I do not believe that God, Allah, Yahweh, the Divine, or whatever term we use for the higher power has a gender, nor race, ethnicity. These labels are all made from humans assuming that something greater and beyond us could be labeled as categorized by clergy, linguists or scientists is quite narcissistic on our part. Over the history of humanity, there were only two choices of male or female, so the higher power had to be one or the other in view of humans. When the Bible states in Genesis 1:27 “And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” If man (humans) was created in the image of God, many are led to think that God must be a male as Adam was the first human and a male.
If we can break away from our thoughts that the earth and humans are the center of the universe, we may be able to entertain the idea that other life or entities exist beyond what we know here on Earth. Perhaps elsewhere in the universe, their exists something beyond male or female, animal, or plant, etc. Perhaps when humans or other life passes on to their relative afterlife, all labels are removed. I would like to think that in heaven, Valhalla or whatever comes next, our age, gender, race, ethnicity, or any other dividing status would not follow us to that place of bliss.
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I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, stress management, qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage, and Daoyin (yoga).
I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses and individuals that see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population. I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:
Many say they know of the afterlife either being a good place (heaven) or a bad place (hell). Others believe that life here is a temporary classroom, where we keep coming back to revisit lessons not yet understood. No one that is alive can truly know the proven existence of any life beyond their current physical manifestation. Some hope for an afterlife that is heavenly, but also live a life that is hellish. Quite the quandary, no? Why not try to live a heaven life, and hopefully bring that with when you pass? Sounds better than living in hell on earth, and then taking hell with to the next level of existence. There are many theories abound regarding the laws of attraction and how we often acquire what we dwell upon, whether deemed as good or bad. Those that think mainly about wealth and/or fame, put much of their energy into obtaining these things. However, once they acquire these items, they often realize that they are not truly happy with themselves, because they sacrificed things such as family, friends, health and other aspects of their being.
Others see God’s kingdom as heaven on earth. Their life may be full of love, gratitude, and happiness. Others may see their physical life here on earth as hell with none of the prior mentioned and therefore are looking forward to hopefully reaching a better place in the hereafter. The famous philosopher Confucius is thought to have said that we should not put focus on the afterlife, because we don’t understand much about it. Instead, we should focus on our everyday life here in the present. I take this further to mean that we can choose to believe that the Kingdom of God is here right now, in our mind and body here in the physical world. My understanding is that the state of our thoughts at the very time of our passing is of the upmost importance. What we do or don’t do here on Earth within our physical lifetimes, can and will affect what happens to our soul or consciousness after our physical being expires. I have personally been exposed to many people that are most concerned about what may happen in their next life, with very little concern about how they live this current physical life. And others, who care only about their wants and desires of what is in front of them, with no concerns for what may come next. We may indeed die and go to a place of heaven or hell, based upon how we live our lives. If we strive to live a “heavenly-like” life, we may be able to take that peacefulness, joy, and bliss with us to whatever the next phase we have earned. Consequently, if we live a life full of hell in anger, hatred, suffering and regret, we very well may bring that negative energy to whatever that next place may be.
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I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, stress management, qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage, and Daoyin (yoga).
I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses and individuals that see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population. I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:
There is often debate as to what is a philosophy, versus that which is a religion. I have come to understand that there are fundamental differences between the two, that are rooted in the goals, nature, and methods of each system. Religion seems to focus mostly on spiritual awareness through understanding and moral guidance, whereas philosophy embodies more broad topics such as science, logic, politics, and art. Philosophy looks to find truth in empirical and logical evidence, while religion usually accepts faith as valid evidence. Philosophy can be a broader, and more general field, where religion usually involves specific sets of beliefs and practices within a group. Philosophical aspects often appear within religions and consequently philosophical discussions about religious topics. The relationship between philosophy and religion can be complementary, where each can offer a unique perspective of the human experience. I write about this topic as I have found that individuals who have some type of relationship with either a life philosophy or religion, often have a stronger sense of purpose, meaning and gratitude beyond themselves. This often leads to a healthier and happier life. Also, association with a religion in while aligning with a philosophical system need not be mutually exclusive to one another. In various parts of the world where people are free to worship and live as they may, one can be a Christian, Buddhist and Taoist if they so choose.
Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are three of the most commonly practiced belief systems that are often labeled as philosophies, religions or even sometimes as both. The following is a summary of their origins and tenets:
The 8-spoked wheel is often seen as a symbol for Buddhism.
Buddhism:
Origin:
Buddhism was founded in the 6th century BCE by Buddha (563-483 BCE), also named Siddhartha Gautama, in ancient India which is today Nepal.
Siddhartha was a prince who gave up his privileged life in order to better understand the nature of human suffering and to seek enlightenment or nirvana.
