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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Temmie on September 9, 2003, at 9:43:27
Om ah ra pah tsa na dih
I am opening to prayer today.
I am opening to Light.
I am opening to guidance today.
I am opening to Light.
* * * * *
Driving down the road ... most times ... it is heartening to chant to Manjushri (thank you, Jimi!), and – because I feel like such a “worm,” at this point – it is somehow easier for me to appeal to Him for help – as I feel too unworthy to open to Jesus Christ.
Do you know what I mean?
Not that Jesus wouldn’t hear me, help me, etc. etc. etc. And not that He doesn’t know I love Him with all my heart .... It’s just that I feel too unworthy, and *that’s* what’s going to get in the way, or block my ability to feel His love and blessings.
Hope this makes sense.
(Another favorite “mantra,” by the way, is from the Catholic liturgy: “Lord I am unworthy to come under your roof .... Speak but the word and my soul shall be healed.”)
But today .... Manjushri’s mantra makes me feel more hopeful. And that’s a very good thing! I know opening to Manjushri will help clear the way to opening to even Higher powers of celestial influence.
It is all good, and I’m happy to join you here again.
Temmie
Posted by lil' jimi on September 9, 2003, at 14:45:23
In reply to Thanks be to Good/God!, posted by Temmie on September 9, 2003, at 9:43:27
hi Temmie!
> Om ah ra pah tsa na dih
>
> I am opening to prayer today.
>
> I am opening to Light.
>
> I am opening to guidance today.
>
> I am opening to Light.
>
> * * * * *
>
> Driving down the road ... most times ... it is heartening to chant to Manjushri (thank you, Jimi!), and – because I feel like such a “worm,” at this point – it is somehow easier for me to appeal to Him for help – as I feel too unworthy to open to Jesus Christ.
>
> Do you know what I mean?
>
> Not that Jesus wouldn’t hear me, help me, etc. etc. etc. And not that He doesn’t know I love Him with all my heart .... It’s just that I feel too unworthy, and *that’s* what’s going to get in the way, or block my ability to feel His love and blessings.
>
> Hope this makes sense.
>
> (Another favorite “mantra,” by the way, is from the Catholic liturgy: “Lord I am unworthy to come under your roof .... Speak but the word and my soul shall be healed.”)
>
> But today .... Manjushri’s mantra makes me feel more hopeful. And that’s a very good thing! I know opening to Manjushri will help clear the way to opening to even Higher powers of celestial influence.
>
> It is all good, and I’m happy to join you here again.
>
> Temmie... thanks for your prayer and this post ...
... and thank you for honoring Manjushri ...
... by using him as a means to get closer to Jesus ...
... this is especially beautiful to me... oh, but you know, you are really worthy
... of course, but i am grateful that you are comfortable enough to leverage your relationship with Manjushri in order to increase your comfort enough to be able to relate to Christ better ... ...
... thanks again!~ jim
Posted by Dena on September 9, 2003, at 14:56:52
In reply to Thanks be to Good/God!, posted by Temmie on September 9, 2003, at 9:43:27
Dear Temmie -
I've missed you! So glad you're back!
Your last post touched me...you wrote: "I feel too unworthy to open to Jesus Christ.
Do you know what I mean?
Not that Jesus wouldn’t hear me, help me, etc. etc. etc. And not that He doesn’t know I love Him with all my heart .... It’s just that I feel too unworthy, and *that’s* what’s going to get in the way, or block my ability to feel His love and blessings."
Yes, Temmie, I know what you mean. I don't feel worthy either. But we're not! That's the whole wonderfulness about God's grace - He loves us not because we're worthy - He loves us in spite of it! He sees our hearts - he sees every secret & nasty little judgmental, critical, hateful, unforgiving, bitter thought we've ever had - He's not fooled by our outsides - He knows us better than we'll ever know ourselves. He loves us because He IS love - He just can't help Himself. So, Jesus died for you, not because you're worthy of such a sacrifice, but because He loves you so much, He was willing to make that sacrifice for you, even knowing that you had the free will to reject Him & spit in his face (I'm not saying you've done that, but that's the choice we all have).
He doesn't expect you to feel worthy before you come to Him. That's like cleaning up the house before the maid comes over! It's His job to clean you up, as you allow Him to. His job is to lovingly show you the things which need changing (attitudes, habits, behavoirs). Our job is to repent (say we're sorry for falling short of how He designed us to be), & allow Him to do the changing. He'll never do such a thing without our permission. We always have free choice - even when it ends up hurting us. Jesus loves you just as you are - but He loves you too much to let you stay that way.
