The Dalai Lama: Questions & Answers

Question: How do you view yourself?

Answer: I always consider myself as a simple Buddhist monk. I feel that is the real me. I feel that the Dalai Lama as a temporal ruler is a man-made institution. As long as the people accept the Dalai Lama, they will accept me. But being a monk is something which belongs to me. No one can change that. Deep down inside, I always consider myself a monk, even in my dreams. So naturally I feel myself as more of a religious person. Even in my daily life, I can say that I spend 80% of my time on spiritual activities and 20% on Tibet as a whole. The spiritual or religious life is something I know and have great interest in. I have some kind of confidence in it, and thus I want to study it more. Regarding politics, I have no modern education except for a little experience. It is a big responsibility for someone not so well equipped. This is not voluntary work but something that I feel I must pursue because of the hope and trust that the Tibetan people place on me.

Question: Will you be the last Dalai Lama?

Answer: Whether the institution of the Dalai Lama remains or not depends entirely on the wishes of the Tibetan people. It is for them to decide. I made this clear as early as in 1969. Even in 1963, after four years in exile, we made a draft constitution for a future Tibet which is based on the democratic system. The constitution clearly mentions that the power of the Dalai Lama can be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Assembly. At the present moment, the Dalai Lama's institution is useful to the Tibetan culture and the Tibetan people. Thus, if I were to die today, I think the Tibetan people would choose to have another Dalai Lama. In the future, if the Dalai Lama's institution is no longer relevant or useful and our present situation changes, then the Dalai Lama's institution will cease to exist.Personally, I feel the institution of the Dalai Lama has served its purpose. More recently, since 2001 we now have a democratically elected head of our administration, the Kalon Tripa. The Kalon Tripa runs the daily affairs of our administration and is in charge of our political establishment. Half jokingly and half seriously, I state that I am now in semi-retirement.

Question: Do you think you will ever be able to return to Tibet?

Answer: Yes, I remain optimistic that I will be able to return to Tibet. China is in the process of changing. If you compare China today to ten or twenty years ago, there is tremendous change. China is no longer isolated. It is part of the world community. Global interdependence, especially in terms of economics and environment make it impossible for nations to remain isolated. Besides, I am not seeking separation from China. I am committed to my middle-way approach whereby Tibet remains within the People's Republic of China enjoying a high degree of self-rule or autonomy. I firmly believe that this is of mutual benefit both to the Tibetans as well as to the Chinese. We Tibetans will be able to develop Tibet with China's assistance, while at the same time preserving our own unique culture, including spirituality, and our delicate environment. By amicably resolving the Tibetan issue, China will be able to contribute to her own unity and stability.

Question: The Chinese have recently stated that the next Dalai Lama will be born in Tibet and chosen by them. What do you have to say about this?

Answer: If the present situation regarding Tibet remains the same, I will be born outside Tibet away from the control of the Chinese authorities. This is logical. The very purpose of a reincarnation is to continue the unfinished work of the previous incarnation. Thus if the Tibetan situation still remains unsolved it is logical I will be born in exile to continue my unfinished work. Of course the Chinese will still choose their own Dalai Lama and we Tibetans will choose our own according to tradition. It will be similar to the present situation of the Panchen Lama. There is a Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama and there is the Panchen Lama chosen by me. One is paraded to serve its master's purposes and the other is the Panchen Lama accepted in the hearts of all the Tibetans.

Question: What are your commitments?

Answer: In general, I always state that I have three commitments in life. Firstly, on the level of a human being, my first commitment is the promotion of human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline. All human beings are the same. We all want happiness and do not want suffering. Even people who do not believe in religion recognize the importance of these human values in making their lives happier. I remain committed to talk about the importance of these human values and share them with everyone I meet. Secondly, on the level of a religious practitioner, my second commitment is the promotion of religious harmony and understanding amongst different religious traditions. Despite philosophical differences, all major world religions have the same potential to create better human beings. It is therefore important for all religious traditions to respect one another and recognize the value of each other's respective traditions. Thirdly, I am a Tibetan and carry the name of the Dalai Lama. Tibetans place their trust in me. Therefore, my third commitment is to the Tibetan issue. I have a responsibility to act the free spokesperson of the Tibetans in their struggle for justice. As far as this third commitment, it will cease to exist once a mutually beneficial solution is reached between the Tibetans and Chinese. However, my first two commitments I will carry on till my last breath.

Question: What were your first feelings on being recognized as the Dalai Lama? What did you think had happened to you?

Answer: I was very happy. I liked it a lot. Even before I was recognized, I often told my mother that I was going to Lhasa. I used to straddle a window sill in our house pretending that I was riding a horse to Lhasa. I was a very small child at the time, but I remember this clearly. I had a strong desire to go there. Another thing I didn't mention in my autobiography is that after my birth, a pair of crows came to roost on the roof of our house. They would arrive each morning, stay for while and then leave. This is of particular interest as similar incidents occurred at the birth of the First, Seventh, Eighth and Twelfth Dalai Lamas. After their births, a pair of crows came and remained. In my own case, in the beginning, nobody paid attention to this. Recently, however, perhaps three years ago, I was talking with my mother, and she recalled it. She had noticed them come in the morning; depart after a time, and then the next morning, come again. Now, the evening the after the birth of the First Dalai Lama, bandits broke into the family's house. The parents ran away and left the child. The next day when they returned and wondered what had happened to their son, they found the baby in a corner of the house. A crow stood before him, protecting him. Later on, when the First Dalai Lama grew up and developed in his spiritual practice, he made direct contact during meditation with the protective deity, Mahakala. At this time, Mahakala said to him, Somebody like you who is upholding the Buddhist teaching needs a protector like me. Right on the day of your birth, I helped you.  So we can see, there is definitely a connection between Mahakala, the crows, and the Dalai Lamas.

