Once Upon A Blog

In the Gospel according to Luke we find so much more details in reference to Jesus’ childhood. The timeline and the initiation of the story is set on the beginning of Jesus. When Mary is told that she would carry in her wound a “holy” and spiritual child. Elizabeth came forward to Mary and told her that she would be the mother of the Lord. Mary then goes to Nazareth where she gives birth to the saving baby Jesus.

Even though the axiom is not crucial at the exact moment it is being said, I find it ironic that Jesus resuscitates from the dead, and this is being said at his birth. It is like the father, for an instance could see the future of his child and know that he would die and then live again. A small psychic moment.

What strikes me as odd is the amount of details used in this few chapters in comparison to Mark’s Gospel.  During Mark’s Gospel the beginning is nearly the half of this gospel. Almost as if Luke could see more, or was more involved in Jesus’ life. Perhaps Mark was not invited to the actual birth. 

As the teaching and expansion continues, we can see the change in the direction of the teachings. Instead of heavily imposing miracles and curing everyone, the information is directed towards preaching. The main preaching is directed toward the relationship one must have with his wife and her husband. The commitment one owes the individual, and the law of community itself.

The following axiom really shows the belief in God’s superiority and perfection. How God is grand and men are nothing in comparison to its magnitude. And then Jesus said:

“With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:26).

What I can understand from the axiom is that men are flawed, imperfect. Therefore it makes some aspects or things in life impossible. Nevertheless, God in his almighty perfection is flawless and no matter what, everything is reachable for him. There is nothing impossible.

As Jesus continues to preach he reaches the state where he mentioned that one should love your neighbor as much as yourself. Such commandment is set as the highest in the Gospel and the one that is said the firmest.

Soon Jesus foresees that one of his disciples will betray him. Therefore at dinner he makes a symbolic “action”, in which he asks everyone to drink whine and eat as symbolism of his blood and his flesh. He then goes to pray and ask mercy upon his death, and make him avoid suffering.  Then his foreshadow becomes true and he is arrested and taken in front of the king who agrees to crucify him.

Jesus then revives next to Virgin Mary. The End

The story of Jesus reaches the King of Galilee. Jesus breaks up his apostles for them to spread the teachings of the Gospel. When they reunite they bring more news about people thrilled to find more and commit to Jesus’ teachings. Miracles and strange occurrences keep happening which leave the disciples astonished. When a loaf of bread is divided to feed a vast amount of people, or even when he walks in water.   

Jesus is again questioned and segregated by some for defying the traditional Jewish laws. Nevertheless he says that the men’s intention rather than the action define and measure their righteousness.

More and more goodness unravels upon Jesus’ path. Nevertheless, the disciples can’t quite understand the purpose of their saviors’ teachings. 

Basically the story begins, not at the beginning precisely but rather towards the middle of Jesus. Jesus is baptized and sent in some sort of a quest. Satan tests him for forty days, he passes the test. John, who baptized Jesus, makes the guess that someone more powerful than him will emerge (predicament followed by Jesus’ appearance).

Jesus, then travels to a city to the north of Israel and gathers two disciples. Simon and Andrew, two brothers who are fishermen are “hired” as disciples. Soon they are sent in a task to follow Jesus, who promised them that he will show them how to fish for people rather than for fish. Gathering each time more disciples due to the heroic and miracle works of the savior.

Haters who don’t agree with the uprising power of Jesus start plotting to murder him. Nevertheless, his ministry starts to attract followers who believe in him as a superior being. Even though many keep adding up to his believes and ministry many also start to fight due to the misunderstanding of his disciples. 

In the final set of segments of this book of knowledge and repetition we can sum it all up to what the complete book is about. The search for the state of perfection and peace is the basic idea of the complete ranting of the book. What did result surprising is the input on government that was given by the Tao teachings. Not only the idea of self “finding”, but also the guidelines to rule the perfect universe according to the Tao.

Basically what it said is that a government that is involved (action) must not be over the people (inaction). If they are over the citizens they give them the space and the purpose to rebel, make them poor, and make the idea of a peaceful living a fantasy.  The wise leader and citizen must reach the Primal Union, which consists of being sage and full of knowledge but to mask your brightness.

Quotations like these show the demand of uninvolved governments,

“When the country is ruled with a light hand

The people are simple.” (Passage 58)

Personally I don’t understand the idea of hiding good. If you are a role model, you must not brag but you must be exposed to set an example. An individual with all the right qualities must be shown, not by their own hand but by the idea and admiral of others.

As for the fact that one must give up to the “greater good” might be a good idea but what if the greater good goes against what you think, as is not good to you at all. Yes it is good sometimes to give into something but not if you are completely against what is being done. Submitting to something you are against without a fight is being plainly weak.

Finally the point of knowledge and ignorance is retaken/reintroduced.

“Knowing ignorance is strength.

Ignoring knowledge is sickness.” (Passage 71)

One must identify ignorance and be aware of knowledge, then it is plainly twisted the idea that one must live not knowing. Ignorance could be good sometimes but it is not actually ignorance if you know what you are doing. Denying a truth can be considered ignorance, but if you know, and you are submitting to the grater good of not pointing it out. It is not.  