Core Tenets:
The Four Noble Truths define the nature of suffering and a path to reduce its presence:
The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Buddhism acknowledges the existence of suffering and dissatisfaction in life. This suffering can be physical, emotional, or mental.
The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): Buddhism asserts that the root cause of suffering is craving or attachment (tanha) to things that are impermanent. This attachment leads to suffering because everything in the world is subject to change and eventual loss.
The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): Buddhism teaches that it is possible to end suffering by letting go of attachment and craving. When one ceases to cling to impermanent things, suffering can be extinguished.
The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga): Buddhism offers a practical path called the Eightfold Path that leads to the cessation of suffering. This path consists of ethical and mental practices, such as right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
The Eight-fold Path provides a guide towards ethical and mental development needed to achieve enlightenment (Nirvana):
Right views
Right aspirations
Right speech
Right conduct
Right livelihood
Right endeavor
Right mindfulness
Right meditation
Goal:
The ultimate goal in Buddhism is to attain Nirvana, where there is a state of liberation from the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth also known as Samsara.
The taijitsu is often associated with Taoism and its concept of yin & yang.
Taoism:
Origin:
Taoism, or sometimes Daoism, thought to have originated from Lao Tzu and his foundational text of the Tao Te Ching (The Way and Its Power), in China in the 6th century BCE.
Core Tenets:
Main focus is upon trying to live in accordance to the Tao (the Way), which is thought to be the indefinable, fundamental force that unites all and everything in the universe.
Another main principle is that of Wu Wei (effortless action), where one strives to live in harmony within the natural flow of the Tao rather than be subject to it.
Ying & yang focuses upon the unity and duality inherent in all seeming opposites, such as: night-day, male-female, good-evil, positive-negative, etc.
Goal:
Taoist philosophy strives to have the individual exist in a state of balance and harmony with the Tao, in order to align within the natural order of things, rather than imposing one’s own will upon nature and the universe as a whole.
The Chinese character for water is often associated with Confucianism.
Confucianism:
Origin:
Confucianism originated in China and was founded by Confucius (also known as Kong Fuzi) (551-479 BCE).
Confucius was primarily concerned with understanding of social order and its issues of ethics, morality, and the proper conduct of people living in society.
Core Tenets:
Sacred texts of the Wu Ching (Five Classics) include the I Ching (Book of Changes), the Lun-Yu (The Analects)
Emphasis is upon a moral code of:
Li: A code of moral/social conduct
Jen: Compassion/benevolence towards others
Yi: Righteousness
Te: Virtue
Xiao: Filial piety
The importance of social harmony and the cultivation of moral character through education and self-cultivation.
Emphasis upon the “Golden Rule” of “do not do unto others what you would not desire yourself.”
Goal:
Confucianism focuses upon establishing and maintaining a harmoniously functioning, well-ordered society through the virtuous persons who can fulfill their roles and responsibilities for the greater good of all.
From my research, there is no historical evidence that supports that the founders of Buddhism (Siddhartha Gautama), Taoism (Lao Tzu), and Confucianism (Confucius) had ever met one another, crossed paths or had interactions during their lifetimes. All three of these individuals had lived in different times and places. Based upon the geographical distances as well as cultural differences between them, it is quite unlikely that these founders could have shared any direct experiences or even knowledge of each other’s existence.
These traditions often share some of the same philosophical ideas. Similarities in philosophical topics cultivated by these systems are most likely due to common exploration of universal ethical and existential questions during their times, rather than direct interactions or encounters among the founders. These systems do also have unique differences in their goals, teachings, methods, traditions, and approaches to life.
Comparisons between the three systems:
Basic Goals:
Buddhism: understanding the self.
Taoism: understanding the self in relation to all else.
Confucianism: understanding the self and the relationship to society.
Geographic Origins:
Buddhism: India
Taoism: China
Confucianism: China
Founders:
Buddhism: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
Taoism: Often associated with Lao Tzu
Confucianism: Confucius
Central Concepts:
Buddhism: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, nirvana
Taoism: Tao, wu wei, yin & yang
Confucianism: Li, Jen, Te, Yi, Xiao
Ultimate Goal:
Buddhism: Nirvana
Taoism: Harmony with the Tao
Confucianism: Social harmony through moral character and cultivation
Perspective on Life:
Buddhism: reduce suffering, detach from desires.
Taoism: alignment and harmony with the Tao
Confucianism: ethical conduct and social responsibilities
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I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, stress management, qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage, and Daoyin (yoga).
