Remembrance

Did you ever feel like you didn’t know who you are?

Like what you did know about yourself was this superficial part?

You know that you are, and you know who you are supposed to be.

But who are you?

Well I have spent eternity seeking the answer.

And I have found out.

You are the universe waking up.

Countless lives, scenarios, events, happenings. An infinite number of relatives, friends, families.

So many costumes, so many different faces. All sharing the same thing.

Yet this thing, as obvious as it is to you is just slightly out of reach.

You have a vague idea, a hunch, a concept in you mind of what that is. You might even call it a feeling.

But you can’t comprehend it. Well, don’t try! Trust me when I say that You will never be able to.              Not in this form, not in this way.

There is a timeless tale about a castle, floating through the clouds. Everybody could see it, but no one would ever come down from there. Once, a young man dedicated his life to go to that castle. He became a legend because he had succeeded. After an entire lifetime he got up there and waved at the people that looked up. They saw him and they knew that you can get there. But how?

One day, an old mad appeared in the town. It was the old man who for years would wave and smile kindly to all the towns people. He would wave from the castle in the clouds.

“How?” they asked as a crowd gathered around him

“How did you get there? What way leads to that castle?”

The old man smiled and said “There is no way. There is no how.”

And with this saying he disappeared in a blinding flash of shining white light.

You seek remembrance, you seek enlightenment . You want to know all the hows? Whys? And whos?

But you don’t have a clue, and yet, you know. Yes, I will state that again: You know.

You seek happiness, you know why you are not happy. You may even know how remove the obstacles that keep you from being happy. You see people, going about their lives without ever realizing that there is another way. That they have happiness in their hearts but they have forgotten they have a heart.                 You see people trying to systematically calculate and integrate the way to happiness, mostly with no success. And you will see a few people, at least one person, who just lives.

If you look around, in silence. Not seeking anything or trying to prove anything. Just observing, you will see that the Whys? Whos? And hows? Are numerous. You will see that there are infinite schools of enlightenment and happiness. But if you go to those schools, find the masters and take their method away from them. How many will be able to be happy still? Without rituals, without the “Understanding”.

Those who truly live see that all the answers are in existence itself. There is no need to translate, you just need to learn the language. Or more precisely, to remember {:

So if you want enlightenment, just lighten up!

Science is the abstraction of reality through the brain

The human brain is a magnificent tool, it accomplishes many amazing things by breaking things into smaller pieces for them to be more easily understood. However, when we view reality through the brain there is an abstraction process that data goes through since the brain functions in that manner.
Let us think about an example of that process:

Scientists (who are pioneers of abstracting reality through the brain tool) try to explain to a person who has never seen an elephant, what an elephant is. They describe to him the height, color and many more visual impressions, they can also mention the biological data about the elephant and the genetics of the elephant.
Now, all of those descriptions come from the brain and are a product of the logical process which the brain operates on. When that person actually sees an elephant and experiences it (vision, smell, touch etc) that experience, could never be explained by the brain. The texture of the elephant's skin may be describes as rugged but the texture of crocodile skin and armadillo skin also fall into that category, but they are not the same experience.

In the same manner for many people their brain is constantly limiting their view of reality, by identifying themselves with their brain chatter they become trapped in the abstraction that the brain puts out into their consciousness.
The brain tried to understand reality by division, compartmentalization and definition. The reality that we live in, however, is a giant fractal. The logic may break down an object to smaller particles, but those particles may be broken down as well. This process goes to infinity, thus the brain can never truly "Get to the bottom of it".

In various meditation techniques the goal is to let go of the brain chatter and to experience reality as it is, without the logical tools of analysis abstracting it. A similar event happens when people watch something like a sunset, a beautiful flower, their child or a majestic mountain.

A very good tool for detachment from the abstraction is to remember a time when you experienced the moment and bring back that feeling to your present moment, whatever it may be.

So as said in many forms, many times before
Think less, feel more.

Monsanto's At It Again

By: Renwick Miller

Frankenfoods and the Sequester Shuffle

So this latest round of fiscal prestidigitation...  Errr, "sequestration",  from Washington  is doing what it's done so well for so many years:  Scaring the shit out of us by waving a paper tiger with one hand, while opening the cage divider between us and a streak (group) of rabid, hungry, real Bengal tigers with the other.

One of the big cats in this show is none other than Monsanto (Surpriiise!), sneaking in on us through a  $700 million hole in the USDA's proposed fy 2013 budget  that effectively loosens regulation on GMO products from giants like Monsanto while simultaneously cutting subsides to small farms and farmers, arguably crippling, if not eliminating competition to, thereby increasing profits for, giant agribusiness.