Another thing that happened, which my mother remembers very clearly, is that soon after I arrived in Lhasa, I said that my teeth were in a box in a certain house in the Norbulinka. When they opened the box, they found a set of dentures which had belonged to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. I pointed to the box, and said that my teeth were in there, but right now I don't recall this at all. The new memories associated with this body are stronger. The past has become smaller, vaguer. Unless I made a specific attempt to develop such a memory, I don't recall it.

Question: Do you remember your birth or the womb state before?

Answer: At this moment, I don't remember. Also, I can't recall if at that time when I was a small child, I could remember it. However, there was one slight external sign perhaps. Children are usually born with their eyes closed. I was born with my eyes open. This may be some slight indication of a clear state of mind in the womb.

Question: Between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, after you assumed temporal power, did you change?

Answer: Yes, I changed a little bit. I underwent a lot of happiness and pain. Within that and from growing, gaining more experience, from the problems that arose and the suffering, I changed. The ultimate result is the man you see now (laughter).

Question: How about when you just entered adolescence? Many people have a difficult time defining themselves as an adult. Did this happen to you?

Answer: No. My life was very much in a routine. Two times a day I studied. Each time I studied for an hour, and then spent the rest of the time playing (laughter). Then at the age of 13, I began studying philosophy, definitions, debate. My study increased, and I also studied calligraphy. It was all in a routine though, and I got used to it. Sometimes, there were vacations. These were very comfortable and happy. Losang Samten, my immediate elder brother, was usually at school, but during these times he would come to visit. Also, my mother would come occasionally and bring special bread from our province of Amdo. Very thick and delicious. She made herself.

Question: Are there any of your predecessors in whom you have a special interest or with whom you have a particular affinity?

Answer: The Thirteenth Dalai Lama. He brought a lot of improvement to the standards of study in the monastic colleges. He gave great encouragement to the real scholars. He made it impossible for people to go up in the religious hierarchy, becoming an abbot and so forth, without being totally qualified. He was very strict in this respect. He also gave tens of thousands of monks' ordinations. There were his two main religious achievements. He didn't give many initiations, or many lectures. Now, with respect to the country, he had great thought and consideration for statecraft. The outlying districts in particular. How they should be governed and so forth. He cared very much how to run the government more efficiently. He had great concern about our borders and that type of thing.

Question: During the course of your life, what have been your greatest personal lessons or internal challenges? Which realizations and experiences have had the most effect on your growth as an individual?

Answer: Regarding religious experience, some understanding of shunya (emptiness: lack of independent self nature) some feeling, some experience and mostly bodhichitta, altruism. It has helped a lot. In some ways, you could say that it has made me into a new person, a new man. I am still progressing. Trying. It gives you inner strength, courage, and it is easier to accept situations. That's one of the greatest experiences.

Question: When you became a refugee, what helped you gain this strength? Was it the loss of your position and country, the fact of everyone suffering around you. Were you called on to lead your people in a different way than you had been accustomed to?

Answer: Being a refugee is really a desperate, dangerous situation. At that time, everyone deals with reality. It is not the time to pretend things are beautiful. That's something. You feel involved with reality. In peace time, everything goes smoothly. Even if there is a problem, people pretend that things are good. During a dangerous period, when there's a dramatic change, then there's no scope to pretend that everything is fine. You must accept that bad is bad. Now when I left the Norbulinka, there was danger. We were passing very near the Chinese military barracks. It was just on the other side of the river, the Chinese check post there. You see, we had definite information two or three weeks before I left, that the Chinese were fully prepared to attack us. It was only a question of the day and hour.

Question: About you being the incarnation of the bodhisattva of infinite compassion, Avalokiteshvara. How do you personally feel about this? Is it something you have an unequivocal view of one way or another?

Answer: It is difficult for me to say definitely. Unless I am engaged in a meditative effort, such as following my life back, breath by breath, I couldn't say exactly. We believe that there are four types of rebirth. One is the common type wherein, a being is helpless to determine his or her rebirth, but only reincarnates in dependence on the nature of past actions. The opposite is that of an entirely enlightened Buddha, who simply manifests a physical form to help others. In this case, it is clear that the person is Buddha. A third is one who, due to past spiritual attainment, can choose, or at least influence, the place and situation of rebirth. The fourth is called a blessed manifestation. In this the person is blessed beyond his normal capacity to perform helpful functions, such as teaching religion. For this last type of birth, the person's wishes in previous lives to help others must have been very strong. They obtain such empowerment. Though some seem more likely than others, I cannot definitely say which I am.

Question (follow up): From the viewpoint then of the realistic role you play as Chenrezi, how do you feel about it? Only a few people have been considered, in one way or another, divine. Is the role a burden or a delight?