I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses and individuals that see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population. I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:
Author Frank White first introduced the “overview effect” in his 1987 book “The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution”. White had interviews with dozens of astronauts regarding their time in space, finding that many of them had experienced an alteration of their consciousness upon viewing the Earth from such a unique and distant perspective. White explained that the overview effect as being a “state of cognitive dissonance” where astronauts are faced with recognizing the reality of their existence as being a small part of a immense and interconnected universe. This immediate understanding can manifest into various cognitive changes such as:
A sense of astonishment, sublime and wonder: Some astronauts have commented about being overwhelmed by seeing the beauty, as well as fragility of the Earth when viewed from outer space.
An increased sense of interconnectedness: Some interviewed astronauts have reported experiencing feeling a deeper connection to all life on Earth as they have come to view humanity as but a single species instead of separate races, countries, or groups.
A re-calibration of priorities: Those astronauts that have experienced this effect have commented that they often feel a newfound appreciation for the importance of being good stewards of our environment, as well as nations needing to work together for the benefit of the Earth as a whole.
Coincidentally, television space traveler William Shatner of Star Trek fame, did travel in 2021 into space with the invitation from Blue Origin and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos. Shatner too did experience this phenomenon of overwhelming emotion and realization that the Earth, as most of us know it, is not all that we think it is, as sometimes being the center of the universe. Instead, Shatner and others have come to truly see the Earth as a small part of the universe.
As space travel and exploration becomes more feasible as a reality for non-traditional astronauts, travel off-planet may be another method to achieve some level of ego death. This paradigm shift could possibly lead to a more caring, peaceful and perhaps sustainable future for all of humanity. Ego death is a realization that someone comes to understand that they are not truly the things that they may identified with. Examples of this would be the brilliant doctor who becomes injured and must surrender their control to another to possibly save their life. In this discussion of the overview effect, an individual who sees the Earth in perspective to the rest of the universe, might experience their own ego death as they become humbled by seeing the brilliance of the universe.
To think that this on Earth is all that there is, I find to be quite narrow-minded as well as narcissistic. While standing on the Earth and gazing up at the night sky with no surrounding light pollution, have you never felt a similar type of overview effect upon seeing literally an infinite number of stars?
Koren, M. (2023). Seeing Earth from Space Will Change You. Atlantic Monthly, 331(1), 22–25.
Meijer, Dirk. (2014). The Universe as a Cyclic Organized Information System: John Wheeler’s World Revisited. NeuroQuantology. 13. 10.14704/nq.2015.13.1.798.
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I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, stress management, qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage, and Daoyin (yoga).
I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses and individuals that see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population. I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:
The concept of the “Hero’s Journey” comes from Joseph Campbell who was a writer, mythologist, and lecturer. Campbell introduced this idea in his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” which was published in 1949. The theme underlying in the Hero’s Journey is that many myths, stories and legends, from differing cultures throughout the world and throughout history follow a similar pattern or structure. Psychologist Carl Jung referred to this innate relationship as the collective unconscious. The Hero’s Journey consists of roughly 12 distinct stages for a “chosen one” to navigate. Specific details may vary from culture to culture, but the overall structure remains fairly consistent. Examples would be that of Gilgamesh (Sumerian/Babylonian Mythology), King Arthur (Arthurian Legends), The Odyssey and Jason and the Argonauts (Greek Mythology), The Ramayana (Hindu Mythology), Sun Wukong (Journey to the West – Chinese Mythology), Inanna’s Descent to the Underworld (Sumerian Mythology), and Siegfried, the dragon slayer (Germanic mythology).
This structure of storytelling has also been popularized by modern authors of books and movies such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and maybe most widely known of “Star Wars“. George Lucas of Star Wars was inspired by Campbell’s writings, but the two did not meet until well after Lucas had already produced his famous movies. I think that if we look carefully and reflect inward, we may be able to also see the pattern of the hero’s journey in each of our own lives. Why is this important? Because seeing our lives from this perspective can help to add clarity and focus to the unique meaning and purpose that we all possess but are not always aware of.
I find Sam Keen and Anne Valley Fox’s Your Mythic Journey published in 1973, to be quite relevant to current cultural and societal issues. Specifically, that of myths being defined as lies or something opposite of being factual. I too used to think of myths as lies or mere stories to entertain us, until becoming educated otherwise to this stigma. Keen elaborates that myths are a strict set of interconnected stories, customs, rituals, and rites, that serve to inform us while providing a sense of meaning, purpose, and direction to an individual, a family, a community, or culture. Keen expresses that telling of myths, ancient as well as modern have fallen to the wayside due to advances in technologies and the evolution of cultures and societies. When particular things can be seen as “good,” there is always the other opposite or contrasting perspective of there existing some amount of “bad.” While technology might be a factor in people choosing to not write their stories down as much as in years ago or choose to commit them to memory, because they know that they can always just go look them up on the internet. The other side of this coin is that modern technology has opened up the ability for more people to access other nations’ information bases and various cultures’ stories, myths, and knowledge, literally from the comfort and convenience of their own homes. In years past if someone cared to pursue learning about a particular culture, they might very well be best informed if they were to travel across the oceans to find a source that was willing to share. Today we just pick up our smartphone to travel in our thoughts to the other side of the world.