He's not the one telling you that you're unworthy, Temmie. There is an enemy of God, & his plan is to destroy you (not just you, but you understand). He's the one who whispers the nasty negative lies in your mind (& he usually disguises his voice so that he sounds just like you, or else like God - so that you think God is displeased with you).
We're especially vulnerable to his lies if we had an earthly father who made us feel unworthy or just not good enough. But God wants to heal all of that & to let you know that He can be your perfect Heavenly Father.
On one hand, we recognize that we're not worthy of God's love & acceptance (like in the beautiful prayer you quoted: “Lord I am unworthy to come under your roof .... Speak but the word and my soul shall be healed."). On the other hand, we recognize that, through Jesus, He wants to accept us anyway, if we accept Him. If we've allowed Jesus to become our savior & lord, we become completely forgiven & clean - white as snow. So then, when God looks at us, He only sees the perfection of Jesus, not our flaws & wrongdoings.
About feeling His love & blessing... don't let feelings or the lack of them dictate truth to you. God DOES love you; Jesus DID die for you; He DOES forgive you when you ask. Truth is truth no matter what our flighty emotions tell us. Most of the time, I don't FEEL God's presence or His love. But I can choose to believe it's true, & live by faith on that truth. There are those wonderous days when I DO sense His presence, when I AM aware of his love for me - I can sense this especially when I choose to tune in to Him (I think of it like adjusting my dial to pick up His frequency. He's always talking - usually we're just not listening. He speaks in a still, small voice, which we can easily ignore if we want to.)
What helps me is to go outside at a sunrise or a sunset, & marvel at how beautiful He's made His creation. When I choose to thank Him, to show Him gratitude for all He is & all He's done, then it's as if the walls fall down & I feel closer to Him. He's right there, waiting for us to invite Him in to our hearts. But He'll never force His way in.
If you want to read further:
"http://www.letterstofriends.com/jesus.html";If you want to chat off-board: brehmites@aol.com
Shalom & Blessings -
Dena
Posted by Temmie on September 9, 2003, at 18:30:41
In reply to Re: Thanks be to Good/God! » Temmie, posted by Dena on September 9, 2003, at 14:56:52
Dear Dena,
Hello and thank you for such a long, lovely letter. I understand what you’re saying (and smiled at the “cleaning up the house before the maid comes over” analogy). In my experience, until I’ll felt uplifted and whole – I haven’t been open to much other than partial experiences of Light and Spirit. When I feel more in alignment with God’s creation (and reality), it’s as if my whole being is operating at a higher frequency level – and until I get a little cleaned up here, I don’t feel I’ll be able to accept or experience much of Jesus’ grace. It’s hard to explain. I know He is all loving, all giving, and always present – it’s more a matter of getting myself up to such a level that I can commune with that love, giving and presence.
Ack. Hard to explain. I’m sorry I don’t have more time to write the response you deserve. I’m behind with college reading (already), and have to get busy tonight.
Many thanks for your love, thoughts, prayers and well-wishes! Good being in touch with you, too, and I’ll be back asap!
Temmie
Posted by Temmie on September 10, 2003, at 7:41:39
In reply to re: Jesus and Manjushri, posted by lil' jimi on September 9, 2003, at 14:45:23
Yea!
I am feeling (a little) better.
I remember reading "Autobiography of a Yogi" a long, long time ago (probably 30 years or more!), and reading his promise to be of help and assistance to all who called upon him, was very powerful for me.
I remember FEELING him ... and I guess, because of this, I have an affinity to the Eastern path. I was also invited to study with Swami Rama, but was only 18 at the time, and travel to India seemed way too implausible for one who didn't even possess a driver's license. Anyway ... shortly after this, I ended up joining a Christian religious order -- but that first night, in those twilight moments between waking and sleep -- Swami Rama appeared to me to say goodbye. (!)
I have had other such exeriences, especially after three years in this semi-monastic teaching and service order. I spent hours in silence, meditation and prayer -- and that's when I really got to know Jesus and Mary; but as I was trying to explain to Dena last night -- at least based on what I've experienced -- it requires a certain amount of "lifting up" or becoming more Light -- before I feel able (and open) to communion with the Higher realms.
I know, believe me I know, we are all worthy, we are all beloved, and we all sit, rest, move, and have our being in a cushion of Light -- which sometimes I see. Sometimes I don't.
