old3bob

underwater Jag it looks like the cat is swallowing food underwater?

it was a sideways response to Dwai's post where he said, "Anything that comes and goes is not real..." I'd say the whole multiverse emanates or "comes and goes" from Siva/Shakti and returns to Siva/Shakti thus is "real" in that sense and without being divorced. (Paraphrased by me from one of the Saivite schools of Hinduism)

Pure Shakti (and the ten thousand more) is not disconnected from Siva and so is "real", thus "illusion" can only be an incorrect perception. Not completely unlike what some Buddhists might say, "Nirvana truly realized is Samsara properly understood (from Buddha and the Path to Enlightenment, by Raghavan Iyer, Theosophy Library Online, Internet 1986)

(Jewish/Christian takes, or to me like reaching the edge of an abyss and making a choice to break the grip of doubt which can not stand before the greater truth beyond it) Vanity of vanities, all is vanity: Ecclesiastes By Dr. Jeff Mirus ( bio - articles - email ) | Jul 17, 2018 | In Scripture Series "The Book of Ecclesiastes offers fascinating insights into what the Jewish intellect had grasped of the purpose of life two or three hundred years before Christ. The voice of the book is that of Ecclesiastes, or “the Preacher”, who was King over Jerusalem, and who may be construed in some sense as a representation of Solomon. The Preacher recounts how he has devoted himself to acquiring every form of knowledge and wisdom, and to pursuing the good things of the world, only to find again and again that everything is “vanity and a striving after wind” (e.g., 2:11). The Book consists of twelve brief chapters, and In the end the Preacher concludes that wisdom consists in accepting life as it comes while continuing to do the work God has given one to do, enjoying the fruits of that sober labor, all in the context of the deep ties of family and community. Thus: In this sense, the Book is somewhat discouraging. It is pervaded with the acceptance of God’s will but betrays almost no sense of God’s plan extending beyond fidelity to the daily work and the family commitments given by God. The introductory note in the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition compares the spiritual context to that of the Book of Job, making the following point: But I chose my words carefully in the opening paragraph, when I referred to what the Jewish intellect had grasped. There is far more in Sacred Scripture than what we can grasp through reason, and it seems to me that the most important interpretive point to make about Ecclesiastes is that the sacred author deliberately chooses to restrict the horizon to what we can know through human reason. The writer could, after all, have drawn on the Jewish mystical tradition, and there are intimations of eternal life with God in other Biblical books which are even older—flashes of what trust in God will lead to in the end. We saw this in Job (“For I know that my redeemer lives”) and we see it repeatedly in the Psalms. Even in Ecclesiastes, the Preacher may say more than he realizes when he admits (in apparent frustration): “I have seen the business that God has given to the sons of men to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time; also he has put eternity into man’s mind, yet so he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end” (3:10-11) (emphasis added). The Frustration of Desires Granted, it is a big step from this to “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor 2:9), and yet St. Paul essentially quotes this passage from the prophet Isaiah (64:4 and 65:17), who was active half a millennium before the Book of Ecclesiastes was composed, though the verses Paul uses may have been composed somewhat later than the earlier portions of the prophet’s work. Nonetheless, even in the somewhat disappointing chapters of Job and Eccleiastes, foreshadowings of redemption are visible. But the author of Ecclesiastes deliberately restricts the kind of knowledge he will use to make his point. The subtitle in the RSV-CE for Ecclesiastes chapter 5 is “Reverence, Humility, Enjoyment” while the subtitle for chapter 6 is “Frustration of Desires”. These are certainly apt in capturing the Preacher’s wisdom (reverence, humility, enjoyment) rather than preoccupying ourselves with vanities, an ultimately unsatisfying striving after wind. The following text expresses his theme perfectly: But again, this must be a deliberately restricted vision—most likely restricted to what can be ascertained through human reason alone, through the wise man’s unaided rational analysis. In this deliberately-chosen context, we are privy to the sacred author’s determination to stay within what he knows for sure: Namely, that we must be content with the life God has given us, not striving after false goals that cannot satisfy, but rather trusting in God in all things. Even today, with the benefit of Christ, the spiritual life consists largely in this trust, even when the way is dark for us—“because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen” (2 Cor 4:18). When we think of the Book of Ecclesiastes in this way, we see a striking parallel with certain forceful lessons taught by Our Lord. Consider, for example, the parable of the rich man who enlarged his barns and storehouses: “ ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Lk 12:20-21). Or: Prelude to the Gospel The most significant difference between the book of Ecclesiastes and the Gospel is that Jesus Christ could speak authoritatively of a future life with our Father in Heaven while the authors of the Old Testament books could not. But they had plenty to say non-authoritatively, as it were: They had hopes and even glimpses of a future life with God—the God who, the Preacher assures us, “has put eternity into man’s mind”. And sometimes the Preacher’s carefully-constructed mask slips just a bit, suggesting again that he knows through trust in God far more than he can prove through even the greatest human wisdom. “I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out; even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find out” (8:17). Here is the voice of even the greatest human wisdeom, and yet just a few verses earlier, the Preacher had declared: The lesson of Ecclesiastes is not nearly as bleak as it may seem at first glance. Succinctly stated, it is simply this: Vanity of vanities. All is vanity. Except to “fear god and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of man” (12:13). Man may not know the outcome of fidelity to this duty, but the last verse of the Book of Ecclesiastes says this: “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:14). Without seeing the future, that already tells us quite a lot."