I have been immersed in a Taoist lifestyle for over 40 years, both from my martial arts and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) background and study of this philosophy. With this in mind, I am drawn to see the yin and yang or the balance and contrast, in all things. This concept of yin and yang dates back thousands of years where Taoism has its origins around 500 BCE. Perhaps Taoism came about from the passing of myths to one another, or some myths may have come about from those having studied Taoism. Or maybe both are true, a debate for another discussion. Keen’s words have yin and yang written deep throughout them, as he hints that the contrast between heroes and enemies, is what gives meaning to either side.
Keen later goes on to speak of the inner voices of our ancestors and those around us, that often run through our minds. I have come to know this as our inner dialogue, and when not in check, referred to as the “monkey mind” that is constantly and incessantly jumping from one thought or story to another. Organizing our stories and our myths in our own mind is the challenge. These stories can offer us purpose and meaning to each of us in our own individual and unique ways in spite of standing on the shoulders of those who came before us with their stories and myths. Current popular culture in the US seems somewhat focused upon people needing to come to some realization of “their truth” as opposed to what Keen speaks of as “their story.” Can various different people having the same experience have different truths? I think not, but they can definitely have different stories of their own unique experience. An underlying theme that Keen speaks of is the need for someone to stand in the shoes of another, if they are to truly understand another’s story, whether in their myths, culture, traditions, symbols, etc.
I find Keen’s comments about how few people really know the depth of their own thoughts and imaginations quite accurate. I see more people concerned with what is going on within the virtual computer-generated and online social worlds outside of themselves, rather than understanding what is happening within their own minds. Some people can claim to know about driving a race car in virtual reality when they actually only know how to drive a standard vehicle in the physical world. Learning to understand and differentiate our public and private selves or “discovering our many selves” as Keen states, is a bit of foreshadowing of what I read later as some strong Carl Jung influences of personas, and archetypes as well as Sigmund Freud’s concepts of the id and ego.
The 12 steps of the hero’s journey:
The Ordinary World The hero, uneasy, uncomfortable or unaware, is introduced sympathetically so the audience can identify with the situation or dilemma. The hero is shown against a background of environment, heredity, and personal history. Some kind of polarity in the hero’s life is pulling in different directions and causing stress.
The call to adventure Something shakes up the situation, either from external pressures or from something rising up from deep within, so the hero must face the beginnings of change.
Refusal of the call The hero feels the fear of the unknown and tries to turn away from the adventure, however briefly. Alternately, another character may express the uncertainty and danger ahead.
Meeting with the mentor The hero comes across a seasoned traveler of the worlds who gives him or her training, equipment, or advice that will help on the journey. Or the hero reaches within to a source of courage and wisdom.
Crossing the threshold At the end of Act One, the hero commits to leaving the Ordinary World and entering a new region or condition with unfamiliar rules and values.
Tests, allies, and enemies The hero is tested and sorts out allegiances in the Special World.
Approach The hero and newfound allies prepare for the major challenge in the Special world.
The ordeal Near the middle of the story, the hero enters a central space in the Special World and confronts death or faces his or her greatest fear. Out of the moment of death comes a new life.
The reward The hero takes possession of the treasure won by facing death. There may be celebration, but there is also danger of losing the treasure again.
The road back About three-fourths of the way through the story, the hero is driven to complete the adventure, leaving the Special World to be sure the treasure is brought home. Often a chase scene signals the urgency and danger of the mission.
The resurrection At the climax, the hero is severely tested once more on the threshold of home. He or she is purified by a last sacrifice, another moment of death and rebirth, but on a higher and more complete level. By the hero’s action, the polarities that were in conflict at the beginning are finally resolved.
Return with the elixir The hero returns home or continues the journey, bearing some element of the treasure that has the power to transform the world as the hero has been transformed.
I feel that we are all pursuing a hero’s journey on some level as we all manage and cope with our daily trials and tribulations. However, it is up to the individual to reach some inner clarity and cultivation of character to better understand how this concept applies to their story.
References:
Campbell, J. (1949). The hero with a thousand faces. Pantheon Books.
Keen, S. (1989). Your Mythic Journey: Finding Meaning in Your Life Through Writing and Storytelling. TarcherPerigee.
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I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, stress management, qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage, and Daoyin (yoga).
I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses and individuals that see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population. I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:
United Martial Arts Association 