For you clicktivists reading, there's a petition circulating courtesy of care2.com.  According to Care2.com contributor / author Kit B.:

"The Senate has included some very harmful amendments for our food and farmers in the budget they are considering for 2013. Specifically, these amendments would limit the oversight of controversial genetically engineered crops and prevent enforcement of contract fairness provisions for family farmers. 

The need to keep the government running is not an excuse to undermine consumer and farmer protections. "

As of this writing, I've seen no documented proof of the legislation's ties to any one company, but knowing that Monsanto's former V.P. for Public Policy, Michael R. Taylor is now the FDA's Deputy Commissioner for Foods kinda leads the mind in some directions, especially considering that part of the mission of this FDA post born in 2009 is to;

"Get your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty regulation!"

• develop and carry out a prevention-based strategy for food safety,
• plan for new food safety legislation.

No, I'm not shitting you, check the FDA website.  This sort of chutzpah has to happen organically (pardon the pun), I sure as hell couldn't make it up.

A Little History 

Personally, I'm chomping at the bit to see the web of Monsanto connections that leads to these sorts of fiascoes.  It seems a long and storied tradition, the  link between Big Ag and our regulatory bodies, with simple a Google search  for 'monsanto links to usda and fda' turning up a plethora of names, reporting and accusations going as far back as the Reagan administration FDA's approval of  the sugary-sweet neurotoxin Aspartame, with none other than Donald "Rummy" Rumsfeld (then chairman of G.D. Searle & Company) himself spearheading that effort.  See the complete article at Rense.com;  How Aspartame Became Legal - The Timeline.

A more recent article from the blog Dregs Of The Future cites a points of convergence infographic provided courtesy of the natural health website Mercola.com, which lists individual names and their titles as both Monsanto and FDA employees, respectively.

I think it no small coincidence that this looks like a butt.

Wow.

If you've got an idea as to courses of action, reasons for hope, or ideas on how the hell we're going to explain to our grand-kids our lack of fingers on the back of our necks:  "Is that an 'old people' thing, gram'ma?  When did you lose your neck-fingers?"  please post them below.  PLEASE.  Meanwhile, I'm going to finish stuffing my face with chili-cheese & whipped cream flavored corn chips.  Comfort food makes me feel safe.


Reprinted with permission of  fÜdGood! and Renwick Miller

What if Money Didn't Matter?

Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!

A great speech, and with a little imagination, it applies to a wide range of current circumstances. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775-

     No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.
     This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
     Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
     I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort.
     I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging.
     And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? 

Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne!
In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!
     They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? 

Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us.
     Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged!
     Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
     It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, "Peace, Peace" -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! 

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Night

Corruption of corporations.
Governments bent on annihilation.
Power was founded on the backs of the people, 
only people don't matter anymore, 
because now power is only built 
on the ability to declare war.
The dollar is nothing more than a theory or a dream, 
and every single bank is running a different scheme. 
The land of the free is full of prisons and laws. 
Rights are being banned for a "noble" cause. 
We are catalyzed, and ready for action. 
The world is poised for a global reaction. 
We all stand on the edge of the night 
waiting for the burn of daylight. 
Then the sky full of flame 
will shine a light on our new day. 
Who will win
who will lose? 
What ideas 
will you pick and choose? 
Can their be a winner in this fight at all? 
When we slaughter each other,
Doesn't humanity fall? 
With that fall, 
no matter how bright, 
will we ever really see the end 
of our self-imposed night?

LYNX, Grain of Sand

We are shifting as a single grain of sand. 

On this long forgotten desert land. 

And I think. 

If we just got, a single drop to drink 

then this whole place would turn over night.

 Would turn green. 

Do you have any idea what I mean. 

Purple flowers crack breaks through the pavement and grows 

Beams over the cannons tell me

What does the light show 

Desert plains transform 

By an unknown green thumb 

When did it begin and will it ever be done 

If you listen to the stories 

You know that natures always one 

Always one 

transfer information, 

Transformation 

There's absolutely no limitation 

It's on the brink it's gonna make you think 

It's out of control 

One thought comes from nothing but

To say that in fact came from everything 

In a way a lone tree 

A long dream an oasis 

and awake in the possibility of 

This place we call today 

We are shifting as a single grain of sand. 

On this long forgotten desert land. 

And I think. 

If we just got, a single drop to drink 

then this whole place would turn over night.

 Would turn green. 

Do you have any idea what I mean. 

LYNX, Grain of Sand 

What Will Become Of Me?