Answer: It is very helpful. Through this role I can be of great benefit to people. For this reason I like it: I'm at home with it. It's clear that it is very helpful to people, and that I have the karmic relationship to be in this role. Also, it is clear that there is a karmic relationship with the Tibetan people in particular. Now you see, you may consider that under the circumstances, I am very lucky. However, behind the word luck, there are actual causes or reasons. There is the karmic force of my ability to assume this role as well as the force of my wish to do so. In regard to this, there is a statement in the great Shantideva's Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds which says, As long as space exists, and as long as there are migrators in cyclic existence, may I remain removing their sufferings. I have that wish in this lifetime, and I know I had that wish in past lifetimes.

Question (follow up): With such a vast goal as your motivation, how do you deal with your personal limitations, your limits as a man?

Answer: Again, as it says in Shantideva, If the blessed Buddha cannot please all sentient beings, then how could I. Even an enlightened being, with limitless knowledge and power and the wish to save all others from suffering, cannot eliminate the individual karma of each being.

Question (follow up): Is this what keeps you from being overwhelmed when you see the suffering of the six million Tibetans, who on one level, you are responsible for?

Answer: My motivation is directed towards all sentient beings. There is no question, though, that on a second level, I am directed towards helping Tibetan. If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.

Question (follow up): A lot of people say this, but few really live by it. Did you always feel this way, or did you have to learn it?

Answer: It is developed from inner practice. From a broader perspective, there will always be suffering. On one level, you are bound to meet with the effects of the unfavorable actions you yourself have previously committed in body, speech or mind. Then also, your very own nature is that of suffering. There's not just one factor figuring into my attitude, but many different ones. From the point of view of the actual entity producing the suffering, as I have said, if it is fixable, then there is no need to worry. If not, there is no benefit to worrying. From the point of view of the cause, suffering is based on past unfavorable actions accumulated by oneself and no other. These karmas are not wasted. They will bear their fruit. One will not meet with the effects of actions that one has not done oneself. Finally, from the viewpoint of the nature of suffering itself, the aggregates of the mind and body have as their actual nature, suffering. They serve as a basis for suffering. As long as you have them you are susceptible to suffering. From a deep point of view, while we don't have our independence and are living in someone else's country, we have a certain type of suffering, but when we return to Tibet and gain our independence, then there will be other types of suffering. So, this is just the way it is. You might think that I'm pessimistic, but I am not. This is how, through Buddhist teaching and advice, we handle situations. When fifty thousand people in the Shakya clan were killed one day, Shakyamuni Buddha, their clansman, didn't suffer at all. He was leaning against a tree, and he was saying, I am a little sad today because fifty thousand of my clansmen were killed. But he, himself, remained unaffected. Like that, you see (laughter). This was the cause and effect of their own karma. There was nothing he could do about it. These sorts of thoughts make me stronger; more active. It is not at all a case of losing one's strength of mind or will in the face of the pervasive nature of suffering.

 original link: http://www.dalailama.com/biography/questions--answers

The Dalai Lama Shows Faith in Youth of 21st Century

Phagwara — The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama honored the 5th Convocation of Lovely Professional University as the chief guest in Punjab, On Saturday, November 14, 2015.

Recipient of a grand traditional Tibetan welcome, including performances by Tashi Shoelpa and Yak dancers, he was also presented with a Guard of Honor led by a sword wielding Sikh officer before whom he took the salute.

Responding to attendees at the press conference, he mentioned his three commitments: the promotion of basic human values and an understanding of the oneness of humanity to further human happiness; the fostering of inter-religious harmony, the preservation of Tibetan culture and the protection of Tibet's natural environment. Amongst several questions he answered one on the Paris attacks too, "Despite its many spectacular developments, the 20th century was also a period of unprecedented violence springing from the idea that problems can best be solved by force. Much of the violence of the early 21st century can be seen as spilling over from that. However, no wants to face problems. We only want to live a peaceful life, but we need to pursue a systematic programme of education, from KG to university, to bring this about. If we can do this, the 21st century could become a period of peace and dialogue."

Speaking briefly to the Tibetan and Bhutanese students, he emphasized on concentrating on "what we have in common, rather than dwelling on the secondary differences between us. As a child we do not care about status, faith, money etc., we only make friends with fellow human beings, this is what I always remind myself."

He shared his journey from labor for Tibetan affairs when he was 16 to when he relinquished political responsibility when he retired in 2011. His Holiness advised that it is not necessary to be a monk or nun to study Buddhist philosophy and encouraged them to take an interest in logic and knowledge. Furthermore, he encouraged the students to cultivate warmheartedness and live an ethical life.

His Holiness later joined the Governor of Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh, Kaptan Singh Solanki to take part in the academic procession.

During his address to the audience, His Holiness said, "we are all the same as human beings, mentally, emotionally and physically, which is why it is important that we acknowledge the oneness of humanity. We all experience pleasure and pain. We all want to lead a happy life and indeed we all have a right to do so. We have to consider that we all belong to one human family. On that basis there is no ground for enmity between us, no room for killing, bullying or exploitation. There is no ground for looking down on others, because we are all equal as human beings. If we give in to our destructive emotions we only think of ourselves. We should feel fed up with the violence and killing going on around us. If a human being is killed by an animal, it's sad, but if a human being is killed by another human being it's unthinkable. We have to make a special effort to think of each other as fellow human beings, as our brothers and sisters."

Sharing his times with text books and commending the completion of their degrees, he told the students,"I'd like to thank you for inviting me here and for bestowing on me this Honorary Doctorate, particularly as I haven't done the study to earn it, unlike your degrees that you've earned as a result of your own efforts. Of course, I have studied in my own way. I began to memorize texts at the age of 8, but I am something of a lazy student and I only studied because my teacher kept a whip to impress me with. I began to study out of fear, but as I studied more I eventually developed a genuine interest. We have this marvelous brain and it is immensely important that we learn to use it to the full.