It's rather like, ahem, if you'll pardon the comparison -- the female orgasm. Yes. The orgasm. Ack! I digress. We are all worthy, all us women out there (men too!), we are all capable, it is a blessing which is available in myriad form at every possible turn -- but unless everything is in place ... one is receptive ... one is open ... one feels ready ... "worthy" ... and is centered in that "right place" at the "right time," one won't necessarily lift into the blossoming of that "other," while different, of course, equally rapturous conclusion. It's a terrible comparison, but the only one I can think of at the monent.
Sorry. :-)
Talking with, chanting Manjushri's mantra, thanking Manjushri (and Paramahansa Yogananda, and Sawmi Rama) for their tireless blessings and aid -- it makes me feel better. Of course, I talk to Jesus and Mary, too -- but at the moment, the mantra: om ah ra pa tsa nah dih ... it just feels good.
And feeling better is going to help me make better choices ... more Light-filled choices ... with more Light-filled outcomes -- and before you know it (assuming all goes well), I'll be working with Jesus Christ, as well. In fact, I'm a priest in a Gnostic Order, and working with Jesus and Mary (particularly, in the context of Mary being the perfect vehicle for giving birth to the Christ, which is helpful for those who also seek to give birth to the Christ within ... to be that perfect vessel) ... and Raphael, Archangel of Healing ... and rarely, but on occasion, some of the other beings I've met ... there are so many blessed individuals to call on/count on -- and this is always part of my work, albeit, sometimes a buried and inaccessible part (but perhaps that's part of our challenge living in this physical world). If Manjushri helps me get there better ... faster ... so be it!
There are many paths to Rome. In fact, I spent most of last night dreaming about my deceased guines pig, Lucy, and if she wants to pop in from time to time to be of help (or bring me love) -- I'm all for it!
Love comes in myriad forms -- including my love for you two!
Om Shanti, Shalom, and many blessings to you both!
I hope this post wasn't offensive.
Temmie
Posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 11:30:53
In reply to re: Jesus and Manjushri ((Jimi and Dena)), posted by Temmie on September 10, 2003, at 7:41:39
hi Temmie,
i also hope that Dena will not feel offense, but i feel free to share your concern that your post could be a challenge for her ... ... with all due respect and deepest admiration for her laser-like devotion to Jesus ...
... i love Dena very much and i would want to share/discuss/post about these issuses within her tolerance's comfort bounds ... ... better said: I request Dena's guidance in making her comfortable in this discussion ... please? ... i need hints about what to avoid, although _I_ think i would be sensitive and _I_ would certainly try to be as sensitive as _I_ think "_I_" can ... ... i have my reasons to not trust ol' mister "_I_" quite so much (the past being one) and besides
... ... i have Dena "Shalom", who i can post to and ask for her help ...help?
peace,
~ jim
Posted by Dena on September 10, 2003, at 14:50:28
In reply to re: Jesus and Manjushri ((Jimi and Dena)) » Temmie, posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 11:30:53
Bless you, Dear Jim,
You are a lovely, caring, sensitive man. You have backed me up even when our views are diamatrically opposed. You are a man I'd truly love to know in person. Your gentleness & honesty are deeply touching to me.
However, I don't believe I can enter a discussion about combining Jesus w/ any other diety. To do so would violate my conscience. I can't compromise what I know to be the Truth, in my efforts to be supportive & civil.
Yes, I can & do care for you & Temmie, even while disagreeing with your beliefs.
Please don't worry about offending me. And Jesus certainly doesn't need me to defend Him from offense. He showed how well He could hold His peace even while being tortured & crucified. But I must defend His Truth, even when that means that others will turn against me. I say the Truths I say, not with malice, but with great love. Sometimes Truth hurts, but like lifesaving surgery, sometimes it is necessary.
The time may be coming, perhaps is already here, when I will have to bow out of this board. I'll have to discern what God is telling me to do, & then I'll choose to obey Him. Regardless of what I do, I'll continue to pray for those I've connected with on this board - I believe I've made some lasting connections.
I wish you only joy, peace, purpose & everlasting life with the One who created you & who can love you like none other.
But, thank you, thank you, thank you, for your sweet concern & compassion for me!
You're a treasure!
Shalom, Dena
Posted by Dena on September 10, 2003, at 15:07:08
In reply to re: Jesus and Manjushri ((Jimi and Dena)), posted by Temmie on September 10, 2003, at 7:41:39
Dear Temmie -
No, your posting (including the orgasm reference) wasn't offensive.
