--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, ruthsimplicity <no_re...@...> wrote: > For example, I have been told that my system is not "subtle" enough to feel the effects of various things like east facing homes, gemstones, and various supplements. It isn't subtle because I do not meditate regularly.
Well, that makes two of us. I live in an east facing home with south facing toilets and I can't say whether or not I feel a positive influence on either consciousness or BMs. Same goes for gemstones. Since I can't prove a benefit one way or another, I guess east facing homes and gemstones fall into the category of innocuous beliefs. No harm no foul. I'm not concerned I don't notice a difference. So what? Will I feel "it" some day? I don't even know what the hell "it" is. "It" might be really cool or maybe ho-hum. In any case "it" is not something I think about. I feel for you sister, I would be really pissed if someone judged my "level of consciousness" and said my "system wasn't subtle enough" for not noticing ooga booga. On the other hand, if someone said the same thing in jest, I would probably agree and laugh it off. It all depends on the intent behind the words and the person's respect for you. You may not feel the influence of a gemstone, but you will certainly feel someone's intention to make you feel small, inadequate or less than. That's what it's all about, isn't it? Judgment. It's judgment with a mean-spirited edge, a sharp barb, a thrust of the knife turned for maximum pain. Who are these creepy people in your life anyway? Let me at `em. By the way, I remember Maharishi said we should not judge someone's level of consciousness by his or her actions. So the next time someone gives you grief, say, "Maharishi said " Have some fun with them. A couple of people have told me that they can, by directing their intention, influence others, even influence the outcome of a card game of all things. And why not? After all, if you believe meditating in a group lowered crime, why wouldn't your own attention give you an Ace in a game of cards? They make cognitive errors concerning "winning streaks," not understanding the nature of random distributions include winning streaks. Their losing streaks are explained away. > Random distribution is a good reason to stay away from casinos. Eventually, the house always wins. However, I believe that we do have an influence on others with our attention. For example, if I'm in a grump, I'm not fit for human company. The fumes of Hades radiate about me. If you dared to spend some time with me while I'm in a foul mood, believe me you would feel "it." Have you ever met someone and you instantly liked him or her? Of course, you have. Perhaps it's the "good vibe" of the person you're feeling and not anything they necessarily said or did that attracted you. Whether mojo, juju or voodoo, even though science can't measure "it" some folks claim they feel "it" and some claim they don't. In either case, such a claim is in the innocuous belief category. > So, the problem for me is that I want to respect your belief. After all, it cannot be disproved. Exactly, so why not leave it right there as a big question mark, holding in reserve the possibility that things unproven by science may be in the future and even if never proven we can still hold open the possibility a belief could be true. Until then it's an unsolved mystery. But I have trouble respecting these kinds of beliefs. Unsupported beliefs have caused all sorts of trouble in the world. Animals, from bears to rhinos are killed and driven to near extinction because of magical beliefs in the properties of a body part. Women are subjected to a subservient role in many religions. Criminals are convicted on eyewitness testimony in the face of contrary evidence because of the belief that what you see can't be wrong. Some people would rather take an unproven supplement than take a blood pressure pill that has been used for years, studied extensively, and shown both safe and effective. > I understand your concern. I agree that unfounded beliefs can be harmful. However, in all the years I have meditated, I cannot think of one thing about it that has caused me harm. If someone feels TM has caused him or her harm, that is his or her experience, not mine. Further, I would say such difficulties are the exception and may or may not have anything to do with TM. > Separate and apart from your beliefs, I respect you Raunchy. You have tried to take the high road more and more often here, as you have in this thread. But I worry about this stuff. > Ruth, I've been saving a story for just the right occasion and I think this is a good a time as any to tell it: In 1976, Katherine Hepburn broke her ankle in the stage play "A Matter of Gravity" but trooper that she was; she performed her role as Mrs. Basil from a wheel chair for the entire run of the play, six months. I happened to be in Chicago when she was performing at the Blackstone for her pre-Broadway tryout. It is truly one of the most memorable theater experiences I've had. Mrs. Basil, an eccentric dowager, lived in only one room of her Oxford mansion. She had a quiet existence until the arrival of her grandson, Nicky, his conniving fiancé, three other friends and a new cook, Dubois. Dubois was inept and disorganized. The audience occasionally hears her off stage in the kitchen, shrieking and banging pot and pans. Out of curiosity, one day Mrs. Basil peeked into the kitchen to see about the racket. She discovered Dubois tethered to an anvil with a rope tied around her waist, levitating on the kitchen ceiling. Startled by Dubois' unique ability, the miracle confounds Mrs. Basil who begins to question her lifelong belief that God does not exist. Mrs. Basil decided to keep Dubois' levitating skills a secret from her grandson. As the farce continues Nicky and his friends, become more and more dismayed that Mrs. Basil would keep such an incompetent cook in her employ. Finally, in Dubois' defense, Mrs. Basil says, "She gives me something to believe in." I loved that line. Faith and hope uplifted her spirit. This is exactly how I feel about TM. It uplifts my spirit and gives me something to believe. I hope and have faith that everyone wants something to believe. Whether it is a belief the sun will shine tomorrow, or children will pick flowers from our garden it's all good. Peace, Sister.