"What we need," His Holiness declared, "is a sense of secular ethics. Secular in the sense that it is understood here in India of respect for all religious traditions and even for the views of those who have no faith."

Reinstating his faith in the carriers of baton of the 21st century, he suggested students to channelize negative emotions for constructive and well intentioned tasks. He ended by suggesting the audience to lend his words a thought and "remain warm-hearted, always".


original link and photos http://thetibetpost.com/en/news-in-focus/4798-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-shows-faith-in-youth-of-21st-century

Are Dream Catchers Proper?

In this blog I hope to convey the paranormal aspects of those who use Dream catchers.  I have been inside the homes of people who have this for what they believe help with aspects of ‘blessings and protection’ as they have conveyed to me.

According to Wikipedia the Dream catchers have long been a part of Native American religion, lore, and art, originating with the Ojibwe, or Chippewa, and the Lakota, a confederation of seven Sioux tribes.   In some Native American cultures, a dreamcatcher (or dream catcher; Lakota: iháŋbla gmunka, Ojibwe: asabikeshiinh, the inanimate form of the word for "spider" or Ojibwe: bawaajige nagwaagan meaning "dream snare") is a handmade object based on a willow hoop, on which is woven a loose net or web. The dreamcatcher is then decorated with sacred items such as feathers and beads from the base of the circle.

The Ojibwe people have an ancient legend about the origin of the dreamcatcher.  Storytellers speak of the Spider Woman, known as Asibikaashi; she took care of the children and the people on the land. Eventually, the Ojibwe Nation spread to the corners of North America and it became difficult for Asibikaashi to reach all the children. So the mothers and grandmothers would weave magical webs for the children, using willow hoops and sinew, or cordage made from plants.

As one might suspect, the purpose of a dream catcher is to catch dreams—that is, to trap bad or evil dreams and channel good dreams to the sleeper. Dream catchers are usually placed in a window or above the bed, allowing the good dreams to drip down the feathers onto the sleeper below.

So do you see what this says above regarding the lore?  A spider woman who took care of children, really?  Does anyone with a sense of logic even see this?  Sounds very creepy and eerie to me with nothing more than a demonic force which is behind this aspect.  Especially if those of Native American heritage know of God and HIS son the Lord Jesus Christ.  Which makes this even worse for those who would even own or put ‘faith’ into this cursed object because of the intention of ‘magical’ aspects.

Essentially, the Dream catcher is intended to manipulate the spirit world.  Really, an object to manipulate the spirit world?  Why not then just hang an Ouija board over your bed or window to ask for some ‘magical’ aspect to protect you?  What I am doing here is making light of the dangers of using something like this within your life let alone your home.

Some people believe in the efficacy of Dream Catchers while others are unsure but are superstitious enough to keep one in the bedroom.  If you are Christian you are not to have anything to do with superstitions.  Others see dream catchers as part of a cultural history or a piece of art which looks good in their home or dangling from a rear-view mirror of an automobile!  These are not art, these are very powerful pieces of demonic objects which give demonic forces the rights to be in your presence and home.

Therefore, knowing the background of what Dream Catchers are about and their talisman-like use, people who profess Christ Jesus in their lives are to have nothing to do with them.  Is such concern warranted about this object?  Let’s examine a passage found in the Bible.  In 1 Corinthians 8 we find the apostle Paul is speaking to Christians living in an extremely pagan culture ruled by superstition, magic, and sacrifices, all done in the name of various idols.  The sacrifices were a particular concern, for the meat sacrificed was then sold at market.  Some Christians felt eating sacrificed meat was endorsing the sacrifice and therefore inappropriate for a Christian; others believed that, since they were not worshiping the idol themselves, it was not wrong.

So what did the Apostle Paul’s guidance offer these people?  Here is what the guidance implies: “There may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—yet for us there is one God. . . . However, not all possess this knowledge.  But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled” (1 Corinthians 8:5–7).

Ultimately, “food will not commend us to God.  We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do,” yet we must be careful “that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:8, 9).  Just as it was with meat associated with idolatry in the 1st century, so it is with superstitious objects that we have today like a ‘Dream Catcher’.

The Christian needs to understand that false gods are nothing and that a Dream Catcher has no power in itself. Therefore the believer in Christ Jesus could easily see a Dream Catcher as nothing more than a craft or a cultural expression of ancestry.  However, before one buys a Dream Catcher and hangs it in the window, one should consider other people’s reactions to such an object.  The question becomes – “will others see it as a charm to manipulate the spirit world?”  Will someone assume the one in possession of a Dream Catcher approves of Indian religions (of pagan origins) but yet professes Christ Jesus as the Savior?

Keeping a dream catcher is a matter of conscience or free will.  Therefore as long as it is not used as a good luck charm, it might be innocent enough to some. However, consideration must be given to the very origins relating to a ‘Spider Woman’ protecting infants and young children.  To me that sounds like nothing more than Witchcraft dressed up to appear righteous.

Therefore if you are a person who has one of these objects within their home or life you just might want to reconsider. "The Dream Catchers" are often associated with the New Age movement, which is very un-Christian like.  If one truly holds to the mythology associated with Dream Catchers, I believe it very unwise to have one.