God gave us the gift of sex - sexual union between man & wife is a reflection of the union of intimacy He wants with us. The rapture of the orgasm is representative of the joy of union we're created to experience when we totally surrender to Him, our Beloved. For the woman to experience sexual orgasm, she has to feel cared for, that her lover is trustworthy to protect her while she's so vulnerable, & that she's able to surrender herself to him. Likewise, God cares for us, He is trustworthy to protect us during our vulnerability, & when we completely surrender ourselves to Him, we can experience joy, rapture & a sense of deep belonging.
So, you were very on the mark.
I have to share a concern with you, however. Jesus claims He is the Son of God, & as such, He is deserving of our total devotion. He doesn't share the throne of our lives with other spirits. He rules supremely & solitarily. It's like God said in the ten commandments: "I Am the Lord, your God. You shall have no other gods before me." If you prefer to choose other gods, then fine, you have that right. But if we choose God, He requires that we choose Him on His terms. He doesn't want to share you with others - He can't. If you choose the others, He'll let you go to them, but He'll back off.
This isn't meant to be offensive, or to put down your beliefs - you have the absolute right & priviledge of believing anything & everything you want. But I'm only explaining why perhaps you feel so distant from Him.
You don't have to "work your way up to Him" - He's right there, accessible any time you let Him in. But He's a jealous God - He just won't share the throne of your heart with any other.
The prophet Jeremiah said, "Choose you this day whom you will serve. As for me & my house, we will serve the Lord."
I think you're terriffic, Temmie, & I truly care about you. I hope you don't feel put down. I just felt I had to say this. You can disregard it if you choose. But I had to pass it on.
Shalom, Dena
P.S. If this gets me blocked, I'll see you all in 8 weeks (or not...)
Posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 16:58:05
In reply to re: Jesus and Manjushri ((Jimi and Dena)) » lil' jimi, posted by Dena on September 10, 2003, at 14:50:28
hi Dena,
i could see where the combo would lead to thin ice and i wanted you to be safe ...
... i'm very sorry to hear of anticipation of your pbFaith departure ... ... it makes me sad to think pbFaith would be without you ... ... i pray The Lord tells you to stay ... ... you can point me out as an example of work to be done ... ... HA!
... ...... you've made an indelible positive impression on me .... no matter what you decide, it'll take a while to live that down .... and i thank you very kindly for that, kind lady ... ...
i would ask a favor though ... ...
please don't just dissappear, okay ?
come and see us once in a whilei'll miss you ...
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 17:03:48
In reply to re: Jesus and Manjushri ((Jimi and Dena)) » Temmie, posted by Dena on September 10, 2003, at 15:07:08
hi,
i'm praying Dena doesn't get blocked
~ jim
> Dear Temmie -
>
> No, your posting (including the orgasm reference) wasn't offensive.
>
> God gave us the gift of sex - sexual union between man & wife is a reflection of the union of intimacy He wants with us. The rapture of the orgasm is representative of the joy of union we're created to experience when we totally surrender to Him, our Beloved. For the woman to experience sexual orgasm, she has to feel cared for, that her lover is trustworthy to protect her while she's so vulnerable, & that she's able to surrender herself to him. Likewise, God cares for us, He is trustworthy to protect us during our vulnerability, & when we completely surrender ourselves to Him, we can experience joy, rapture & a sense of deep belonging.
>
> So, you were very on the mark.
>
> I have to share a concern with you, however. Jesus claims He is the Son of God, & as such, He is deserving of our total devotion. He doesn't share the throne of our lives with other spirits. He rules supremely & solitarily. It's like God said in the ten commandments: "I Am the Lord, your God. You shall have no other gods before me." If you prefer to choose other gods, then fine, you have that right. But if we choose God, He requires that we choose Him on His terms. He doesn't want to share you with others - He can't. If you choose the others, He'll let you go to them, but He'll back off.
>
> This isn't meant to be offensive, or to put down your beliefs - you have the absolute right & priviledge of believing anything & everything you want. But I'm only explaining why perhaps you feel so distant from Him.
>
> You don't have to "work your way up to Him" - He's right there, accessible any time you let Him in. But He's a jealous God - He just won't share the throne of your heart with any other.
>
> The prophet Jeremiah said, "Choose you this day whom you will serve. As for me & my house, we will serve the Lord."
