the Center. It is intended to inform for discussion and inspirational purposes only.
Articles for Flitter are welcome and may be submitted by email to chrysalisgarden@gmail.com.
Illustrations should be in jpg, gif or Photoshop format (also CorelDraw but please NO Publish files and no files embedded in Microsoft Word). We reserve the right to edit for spelling and grammar and to omit text as fits our format and intent. Quotes from remote sources will have credits whenever possible.
Copyright© 2009/2010 Chrysalis Spiritual Center and eraserhead graphics studio. If you would like to speak to someone at eraserhead graphics studio email nan@eraserheadgraphics.com or go to www.eraserheadgraphics.com