In a nutshell, one is assigning God-like power to an object. Therefore putting a created object ahead of God Almighty who created all, therefore is a sin (Rom 1:25). In essence, it is making that object an idol and can apply to all sorts of objects such as: amulets, tarot cards, crystals, horoscopes, ouija boards, a talisman, etc...

While many of you may scoff at this, I believe these things can and will open a door to evil spirits. Many Christians have reported this happening over the years.  Regarding Dream Catchers specifically, one can read testimonies from some Christians who have hung these things in their bedrooms or in other areas of their homes and had terrible nightmares as a result of this action.  Those who actually believe in the power of Dream Catchers believe they can ‘manipulate the spirit world’ and stop ‘negative energy.’  Don't you think it might be dangerous to associate with things found in the "spirit realm?"

Rev. Brad Luoma, A.A.E. Exorcist and Deliverance Minister

The Dangers About Ghost Hunting Tools Connected To Demons?

What is a Demon? A demon, daemon or fiend, is a supernatural, often malevolent being prevalent in religion, occultism, literature, fiction, mythology and folklore. The original Greek word daimon does not carry the negative connotation initially understood by implementation of the Koine δαιμόνιον (daimonion),[1] and later ascribed to any cognate words sharing the root.

Demons are “angels that sinned,” spirit creatures who rebelled against God. (2 Peter 2:4) The first angel to make himself into a demon was Satan the Devil, whom the Bible calls “the ruler of the demons.” Matthew 12:24, 26.

A Few Examples Of The Type Of Attacks

Emotions. Exaggerated emotional states: fear, anxiety, anger, panic, shame, rejection, grief that is over-extended or out of proportion, hopelessness, helplessness.
                   
The Mind. Tormenting thoughts of suicide, self-mutilation thoughts, confusion, forgetfulness, blocked memory, self hate, feelings of worthlessness and thoughts of being unloved and thoughts that God won't ever forgive you and he doesn't love you.

This is just my humble opinion on the subject of EVP's. I've witnessed serious consequences from someone having a unhealthy obsession and doing those a lot. I pray before each one I have to do for a case or investigation however, that is the only time I resort to EVP's.  I'm aware this subject has been discussed and many feel they are harmless. Maybe these cases I speak of just had bad luck but it's no different than attempting communication via ouija board or automatic writing. Just because you left a location with nothing going wrong doesn't mean all is well. Demons are very patient and I can assure you they will make themselves known at the worst possible time in your life. This is pure evil, why would anyone risk this? I had a case where said person was constantly doing these. She lost her friends and some family as she only seemed to care about was doing EVP's. At that point she could not be helped. She refused to stop doing them at any cost. Everything is not a demon afoot. That's giving them way too much credit. Being paranoid like that isn't healthy but just being aware can not hurt.

A demon is believed to be a force that can be conjured and controlled. They are also believed to have the ability to possess or inhabit the body of humans and the only way to rid the person of them is to conduct deliverance and/or Exorcism. Demons are portrayed differently in different cultures. Some believe demons to be actual physical beings that can take the form of anything, including animals. Others consider the real demons as more of a spiritual force of evil battling for one's soul. They  have been feared and written about in almost every culture in one form or another for as long as history has been recorded.

Demonic possession is a common belief involving demons using these ghost boxes that sweep through frequencies of channels and white noise. All of that stuff is new and used you taking a chance. Possession involves the act of a demon inhabiting the body of a mortal, living thing. Because Demons are believed by many to be fallen angels and the opposite of all that is good, a priest is usually called upon to perform the ceremony. Skeptics have blamed pre existing mental conditions for reported cases of possession, as opposed to demonic influence. Some cases have baffled everyone. People who are said to be possessed have been reported speaking in foreign languages that they had never even been exposed to. They often become very ill while their faces and bodies will sometimes appear to change. Possessed individuals have been known to speak in reverse dialog and injure themselves and or others.

Ouija Boards and EVP's create the same danger in my humble opinion. I have witnessed awful consequences people have to bare from playing around with these. In my opinion they are nothing more than portals to the demonic. Christ warns us about this.."Beware Of The Familiar Spirit." Our friends and loved ones are mimicked by demonic entities in a effort to trick us into offering help or becoming highly involved in keeping the communication going. This eventually allows them legal ground into our life.

It's something to be aware of I wanted to put out there. Not everything is a demon. I realize many go way too far with this. That alone could possibly put  you on their radar like the law of attraction as they say. We just need to be very careful what we get involved with and call spirit guides. Be safe.

Written Jennifer L Auld

An Important Distinction between Our Purpose…..Our Calling…..and Our Responsibilities

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

Over time I have observed that much confusion and anxiety arises when we don’t have a clear distinction in our minds between: our purpose, our calling, and prioritizing general responsibilities. Though there is overlap between these three categories, they are distinct. My belief is that, once we understand these three categories, and how the each apply to our lives, it can be a life-changing experience!

It was a discussion on Facebook regarding my passion for educating folks about the occult worldview in general, and a biblical view of Ghosts in particular, that prompted this line of thought. I hope it is helpful to you, as it has been to me.

First things first: what has God said is our purpose in life? What should be our dominant life value? I don’t think I need to talk on and on for us to see the immense practical value of knowing the correct answer to this central question. How lost a person must feel if they have no clue as to why they are here. Conversely, how liberating it is to awaken each morning KNOWING exactly what my main reason for being on this planet is…what our purpose is.