“The true value of man is not determined by his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to get to the Truth. It is not possession of Truth by which he extends his powers and in which his ever-growing perfectability is to be found. Possession makes one passive, indolent and proud. If God were to hold all Truth concealed in his right hand, and in his left only the steady and diligent drive for Truth, albeit with the proviso that I would always and forever err in the process, and to offer me the choice, I would with all humility take the left hand. ”
― Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

 I know not of the way to go,

I have turned from this way on to that,

Quickly losing faith in it all,

Emotion as a theif to my logic,

As I grasp the handle once more,

And turning I open another door,

But the fear if I enter,

What will become of me?

And in the motion of my step,

This fear would cast in stone,

Ambition as once had shone,

Of the truth which lay within...

I would be that which I wish,

If it weren't fleeting from my glimpse,

Of all that I am and could be,

Should I dare to be free...

Shall I conform once more,

To a dream of which I may be proud,

When I know not which way to go,

Or even where I may be found...

Shall I abide in false security

In the elusive pursuit of liberty?

I can't tell the difference anymore...

If I lie still and just be...

What will this world make of me?

May I exist?

By Fred Vasaturo



Considering Each Other

We are creatures of waste without consideration. We show no regard for things that don't hold a value for us, and once we use something it no longer matters. When did we become so selfish? How did we get to such a low point, that we forget to care? If there was a word that defined our world at the moment, it would be "inconsiderate." The next time your about to disregard something, and I mean anything, a piece of old clothing you're about to throw away instead of donating to someone who needs it or maybe a crying woman on the street, take an extra moment to do something for someone besides yourself. We are here to take care of each other. I believe our higher purpose in life is to reach a point where we don't love anyone more than ourselves and don't love ourselves anymore than anyone else. It's homeostasis of the soul.

140 Ways To Change The World

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
-William James

Doing something nice for someone can change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world.
Start small. Start now.