righto guy, but best to shower before snuggling if you haven't already done so

another take... Robert Burns 1785 (after ploughing up a mouse's house) "Little, cunning, cowering, timorous beast, Oh, what a panic is in your breast! You need not start away so hasty With bickering prattle! I would be loath to run and chase you, With murdering paddle! I'm truly sorry man's dominion Has broken Nature's social union, And justifies that ill opinion Which makes you startle At me, your poor, earth-born companion And fellow mortal! I doubt not, sometimes, that you may thieve; What then? Poor beast, you must live! An odd ear in twenty-four sheaves Is a small request; I will get a blessing with what is left, And never miss it. Your small house, too, in ruin! Its feeble walls the winds are scattering! And nothing now, to build a new one, Of coarse green foliage! And bleak December's winds ensuing, Both bitter and piercing! You saw the fields laid bare and empty, And weary winter coming fast, And cozy here, beneath the blast, You thought to dwell, Till crash! The cruel coulter passed Out through your cell. That small heap of leaves and stubble, Has cost you many a weary nibble! Now you are turned out, for all your trouble, Without house or holding, To endure the winter's sleety dribble, And hoar-frost cold. But Mouse, you are not alone, In proving foresight may be vain: The best-laid schemes of mice and men Go oft awry, And leave us nothing but grief and pain, For promised joy! Still you are blessed, compared with me! The present only touches you: But oh! I backward cast my eye, On prospects dreary! And forward, though I cannot see, I guess and fear!" (know that too will pass)

sharp looking boy or girl:

The following is not exactly on topic but I'd say that few of us are ready or properly prepared to give up our personal mind and its identity which is ok until we are and doing so as safely as possible, for to do so without proper steps and revealed guidance entails dangers...

Just a little reflection: 1. instead of negating the ego per-se many teachings and teachers say it falls away while progressively following the dharma's as best we can, thus all the so called little things can add up to big things (so to speak) on their own without us getting in the way, as I'm sure you know. 2. Is thought about self sacrificing real self sacrificing that has no motive or designs of its own? Btw, and on a more mundane level any form of work well done has rewards (positive flow) of its own does it not? 3. hopes and expectations are of the human experience just like so many other things we go through. I don't think we have to renounce or demean them, just work through them. Is there any being living in manifest form that does not have to deal with such, including "realized" beings? 4. If we put enlightenment, or anything else for that matter, way out there on a limb to be reached for then that does create tension and possibly a fall from too much extension. The fact is that enlightenment will never come in some future time for it can only be right now thus all the methods done in time are preparation for being right now and should not be binding projections or condition's like chains of lead or gold. 5. if we are thankful for what we have now then more. which can also be less, can develop from where we are presently at, which is really the only place we can put one foot or step in front of another. 6. "Desiderata" has some universal like advice along these lines: GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. By Max Ehrmann © 1927 Original text