The last segment shows truth and can be considered a conclusion:

“Truthful words are not beautiful.

Beautiful words are not truthful.” (Passage 81)

After all truth is ugly and lies are beautiful, most of the time. Truth is the reality you are blinding yourself to and the sound of lies makes it fit the way you want to. After all truth is the complete opposite, truth is knowing what you don’t want to know. Drowning yourself with those beautiful lies. 

Now that we are near the end of the Tao teachings we can see in greater depth the incredible connection to the Bhagavad Gita in which you are acting by performing no action. And no action could be greater than action itself.  Not only the connection is evident and repetitive but there is a mention to change in the world.

Basically what is being stated is that by trying to change the world you will destroy it. It is the perfect imbalance and negative to positive ratio that makes it perfect. Perfection due to contrast, the Ying and the Yang. Not only does it refer to the change in the world but it sets the ideal panorama to the life that we should all live. In Earth one must learn to loose, because by loosing one wins. You can’t have one without the other, and precisely that is what the Tao wants the reader to understand.

Salvation and the state of complete peace are only reached by understanding the main and core principles of the Tao teachings.

Wisdom and the value and quality of knowing are mentioned:

“Knowing when to stop averts trouble.” (Passage 32)

Continuing with the idea that one must stand where you are meant to be, it is a mix of all the teachings. Be comfortable with what you have and don’t seek for more. Appreciate what you have but don’t love it, for then loss is greater. Stand firm to where you belong, you have a role and a duty to your space and it is expected for you to fill. 

A passage I found personally appealing is the following,

“Without going outside, you may know the whole world….

The farther you go the less you know.” (Passage 47)

What is interpreted of this set of verses is that you can know the world from where you stand, there is no need to traveling far. The more you travel the more is left to discover, never fulfilling the “goal” of knowing the world. Stay where you are and it will come. Inaction makes action. 

Now that we are “deep” into the book of Tao Te Ching, we find that it is not as similar as the other biblical and moral texts we have been reading.  Basically what the text says is that by not doing you will be rewarded. The lack of action (as referred to in Bhagavad Gita) can lead to the reward. Basically by avoiding to do something, you receive a benefit. The idea of shining among a society is thrown into the text. And as stated before, by not displaying yourself you will receive bigger shine.

In the series of “chapters”, or poems we had assigned, there were several current dilemmas discussed. The common QUESTion was referred to as well. Why do good people suffer? Or why is life unjust?

The Tao Te Ching deals with this dilemma,

 “Accept misfortune as a human condition.” (THREE)

Basically what the quotation is referring to is that we all have bodies, and as result of this gift we must have consequences. It is not a random act. It is a natural experience that everyone and everything with a body must undergo. Misfortune happens to everybody, and the timing might not be perfect. As bodies, a misfortune is like happiness, a mandatory stage in life.

Simplicity and the importance of it is referred as well. One must embrace simplicity and stop searching for things that with patience will come. One will reach Self with patience, and be virtuous with Virtue as well. It is curious how we see that Self is capitalized. As we have seen in all texts, when a word like this is capitalized it means that it refers to something of importance.

Shifting topics, the Tao is referred to as eternal. Probably suggesting the existence of an after life. It says that when the body dies, the Tao remains. As if the body was a disposable stage and that the state of Tao would mean the point where you actually start living. The discussion of an after life has been in debate for a long time, not only from behalf of the different churches but as well from the scientific part of society. The heated debate only leaves room for personal faith and beliefs. After all there is no proof that proves the existence of an after life, but the again there is no proof that it doesn’t exist. 

Now we embark in a brand new journey. Woo! The Tao Te Ching. The idea of a new different theory of believes and teachings do sound a bit scary but after being introduced it isn’t so bad. Its short, its simple and is not SOO repetitive. Therefore I am happy. In the beginning I did feel like I was stuck in Harry Potter. He who can’t be named, oh scary. Nevertheless I disagree with the idea of not being able to name such who has done greatness and perfect, makes no sense at all. I would like to honor you and praise you for all that you have done with my life, but I can’t say your name. Then how am I supposed to thank you. Everything and everyone has a name, give me yours.  It is really not a big deal. Gosh. For now I shall call it/him John Doe.

As I red on, I found several passages that described the Primal Virtue, so early into the book we are introduced to the Heavenly destination one must arrive. It is more of a state that would make you unique and worthy upon John Doe. Such virtue describes the point where you are sinless, as if you where just born and you had not done anything wrong. The way I see it, it can be considered a state of peace, not only with yourself but with everyone around you.

I did find an intriguing axiom form the reading,

 “No fight: No blame.” (Chapter 8)

What I could understand from this short axiom is that if you don’t fight, if you are a peace you will not have anyone, anything to blame. And there will be type of need to blame other for anything. If there is not a fight, then you should not be blamed, nor blame someone else for something that “doesn’t happen”. It tells us not to fight, for as no one will remain with the guilt.