1. Smile when you make eye contact with someone.
2. Hold the door open for the person behind you.
3. Send a hand-written thank you card to someone who assisted you with something.
4. Clean out all your old clothes and donate them to someone in need.
5. Give a compliment about a waiter, waitress, sales clerk, etc. to his or her manager. Or write a nice note to or about your waiter or waitress on the back of your bill.
6. Compliment a stranger’s appearance. Flatter them.
7. Leave encouraging post-it notes in a library books and other random places. (Read Operation Beautiful.)
8. Connect like minds. Introduce two friends or colleagues who you feel have something to gain from each other.
9. Send flowers to someone.
10. Be a courteous driver. Let people merge in front of you.
11. Volunteer at a children’s hospital or nursing home.
12. Donate blood.
13. Live each moment with enthusiasm.
14. Spend time with children and greet the world with wide-eyed wonder.
15. Eliminate the words ‘hate,’ ‘can’t,’ and ‘won’t’ from your vocabulary.
16. Volunteer. Get outside of yourself and help others. Your participation is needed.
17. Notice and appreciate the positive side of things and share this appreciation with others.
18. Send a check to your favorite charity.
19. Work in a soup kitchen.
20. Do one brave act today. Do it with love and for a good purpose.
21. Share your talents with someone.
22. Forgive someone.
23. Think, speak and act in a loving manner.
24. Buy house warming gifts for new neighbors.
25. Introduce yourself. Make new colleagues, classmates, etc. feel welcome.
26. Inspire others online. (Check out Makes Me Think.)
27. Send letters of appreciation to business owners/managers and other people who support you.
28. Treat everyone with the same level of respect you’d give to your grandfather.
29. Give everyone the same level of patience you’d have with your baby sister.
30. Appreciate people the way they are.
31. Share your lunch or a snack with someone who doesn’t have one.
32. Put some change in an expired parking meter.
33. Check up on someone who looks lonely.
34. Tell your boss, teacher or professor that he or she is doing a great job and that you appreciate what they’ve taught you.
35. On a hot day, buy someone something cold to drink. On a cold day, get them something warm.
36. Create places and things for others to enjoy. Like decorating your house for the holidays or creating a piece of art.
37. If you overhear that it’s someone’s birthday, go out of your way to wish them a happy one.
38. Ask someone for their opinion or advice.
39. Bring cookies or bagels to work for everyone.
40. Tip waiters and waitresses well when they deserve it.
41. Be a part of something you believe in. Those around you will notice your enthusiasm. (Read The Alchemist.)
42. Leave a thank-you note for the office janitors.
43. Help bag your own groceries at the checkout counter.
44. Offer your seat to someone when there aren’t any left.
45. Let someone with only a few items cut you in line at the grocery store.
46. Wave to a kid in the car next to you.
47. Spread good news.
48. Repeat something nice you heard about someone else.
49. Remember people’s names and address them accordingly.
50. Replace what you’ve used. For example, fill up the copier or printer with paper after you’re done using it.
51. Share your umbrella on a rainy day.
52. Listen intently to people’s stories without trying to fix everything.
53. Dance with someone who hasn’t been asked.
54. Call a stranger’s attention to a beautiful sunset or full moon. (Check out What Money Cannot Buy.)
55. Give words of encouragement toward someone’s dream, no matter how big or small it is.
56. Ask someone who enjoys cooking for one of their recipes.
57. Let someone else eat the last slice of pizza or cake.
58. Give someone a copy of a book that once helped you, that you think could help them
59. Stop and buy a drink from a kid’s lemonade stand.
60. Help someone get your parking space in a crowded parking lot when you’re leaving.
61. Ask someone you see every now and then if they’ve lost weight.
62. Do a little something extra to make someone else’s life easier.
63. Use all the manners you learned in Kindergarten.
64. Give without expecting to get back.
65. Encourage others to do one unanticipated kind or helpful act at least once a week.
66. Babysit for couples or single parents who don’t get out much so they can have some time alone.
67. Boost the morale of someone close to you by telling them what you love about them.
68. Hug a friend. Let them know how important they are.
69. Look for ways to save a few extra bucks a month and then donate it to a good cause.
70. Shop at your local charity thrift store. The money you spend there helps others.
71. Spend a few clicks of your time at Free Rice.
72. Leave an encouraging or positive comment on a stranger’s blog.
73. If there’s been an accident or a potentially hazardous situation presents itself on the road, report it to the local authorities. Your phone call could save a life.
74. If someone you love really likes something (a meal, a favor, etc.) give it to them when they least expect it.
75. Observe everyone without judging.
76. Say “Please” and “Thank you.”
77. Let go of anger. For instance, if somebody accidentally cuts you off in traffic, just let it go.
78. Believe in yourself with all of your heart. The universe will notice.
79. Don’t be so serious all the time. (Read The Happiness Project.)
80. Treat every small interaction with another person as an opportunity to make a positive impact in both your lives.
81. Greed, anger and ignorance. Avoid all three.
82. Speak the truth.
83. Teach others how to make a difference by setting an example.
84. Help others learn to be independent.
85. Give people the space they need.
86. Lend your shoulder to cry on.
87. Acknowledge people for a job well done.
88. Offer encouragement after a failure.
89. Tell a good joke.
90. Show others the magic in ordinary moments.
91. Adopt a soldier, inmate or someone who is down on their luck as a pen pal.
92. Express your gratitude to those who make your life easier.
93. Tell someone you love them.
94. Wave to your neighbors.
95. Send a letter, email, tweet, or text message out of the blue to someone who would appreciate it.
96. Open car doors for your passengers.
97. Donate books to a library, daycare center or school.
98. Dance with someone who doesn’t have anyone to dance with.
99. Share great food recipes.
100. Help a kid with their homework.
101. Donate unused computer time to cancer research (and other types of research) with BOINC.
102. Round up a few loose coins and put them in the next charity box you see.
103. Pay for the person in line behind you.
104. Do something unexpected that will inspire people and shake them out of a bad mood.
105. Plant beautiful flowers in places where others can appreciate them.
106. Search through your cabinets for a few cans of food you’ll probably never use and donate them.
107. Be a designated driver.
108. Volunteer your time to a suicide hotline center.
109. Offer someone a piece of gum or candy instead of waiting for them to ask.
110. Park your car further from the store and walk the short extra distance. This frees up spots closer for people who may need them more than you, and gives you additional exercise.
111. Donate things you no longer use to those in need.
112. Donate time or materials to Habitat for Humanity.
113. Clean the house for someone you know who is too busy to keep on top of it.
114. Grow your hair out, then donate it to Locks of Love.
115. Drop off your old eye glasses at your local LensCrafters as a donation to the OneSight program.
116. Don’t smoke. But if you must, don’t smoke near others.
117. Generate money for the charity of your choice by searching with Good Search.
118. Stop for a person waiting to cross the street.
119. Support independent artists and musicians by purchasing books and albums that aren’t yet in the mainstream.
120. Forgive a debt if you’re able.
121. Recommend friends to local businesses who might appreciate their services.
122. See the world as you wish it to be.
123. Make something for someone. Bake an extra batch of cookies, draw a picture, brew an extra cup of coffee, and give it to someone for no reason other than to see them smile.
124. Create a care package and send it to an active duty military unit.
125. Redirect gifts. Instead of having people give you birthday and holiday gifts, ask them to donate gifts or money to a good cause.
126. Stop to help. The next time you see someone pulled over with a flat tire, or in need of assistance, stop and ask how you can help.
127. Put a small personal touch on everything you do. People notice and appreciate individuality.
128. Take the time to teach someone a skill you know.
129. Help someone get active. There’s a coworker or acquaintance in your life who wants to get healthy, but needs a helping hand. Offer to go walking or running together or join a gym together.
130. Become a mentor or tutor.
131. Adopt an animal.
132. Contribute time, ideas, or a listening ear to other people’s passions.
133. Accept people just the way they are.
134. Stand up for someone. Lend your voice. Often the powerless, the homeless, the neglected in our world need someone to speak up for them.
135. If you see a couple taking a self-pic, offer to take the picture for them.
136. Help the weary shopper in front of you who needs that extra two or three cents to avoid breaking a 20-dollar bill.
137. Come to the rescue. If you realize someone is sick, bring them some hot tea, etc.
138. Stand up for your beliefs without flaunting them.
139. Make yourself available and approachable.
140. Over-deliver on all of your promises and obligations.