The answer is given in below text….

28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.” (Mark 12:28-34)

In response to a question as to which commandment is the most important of all, Jesus does not hesitate to quote from Deuteronomy 6. That thick, 2,000 page bible of yours can be summarized in seven words: LOVE GOD WITH ALL OF YOUR BEING. It should be noted that we first must make sure we are loving the Living God, and not some idol (the Lord is one…..Three in one)
When all of life seems topsy turvy and full of confusion, our purpose in life stands out like a huge neon billboard for all to see. What God wants most from us is to passionately love Him. It matters not who you are, our purpose is the same for all 7.3 billion people who inhabit the planet. We all share the same purpose or dominant life value (or we should) ; purpose does not differ from one person to the next as it does with another basic issue I mentioned.

Many folks wonder or even wander across the globe in search of their purpose in life, but it has already been spelled out for us by our Creator and Redeemer. Again, sadly, so many people feel empty due to not having this one, basic question clarified in their minds.

When we awake in the morning, facing whatever tasks lay ahead of us, loving God with all of our being should compel us and undergird all we think, do, and say. “So, whether you eat or drink, glorify God in whatever you do.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) God does not want business or empty religion…He wants our hearts….our minds—all of us. Our primary purpose in life is to love God with all of our being. We express this love for God directly, but also by loving our neighbor.Who is our neighbor? Everyone, starting with our biological families and moving outwards.
Loving God includes our affections. Scripture tells us that we are not merely to accept the good and reject evil. Rather, we are commanded to love that which is good and hate that which is evil. Or as ESV puts it, “Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)
 
What about our calling? That DOES differ from one person to another, and it generally is connected with our spiritual gifts. In the text below, God outlines the concept of spiritual gifts. That in itself is very significant and needs to be kept in mind if we are to function at full capacity. And it should be pointed out that pursuing our calling is a primary means by which we express our love for God…by abiding in Him while doing what we do, and loving Him through serving others, which all callings have some servant component to them.

In 1 Corinthians 12:1 Paul tells us that we shouldn’t be uninformed regarding our spiritual gifts.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually has he wills.

In this text the same Holy Spirit gives a variety of gifts. Whereas, in our purpose, it is the same for everyone, when it comes to our calling the accent is on variety (vvs 4,5, 6) Most theologians see these lists as representative but not exhaustive….not all gifts are listed. They all come from God as He sovereignly wills,v.11…they are all for the common good of the Body.

Upon conversion, every Christian is given a gift/s for God’s glory and for the common good of the Body of Christ, and brings sense of personal satisfaction….and which may extend out into the world as well.

For a full-time homemaker with young children, I think we can safely say that their calling is to focus on their family! Depending upon the person and circumstances, they may find time to find outlets for ministry to others as well. Hospitality may be an option.

What does this have to do with our callings? Everything! The Lord equips us with specific spiritual gifts to enable us to accomplish our callings.

Before I proceed, how can we discern what our spiritual gifts are? I was around during the heyday of spiritual gift inventories. They can be useful….but, if you don’t have experience in the area God has called you to, then the tests are useless. Spiritual gifts define what our spiritual job description is in the Body. To determine what our gifts are—and a direction for our calling—we need to: ask God to make His gifts/calling clear; practice those gifts frequently; and get kind but honest feedback from trusted and godly friends as to whether you excel in the area you believe you are gifted in. You should get affirmation regarding how your gift mix/calling has touched others. Whatever your calling, it should be some service that you are good at and you are motivated about. God sovereignly designed your uniqueness, and distribution of gifts. Your calling may be your full-time job, or what you do as time allows, hopefully the former.

Your calling and spiritual gifts are intertwined. Your calling is what God wants you to focus on, and He has gifted you toward that end. For example, if you are called to work with Hospice, then what spiritual gift or gift-mix do you think God would have given you? Perhaps mercy…remember, I’m convinced the lists are only representative of many unlisted vital gifts God has given us.

If I may be personal, I am convinced the Lord has called me to teaching and has gifted me toward that end. Once the pastoral teaching ministry ended, Jesus tenderly led me in another direction with my teaching gifts. I believe that the notion of ghosts is perhaps Satan’s most successful and effective deceptive scam on a global scale today. And the ocultic worldview is the greatest threat to Christianity today. So, I want to educate everyone possible.

Calling and spiritual giftedness are intertwined. Since they outline our job description in the Body, then we need to “stay in that lane” (as one friend put it)….perhaps even putting blinders on at times to keep focus in a world in such disarray.

I have been reminded recently that we need to respect each other’s callings, and not expect everyone to share the same passion that we have for our calling.

Lastly, we need to take care that we not let our calling take precedence over our purpose. Loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength is what should drive our callings….an expression of our love for God and our neighbor. Speaking as an ex-pastor, I know of numerous guys who got so busy with ministry, that they lost sight of their first love. (Revelation 2:4) However, this can happen in any calling. We need to keep the horse before the cart.

The third area we need to keep in mind, but is distinct from our purpose and calling, is the responsibility to discern where Satan is specifically attacking OUR generation.
See texts below.

12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers,1 by the mercies of God, to present your bodies bas a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good..”
32 Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.
(1 Chronicles 12:32)

Let me repeat what I said earlier: An important aspect of loving God is having our minds and affections transformed. If we are passionate about God, then we will not merely accept or agree that certain things are right and others are wrong. Instead, we will fully embrace and love what God loves, and hate what God hates….both with a passion!