>
> I think you're terriffic, Temmie, & I truly care about you. I hope you don't feel put down. I just felt I had to say this. You can disregard it if you choose. But I had to pass it on.
>
> Shalom, Dena
>
> P.S. If this gets me blocked, I'll see you all in 8 weeks (or not...)
Posted by Dena on September 10, 2003, at 18:55:58
In reply to re: Jesus and Manjushri ((Jimi and Dena)) » Dena, posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 16:58:05
(((Thanks Sweet Jim!)))
I haven't decided yet... haven't heard a definite "go" or "stay"... can't say I'm really trying hard to listen either...
It shall be revealed. Of course I can always miss the message.
I think I'll know if &/or when it's time to leave.
For now, unless I become blocked (LOL!), I'll keep tuning in.
Shalom, Dena
Posted by Temmie on September 10, 2003, at 20:54:22
In reply to re: Jesus and Manjushri ((Jimi and Dena)) » lil' jimi, posted by Dena on September 10, 2003, at 18:55:58
I apologize for writing from a viewpoint which has ignited such a firestorm of controversy; and sorry for the analogy between physical (and celestial) gifts -- which was a most unfortunate comparison.
Wishing everyone well. I'm going to go away for awhile, and hope everyone is feeling better soon.
Blessings,
Temmie
Posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 21:56:31
In reply to Jimi and Dena, et. al. , posted by Temmie on September 10, 2003, at 20:54:22
hi Temmie,
> I apologize for writing from a viewpoint which has ignited such a firestorm of controversy; >your view point is fine, especially with me ... ... i really don't think any apology is necessary at all ... ...
> and sorry for the analogy between physical (and celestial) gifts -- which was a most unfortunate comparison. >
oh, not in the least! ... ... Dena had no problems with it and there exists a long history in many traditions making exactly that analogy ... ... for instance, saint teresa of avila
> Wishing everyone well. I'm going to go away for awhile, and hope everyone is feeling better soon.
>
> Blessings,
> Temmiebless you Temmie ... ... i hope you haven't been hurt by Dena and me ... ... i certainly intended no offense ... ... please let me know if my intentions have failed ...
love,
~ jim
Posted by fallsfall on September 11, 2003, at 6:32:27
In reply to Jimi and Dena, et. al. , posted by Temmie on September 10, 2003, at 20:54:22
Temmie,
Where are you going? You will be back?
Write to me at babble fallsfall at hotmail.com.
How are your little kids?
Posted by Dena on September 11, 2003, at 9:18:06
In reply to Jimi and Dena, et. al. , posted by Temmie on September 10, 2003, at 20:54:22
Oh, Temmie - I hope I didn't chase you away!
There was nothing at all wrong with your post. I liked you analagy of likening an orgasm with intimacy with God. You can't read "Song of Solomon" & not realize that God had the same idea.
As far as connecting Jesus with other spirits, you're more than in your right to do so - my comments weren't meant to be controversial, just something I felt I needed to say.
I've not been wounded by this conversation - I hope & pray that you haven't either!
in Great Love & Shalom, Dena
P.S. Please don't stay away on my account!
Posted by habbyshabit on September 20, 2003, at 0:17:16
In reply to Re: Jimi and Dena, et. al. » Temmie, posted by Dena on September 11, 2003, at 9:18:06
Hey guys!!!
Interesting thread! Temmie, I hope your departure is for places fun and fantastic, like Moab or Yellowstone or something. I hope you aren't leaving because psycho - babble has become a drag to you.
I thought your sexual references were right on. Bliss is Bliss, ya know! Did you know that orthodox Jewish men are made to make love to their wives on the Sabbath? It is considered the holiest time to do so.Hi Jimi Rimpoche! I've been busy train on two new jobs and working more then I will be once the training is over. My in-laws will be arriving on the 24th and staying until the 1st. We will be doing all the driving for them to take them to Ogden, UT and Murry, UT to see their last remaining siblings, who are all pretty sick.
We'll bring them to our house, a 3 hour drive, in between for a couple of days. Been cooking away! I surely will be immersed in Mormon country and sensibilities as my in - laws and siblings are very religious. I like the Mormons a lot, so no problem. Just don't think I'll be around much for a little while...
hab
Posted by lil' jimi on September 20, 2003, at 1:05:55
In reply to Re: Jimi and Dena and Temmie, posted by habbyshabit on September 20, 2003, at 0:17:16
understood sweet spirit ...
always good to hear your voice ...
we'll be here ...be careful out there,
~ jim
This is the end of the thread.
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