2001-6-5 19:37:00
Thanks for the apology WIT. I do attempt to go out of my way to avoid name calling or anything negative that is not a correct representation of a person's views.
As to whether you are welcome here I would give you a definite yes. You certainly do not have to agree with me to stay here and post. We do ask people to be civil and on topic as much as possible. So far you have been a gentleman.
I also hope Janine still feels welcome. She has voiced some feelings that are had by a certain percentage on the list and it is good to have these various thoughts come to light.
I also would like to welcome new poster Marty Frambes aboard and possibly others I have missed. We also have new members coming in regularly who do not post that are a welcome addition.
To WIT I might add that we are not that far off on viewing the oneness of God and the need for us to recognize our oneness with God.
Where I disagree with many who concentrate on this subject is on the emphasis.
Many of Hindu persuasion seem to feel that all the creations of form is just a big mistake from which we need to escape as soon as possible.
My view is that creation is made for a great purpose - the purpose of Becoming and while we are here our emphasis should be on the job at hand rather than aborting the mission and escaping to the safety of the womb. The time to return to the womb (in preparation for rebirth) is after life has been successfully lived and completed.
As far as reaching the ultimate goes, there are seven worlds within what is called the Cosmic Physical. The lower three are worlds of form, the physical, the emotional and the mental. These provide vehicles for experience. Above these three are four formless worlds. Just above the mental is the Buddhic plane and above this is the Atmic. The Atmic is the plane where Nirvana is reached by the various sages, but this is far from the ultimate contact. Above this are two higher planes - the Monadic and finally the Divine, the Adi, or first cosmic ether. All these planes together create the Cosmic Physical plane which is merely the first of seven - so according to the Lodge of the Masters we have a long way to go.
I'll get to your other questions shortly.
Copyright 2001 by J.J. Dewey, All Rights Reserved