The call to not be conformed to the world, but have our minds transformed by biblical truth, implies that we must be cognizant of the “spirit of the age”. Each generation of Christians is responsible for discerning the chief areas of belief and practice that are especially harmful.

“If I profess, with the loudest voice and the clearest exposition, every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christianity. Where the battle rages the loyalty of the soldier is proved; and to be steady on all the battle-field besides is mere flight and disgrace to him if he flinches at that one point.”

(This quote was first thought to be from Martin Luther—he certainly taught this prioritizing in battle—but I’m not sure who originally wrote it) I’ve always been fascinated with this comment regarding the men of Issachar—they had keen discernment of their generation, and what should be done.
I realize that the world is filled with endless expressions of evil, but we must learn two things. First, ALL Christians (as an expression of loving God with our minds) need to understand the primary issues facing the church today…especially those in leadership.

In fact, Francis Schaeffer stated that the ‘great evangelical disaster’ was that the church was not fulfilling its role in lovingly confronting evil. Consequently, we are accommodating that evil. As I said there are many evils in our world today, but we must prioritize. What I like about the “Luther” quote is that if we are not vigilant of where Satan is primarily attacking, then we are running away from the fight.

Abortion is our nation’s most heinous sin, and if we won’t stand for the sanctity of life, what will we stand for? I am acutely aware that some reading this have been deeply scarred, and my heart goes out to you. However, the bible insists that we have special care for the defenseless….who is more defenseless than an unborn baby? At the very least we should pray about this horror…and do what we can.

On a spiritual level, the primary enemy of Christianity is no longer secularism, though it is very much alive and kicking. The occult worldview is the main enemy of the church today, and as men of Issachar, we need to be understanding of our times.

My calling is to educate people regarding this threat. Your calling is something else, but without distracting you from that calling, we all have the responsibility to have at least a basic knowledge of this threat to the Body of Christ. Again, I am NOT saying that all Christians have to share my passion regarding this occult worldview in general, and the notion of ghosts in particular. A thousand times NO!! But with millions of Americans being sucked into this way of thinking—including an exploding number of children reared in bible believing homes and churches—it becomes a simple matter of compassion. While being faithful to your own calling, will you recognize the need to do a bit of homework…in order to answer your children’s or grandchildren’s questions? All I’m saying is that we need to have the compassion to understand (not be experts) the primary points where Satan is attacking.

Like our purpose, we ALL have a responsibility to understand the times in which we live. Indeed, one way we can tangibly express our love for God and neighbour is to understand the primary threat to the ‘apple of God’s eye’…the Body of Christ…the Church. I want to make clear (again) that your calling is the lane you are to run the race in. However, some issues are so essential that it is our shared, common responsibility to think about them, or we may unwittingly be conformed to the world.

Hopefully, this brief explanation of these three areas, and the need to distinguish them, has been of practical help to you.

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

The Dalai Lama Condemns Paris Attacks

DHARAMSHALA, November 16: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Sunday condemned the series of terror attacks in Paris on Friday, which killed over 130 people.

“Despite its many spectacular developments, the 20th century was also a period of unprecedented violence springing from the idea that problems can best be solved by force. Much of the violence of the early 21st century can be seen as spilling over from that. However, no wants to face problems. We only want to live a peaceful life, but we need to pursue a systematic programme of education, from KG to university, to bring this about. If we can do this, the 21st century could become a period of peace and dialogue,” His Holiness told the 5th Convocation of the Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab.

“Violence is a reaction by short-sighted, out-of-control people. At 81, I believe it cannot be resolved through prayers or government help. We have to begin the change at individual level and then move on to neighborhood and society,” said the Tibetan leader.

The Tibetan exile government, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration, also condemned the killings and offered condolences to the victims and families who lost their near ones.

The Prime Minister (Sikyong) Dr. Lobsang Sangay said, “I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims and strongly condemn the attacks undertaken by a few misguided fanatics.

“Terrorism is an attack on mankind and those who perpetrate such attacks do not represent any faith or community. It is a scourge and cannot be justified in any way through moral, political or religious affiliations,” he added.

He called on the world to act as one to ‘combat terrorism and restore security and stability in the world’ while emphasizing the need for a coordinated and collaborative international approach in the wake of terror attacks.

“The Tibetan people stand united with the people of France in this painful time.”

Paris, home to a sizeable number of Tibetan refugees, suffered the deadliest violence on its soil since World War II last week.

original link: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=36742

Does Occult Activity Lead To Violence?

Hello my friends. I hope everybody had a blessed weekend and everyone you love is healthy. I've discussed this subject before but sadly like others it needs to be brought up again because it seems to be very much on the rise and not slowing down anytime soon unfortunately.

The quickest way for demons to gain entrance in the lives of humans. This is because most occult activities involve having direct contact with demonic spirits. Whether it’s dabbling with Ouija board, Witchcraft, necromancy or any other means of consulting evil spirits, will certainly open up the door way to demonic bondage pretty quick. It is giving the legal right to enter your life.

In situations where demons enter the life of an individual through involuntary means, are usually during awful times when a person is really going through a traumatic experience, which causes intense negative emotional reactions that are above normal. This can be an overwhelming response to an experience which causes one to be completely overcome by fear, deep depression, deep sorrow, very deep emotional pains and different negative emotions which are above normal.