And yes, I realize this is a long list, but it’s really only the tip of the iceberg. Look for new and better ways every day to make the world a better, happier, and more pleasant place for everyone. If we all did just one thing every day, together we could truly change the world.

Originally posted on: http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/09/04/140-ways-to-change-the-world/

Have you ever thought about "Hell"

For many of us we are told about heaven and hell at a young age and are told good people go to heaven and bad people go to hell. What if this was not the case. I'm sure some of us have heard the question "well if god loves people so much then why does he send them to hell" and it is a question that evokes deep thought at least for me because I see it as a valid argument. I know the god subject is a touchy one and I'm not saying i believe or disbelieve however I came across an interesting perspective from a man named Paramahansa Yogananda. Whether you believe in god or not I feel there is a powerful message in the story that follows please keep an open mind:

"Once I met an old man who lived near Seattle. I had been sitting near the sea, much inspired by the vastness of divinity. After that inspiration subsided I felt hungry, and went to the farmhouse of this man, seeking to buy some cherries. The rosy-cheeked man looked very happy, and showed me kind hospitality. A divine impulse then came over me, and I said to him, "Friend, you look happy, but there is a hidden suffering in your life." He asked, "Are you a fortune-teller?" I answered, "No, but I tell people how to improve their fortunes."He then said, "We are all sinners, and the Lord will burn our souls in hell-fire and brimstone."I replied, "How could a man, losing his body at death and becoming an invisible soul, be burned by fire created by material brimstones?" He surprised me by repeating angrily, "We will certainly burn in hell-fire." I said, "Did you get a telegram about this from God, that He will burn us in hellfire?" At this the old man became even more agitated.To mollify him, I changed the subject and said, "What about your unhappiness over your wicked son?" He was surprised at my words and acknowledged that he was helpless to correct his son, whom he deemed incorrigible. This sorrow remained as a burning fire at the back of his mind. I said, "I have a remedy that will absolutely cure this situation." The old man's eyes gleamed with joy as he smiled. I, then, with a mysterious attitude as if about to reveal the grand solution, whispered to him, "Have you got a very big oven with a broiler?""Why, yes," he said. Then, suspiciously he asked, "Just what are you getting at?""Don't worry," I said reassuringly. "What I'm proposing will end all your sorrows."Somewhat mollified, he said, "Go on.""Now then," I continued, "Heat that oven, with the broiler, to red-hot temperature. Do you have some strong rope and two trusted friends who would not repeat anything against you?" Again he said, "Why, yes." Then I said, "Call your son here. With the help of your friends, bind him hand and foot, and slip him into the red-hot oven."The old man was furious! Shaking his fist at me, he shouted, "You blackguard! Who ever heard of a father burning his son, no matter how wicked?"I then spoke soothingly, "That is exactly what I wanted to tell you. Where did you, who are human, get this instinct of love except from the Divine Father? Even a human father cannot stand the cruel thought of roasting his own son alive to put him, or himself, out of misery. How could you think the Divine Father, who has infinitely greater love than you, and who created parental love, would burn His own children with hell-fire and brimstone?"The old man's eyes filled with tears of repentance as he said, "I understand now that the Heavenly Father is a God of love!"We punish ourselves by our own evil actions, and reward ourselves by our own good deeds.Sin cannot change the soul. We, who are made in the image of God, can be lost in the jungles of an evil environment for a while, but no amount of sin can change our eternal, divine nature. Sin is a crust which hides the perfect soul, made eternally in the image of God. When that crust is dissolved by meditation, the perfection of the soul is revealed at last"