To conclude, I am happy with my reading, and very tired of homework. Goodnight and farewell.

Reading the teachings in the book of Confucius we learn that there is an overall appreciation and admiration towards the elders and overall the older people. That not only must such be respected but they should be handled in a specific manner stated by the Master himself. I do disagree with the idea that you must respect ALL elders. I believe in the idea of mutual respect, and the idea of not being a complete hypocrite. If an elder treats you with respect and does not mock your innocence then he deserves to be treated correctly.

The book of Confucius states that by being nice and having a proper way of talking, one is not good. You earn the Goodness. Respect is the same, it must be earned.  If you just give it away there is no point trying.

Continuing along with the Master’s teachings I found a citation of great value:

“Do not be concerned that no one has heard of you, but rather strive to become a person worthy of being known.”(Confucius. 4.14)

My understanding of this cite is that you must not strive for the fame. But you must reach Goodness to a point where your memory is admired and remembered. Basically that ones memory and admiration must not be target but rather a price by not aiming for it.

Become that who is remembered but do not try to be a famous individual.

As for admiration and respect, I do think that one must treat all people nicely but I don’t thing that automatically earns your respect. Shouldn’t you do Good and expect nothing in return. Elders expect Respect and admiration. This makes no sense at all.

The Psalms. There is really not much to say about them. It is basically a summary of what has been taught in the past month of so of reading. Lay beside The Lord, for as he will grant you safety and strength to face the fear of evils. Don’t be afraid for as he is the eternal salvation of us all. Yeah, Yeah. Right now I am tired of the repetition of this idea. Seriously, can I be any more fed up?

Not the idea of the religion itself but the ranting of absolutely everything that is being said. Spice it up. Throw some nice characters and vivid description. Make me enjoy it. Yet again we see the doubt in God.

And the enemy spoke,

 “Where is thy God?” (Psalm 42. 42:10).

A question people have asked themselves for centauries. Where is my God, when I need him? Where is this heeling power and absolute divinity when my life is falling apart? This tactic could even be used to create confusion among an enemy. Where is HE when you are about to die? Personally I think it is an effective technique to make someone dispose of everything that was taught to him.

Once we ere and admit the sins to the All Mighty we pray to be cleaned. In a way, we search for a now soul. This one is through, give me a new one. Take for instance Psalm 51 where the individual asks over and over to be clean and pure again. Isn’t that what all people want, a fresh start?

I know I want one, free me from this replay before I go absolutely insane. 

David who used to be so graceful and honest now results to be malicious and somewhat negative toward the general story and the idea of the gratefulness of men. Make reference to the previous blog entry in which we talked about how men ere, and previous errors lead to other circumstances.  After seeing how an innocent man is slaughtered, David probably realized that giving in to “bad” is much easier than living by goodness.

Falling into luxury he has sex with a married woman, who he leaves pregnant. Then again, wronging instead of following the correct path given by the Lord. Once he wronged, he then again sinned. Sending his mistress’ husband off to battle to die. Nevertheless his acts are not unpunished. The Lord, sends disgrace upon him. Making David loose his child with his lover.

After a few years Amnom rapes his half sister and David remains quiet. He is mad, but does not scorn this act upon his oldest child. Going back to Bhagavad Gita we can see the lack of action being a sin. Maybe he did not get involved, but by having inaction he chose to “act” in the wrong way. Sinning once more.

Basically we can see the drastic change in ideals in this particular individual. He went from being an admired individual to a hated and despised one. The holy David is now an example for a man who went wrong and doubted the Lord. Simply, gave up. 

The idea how jealousy and goodness can be triggers to pursuits and murder attempts is very disturbing. The idea that Saul’s jealousy leads to his own death is a bit like the idea of Karma. “What goes around, comes around”, apparently all the evil that was desired for David, ended up attacking the source itself. The death of his child, and then his own death. Nice way to teach a lesson.

David o the other hand has a sense of morality superior to Saul. When given the chance to kill and bring misery upon that who wished pain for him, he refused. When given the chance to be as bad and evil as Saul, he refused. Not necessarily does the word “morals” have to be engraved in the story. It is rather implicit within the text, and all humans can see the difference among both.

If we go back to Adam and Eve, when they eat from the forbidden tree of knowledge we can see that such illegal act could turn out to be for the best.  I wonder what would have happened to the story of Saul and David if Adam and Eve wouldn’t disobey?

My guess is that it wouldn’t even exist. Nevertheless if it wasn’t Adam and Eve, it would be someone else. Human curiosity is somewhat natural, and it might not be a sin. But it does lead to sin or to great success, and without it the idea of excelling or failing wouldn’t be present.  After all, any other biblical character would disobey to see what it is like, leading to stories like Saul and David.

Maybe not the best excuse for disobeying the Lord but it is the “initiation” for a series of defiance after defiance. The story of Saul and David is just another justification for a rather large theory. They all leave a question, maybe the stories even try to answer it. When does harm become a sin? And is harm ever right?

Think about this. I am hoping for answers soon.