One form of attack by these vile things is accusation and criticism. Demons will interject condemning thoughts into the minds of believers. They absolutely love to conjure up the past with thoughts of, “You really failed at so much..” or “You really messed up”. Demons are on a mission to destroy us. They work together and strategize. They go after our weaknesses especially times when people are physically and/or emotionally weak. They attempt to affect all areas of a person’s body, soul, and spirit. They don’t play fair.

Satanism is a hard core religion. It's based on the belief that it's ok to be selfish and they practically live by that attitude. They pretty much say the world will be ruled by those who fight to win. Satanism challenges the biblical teaching every which way you can imagine. It manipulates the mind against it. Also regarding man's relationship to others. A lot of satanists believe that the strong will rule with Satan. Once they have paid their dues for lack of better words, they often make a pact with satan. Some even make a date when they will take their own lives by suicide. They believe that if they submit themselves to satan in death, they will return in another life as a stronger being and rule with him forever. According to recent statistics, fourteen young people a day take their own lives. A major concern for those who uphold a Judeo-Christian world view is that this generation is becoming detached and is losing all sense of morality. Many have lost their mooring. It is so important  for the the church,, and we as individuals, to share the message that Jesus Christ is the only possible solution to our emotional and spiritual needs.

Here is an interesting story from the NY Daily News that I posted once on another blog last year but I think it's important to post it again because it has a lot to do with the subject I'm speaking about. A lot of people may not of even known that this event took place. You can Google his name and his mug shot that shows the look in his eyes which speaks volumes. People can deny this kind of activity all they want. It still won't eradicate it from society until the return of Christ.

“A sinister shrine reveals a chilling occult dimension in the mind of the deranged gunman accused of shooting a member of Congress and 19 others.”

Gabrielle Gifford's shooting: Frightening, twisted shrine in Arizona killer Jared Lee Loughner’s yard.

The story describe a miniature alter with a replica of a skull in his backyard tent.  Could Jared Lee Loughner be suffering from something more then mental illness?  Look into the eyes of his court room picture, and you may be seeing something other then just the human intellect looking back.  Centuries ago most mental illness was blamed on demons.  Today we know better.  Yet, there may be instances when voices in the head may not be only one’s imagination. Might he also be suffering from demonic possession?

'This news story suggests Jared Loughner may have dabbled in occult rituals.  If we combine mental illness with substance abuse and then throw in potentially dangerous goetic magic, an individual can open the doorway to obsession or possession.  Ceremonial magic is serious stuff and requires self-control and self-assurance.  If the unstable play with this they can open their minds to dangerous forces.  What would be unbalanced behavior can then become violent.   These demons may be literal discarnate entitles, or they may be the psychological demons of the id.  Yet, there is a difference between crazy and evil. Looking at the image of the alleged shooter’s shrine, I wonder if this is a shrine to Santa Muerte, or “Holy Death”.  This is a Mexican figure of veneration, for those who venerate death.  The figure is that of the Grim Reaper.  It is considered a saint for lost souls and outsiders, and is used by those seeking supernatural assistance for acts that religion and other saints would certainly not approve of.  The skull replica could represent Santa Muerte, and the oranges surrounding the skull would be the offering, the sacrifice given for Holy Death’s favor.  Santa Muerte always required a price.  And what was the favor the alleged shooter requested?  Possibly, his success in assassination. In the picture I notice 3 glass encased novena style candles.  They often have labels on them designating their purpose.  I don’t see any labels on these candles.  Too bad, since if they were labeled that would be a clear clue to what the ritual had been about, and perhaps some of the motivation of the shooter." ......This article was down right scary. God only knows how many more stories like this exist that we just don't ever hear about. Just shows how very real this is and it is a real problem going on in the world.'

Let's take a look at what the book of Revelations tells us. I know it's one of the most difficult books out of all 66 in the Bible to understand and grasp. I feel the following that I'm about to share is important information regarding the subject that I'm blogging about today. It just gives us more insight.

Revelations 9:1 "and the 5th Angel sounded and a star fell from heaven unto to the earth and to him was given the key to the bottomless pit.

The Fifth Trumpet - The expulsion of Satan from heaven. The identification of Satan in this passage is not hard to make. Isaiah foresaw this development in exactly the same manner described by John. "How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, you who have weakened the nations!" (Isaiah 14:12)

Many people mistakenly believe that throughout human history, Satan has already been banished from heaven, or that he reigns in some kind of kingdom in hell. That isn't true. Satan has always had access to the Throne of God, where he serves as the principle accuser of the saints of God. "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord,
and Satan also came among them." (Job 1:4)

The following story I found on dailymail.co.uk

Sandy Hook Gunman: 'I am the devil': Former classmate reveals school gunman had 'online devil worshiping page'. devil and had an online page dedicated to Satan, a former classmate revealed, as his childhood barber recalls Adam Lanza never spoke and would stare at the floor every time he had his hair cut.

The FBI are trying to piece together his smashed up hard drive to see if his online footprint will reveal any motive for the killing, but they strongly believe he made use of devil-worshiping and suicide sites and boasted of his murder plans on message forums.

Adam Lanza's childhood barber Bob Skuba revealed today that Nancy Lanza stopped bringing her son in for haircuts a few years ago so he thought he had moved away from the area.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2250608/Adam-Lanzas-classmate-reveals-Sandy-Hook-gunman-online-devil-worshiping-page.html#ixzz3KR2PjfNO 


Written By Jennifer L Auld