from https://www.hinduwebsite.com/sacredscripts/hinduism/upanishads/chandogya.asp Eighth Prapathaka, Third Khanda: ...1. 'These true desires, however, are hidden by what is false; though the desires be true, they have a covering which is false. Thus, whoever belonging to us has departed this life, him we cannot gain back, so that we should see him with our eyes. 2. 'Those who belong to us, whether living or departed, and whatever else there is which we wish for and do not obtain, all that we find there (if we descend into our heart, where Brahman dwells, in the ether of the heart), There are all our true desires, but hidden by what is false. As people who do not know the country, walk again and again over a gold treasure that has been hidden somewhere in the earth and do not discover it, thus do all these creatures day after day go into the Brahma-world (they are merged in Brahman, while asleep), and yet do not discover it, because they are carried away by untruth (they do not come to themselves, i.e. they do not discover the true Self in Brahman, dwelling in the heart). 3. 'That Self abides in the heart. And this is the etymological explanation. The heart is called hrid-ayam, instead of hridy-ayam, i.e. He who is in the heart. He who knows this, that He is in the heart, goes day by day (when in sushupti, deep sleep) into heaven (svarga), 1.e. into the Brahman of the heart. 4. 'Now that serene being which, after having risen from out this earthly body, and having reached the highest light (self-knowledge), appears in its true form, that is the Self,' thus he spoke (when asked by his pupils). This is the immortal, the fearless, this is Brahman. And of that Brahman the name is the True, Satyam, 5. This name Sattyam consists of three syllables, sat-ti-yam. Sat signifies the immortal, t, the mortal, and with yam he binds both. Because he binds both, the immortal and the mortal, therefore it is yam. He who knows this goes day by day into heaven (svarga)....

"It is not really the physical heart. The spiritual heart has its center in the middle of the chest (to the right of the physical heart), but when it’s fully open, it expands to encompass everything (and eventually, the entire universe). Once I was told “sarvasya Hridayam, sadaiva hridayam” — the heart is infinite, the heart is eternal. Took me almost 15 years to understand what that meant…" by Dwai Indeed, as also explained in the 1st Kanda before the 3rd in the op above " FIRST KHANDA 1. Harih, Om. There is this city of Brahman (the body), and in it the palace, the small lotus (of the heart), and in it that small ether. Now what exists within that small ether, that is to be sought for, that is to be understood. 2. And if they should say to him: 'Now with regard to that city of Brahman, and the palace in it, i.e. the small lotus of the heart, and the small ether within the heart, what is there within it that deserves to be sought for, or that is to be understood. 3. Then he should say: 'As large as this ether (all space) is, so large is that ether within the heart. Both heaven and earth are contained within it, both fire and air, both sun and moon, both lightning and stars; and whatever there is of him (the Self) here in the world, and whatever is not (i.e. whatever has been or will be), all that is contained within it.' thus I'd say there is a connective matrix to the physical but THAT is in no way limited to the physical...

a common sight in India, women ridding side saddle along with some kids on the bike. another hard to believe thing is all the powered rickshaws zipping around with some only being inches apart at times but hardly no accidents, when one would think an accident would be happening on just about every street! (wearing sandals on a bike, yikes)

very nice retro bike! I don't care for the looks of new bikes. Btw a gal will have to hug you pretty tight to safely ride double on that size of seat...clever.

I vaguely remember this one...(he is even using a mask...)

Righto, btw isn't that Gilligan in the other picture? He sure looks different as Dobbie...

Bill Bixby was the co-star and not in the picture I posted... yep I remember Mr. Ed. and Green acres...while we are at it lets not forget the Munsters or the Mayberry gang

and portable Martian's (from an old TV show called, My favorite Martian with Bill Bixby before The Hulk)

I'd say Truth and Freedom without any doubt or fear, spirit-joy beyond human sorrow or limited identity, a springing forth and also a standing still. The "Self knows the Self by the Self" thus not by mind bound methods or senses..(which are tools but not the true identity pointed to by your two quotes above)

Indeed, in the interview thin notes or bills embedded with an "x" amount gold were brought up, and they do exist now and I hope could give one some privacy.

link to Kitco News video on a "Fed coin", final goodbye to cash? https://stream2.kitco.com/21_06_30_Chell_liferay_v5.mp4

Silent movies and no fancy tech like now...

yea, and there is another "natural woman" in New York named Carol King

I'll be in Armadillo by morning, (oops) Amarillo is where I'll be... these little guys are cute the town

I once had an old 58 beater Plymouth (in southern Calif.) and remember how the rich guys in Porches and such would get out of the way when I had to make sudden turns with it since they had a lot more to loose. LOL. Where I live now one sometimes sees old restored power wagons! (besides and unlike modern 70k Cadillac like trucks)

Not sure of any numbers but drive in movies have had some comeback because of covid...