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.
One way Satan gains control of the mind is when we place our trust in what many Christians mistakenly call the Holy Spirit. What I mean is "God told me to do this. . ." However, what God told them to do is completely contrary to God’s word. Jesus said in John 8:47 "He who is of God hears the words of God." God never, ever, ever leads us contrary to the Word of God. So when we receive anything we think is the Holy Spirit, the first question we must ask is "Does God’s word agree with what I believe is the Holy Spirit speaking to me?" Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:14 "And no wonder for Satan transforms himself into an angel of light."
Familiar spirits are known as demons who will present themselves to look like a loved one or someone who may have passed away in the house..... or even present themself as a helpless dead child in order to draw you in. They want to gain any kind of sympathy from mimicking a child or even somebody who's lost and stuck and can't cross over as they call it. These vile creatures will do whatever it takes. They want your SOUL! They operate under their master, Satan. They influence people to create hate and hurt. Basically, they raise hell and torment us relentlessly. They spew lies and make a person believe such horrible things of others and ourselves. To knowingly open oneself to the work of demons is an evil act: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in a fire, who practices divination or sorcery." To knowingly open yourself up to these demons and their tasks is considered a sin. They are very evil spirits. They are very convincing to make you believe it's a passed loved one making contact. Test the spirit each time. Ask if he/it believes Jesus Christ is the Son of Man and does it worship Jesus Christ? You'll know real quick then if it's real and not eyes playing tricks on you or a person seeking attention.
Demons are more familiar with your mental archives than you are. They will replay all the nasty and mean words your friends said to you in the past. You must always test any spirit or "guide" by asking if they believe Jesus is the son of God and if they were sent from God. You'll hear replays of all the hurtful things that any ex or current spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend has said to you no matter how many years have passed. Demons always remind us of anything that causes us real emotional pain. Ever wonder why you have such a hard time forgetting those heartbreaking words that someone you loved said to you as a child? Demons are helping it stay very fresh in your mind. They will always make sure those painful memories creep up at the worst possible times. This includes tough times like depression or a loved one passing away, or a broken heart. It could also be someone very close to us that we thought we trusted ending up betraying us.
Demons will attack your emotions and body at any chance they can get. They are very patient. As I have said before, they will wait till the worst possible time in your life and then attack when you are at the breaking point and can't take anymore. If they can oppress you (get you to feel emotionally depressed) they can get you to believe it’s a sign that you've done something wrong or you're not worthy of God's love for mercy. Your mind is one of the main things they attack. Satan is the father of all lies and we must always remember this. All of the horrifying conclusions we draw during the dark night as we try to fall asleep causes us to start feeling that the Lord has abandoned us, are really misinterpretations of the very real emotional and past physical and psychological events we've gone through. Due to their patience they always know when to strike -- they have perfect timing.
As humans, we are easy to deceive. It is so very vital that we learn how to discern between God and demons. It is so very important that we find a way to become familiar and admit our own weaknesses. We all fall for the negative mental flashbacks. Understand that it takes a lot of time and discomfort to learn how to catch demons in the act of deceiving you. When they see you start to make strides in this area, they will instantly react with a new strategy that is much more invasive and intense.
You will never win this spiritual battle in your own strength. You will only be successful when you draw your strength from the power base, God Himself. There you will find the strength and stamina to "stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). Satan's nature is the nature of a man that causes him to act as he does. The same principle exists as we try to better understand Satan. John identified the devil as the originator and chief practitioner of sin (1 John 3:8). He further described Satan as “that wicked one” (1 John 5:18). Jesus called Satan a liar (John 8:44) and thief (John 10:10).
We need to put the focus on the Lord's Angels! Who are 100 times more powerful than any demon or devil, I can tell you that right now. Why not put the word out on these good angels and not just fallen angels? There is so much comfort and solace there, no fear.
Angels bring assistance in times of need.
The LORD, the God of heaven, brought me from the home of my father and from the land of my relatives, and he solemnly promised me that he would give this land to my descendants. He will send his angel before you, so that you can get a wife there for my son. (Gen 24:7).
If you feel the Devil is attacking your mind with fears, worries, anxiety etc., you can pray in the Name of Jesus and resist and overcome him!--Jesus said, "Behold, I give you power over all the power of the Enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."-Luke 10:19. This power is YOURS if you believe His Word, claim His promises and pray in the Name of Jesus! In fact, if you are filled with faith and His Holy Spirit, you have the authority to resist the Devil directly, just like Jesus and His early disciples did. Remember we do NOT have to be in bondage to Satan and his army of demons.
Written By Biblical Demonologist Jennifer L Auld
Originally published on July 11, 2015 under the title Discerning The Holy Spirit Verses Demons.
Looking inside the spiritual & literary worlds
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Dalai Lama Discusses Refugees in Europe, Human Rights, Social Media & More
Dialogue with Students and Public Talk
Frankfurt, Germany - To begin with this morning, he met with a diverse group of Chinese, Mongols and Uyghurs —scholars, students and business-people, telling them that Tibetans were willing to remain with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). He also mentioned that when he first met Uyghur leader Rebiya Kadeer she spoke of using violence to achieve independence, but he persuaded her to pursue the path of non-violence instead. In due course she also adopted autonomy as her goal.
His Holiness was asked about the declining situation of human rights in China, exemplified in the death of Liu Xiaobo. He answered that he had heard that Xi Jinping had been taken aback by the strength of opposition to reform among the old guard in the Party. He mentioned the hope that during the forthcoming Party congress, when many elderly members of the Politburo will retire, they will be replaced by new faces. Opportunities for change may then occur. He noted that many educated Chinese support the Middle Way Approach, adding that governments come and go, but the people remain. He remarked that Chinese-Tibetan relations are more than 2000 years old, whereas the Chinese Communist Party has existed for less than a century.
Asked how progress can be made, His Holiness suggested that just as he has engaged in fruitful dialogue with scientists for more than 30 years, it’s important that Chinese and Tibetans in exile, students in particular, get to know each other better. These days, as fewer people in the world talk about human rights in Tibet and Xinjiang, it would be helpful to revive the association of Tibetans, Mongols and Uyghurs, focussing on rights and the preservation of cultural identity. His Holiness approved of a suggestion to erect statues of Liu Xiaobo to prevent memory of him being erased, proposing that Chinatown in New York would be a worthwhile location.
A drive through steady rain brought His Holiness to the Jahrhunderthalle, the Century Hall. 1600 students from 60 schools in and around the state of Hesse had gathered there to listen to his conversation with 10 of their number who would put their questions to him.
“Brothers and sisters,” he began, “I’m extremely happy to have this opportunity to talk you young students. I believe all 7 billion of us are the same as human beings. Many of the problems we face are of our own making. Why? Because we continue to think in terms of my people, my nation, my religion, focussing on the secondary differences between us.
“We can’t change the past, but we’re still able to shape the future. Since I was born in 1935 I’ve been witness to continuing violence and war. We are sitting peacefully and amicably together here, but elsewhere on this planet other human beings are suffering—being killed and dying of starvation. Can we remain indifferent? We need to remember the oneness of humanity and that we are all brothers and sisters. Those of you who belong to the 21st century have a responsibility to create a more peaceful world. If you start now and make an effort you may see such change in your lifetimes, although I won’t live to see it. The peace of mind that will be its foundation will require a combination of warm-heartedness and intelligence.”
Asked how to proceed, His Holiness stressed the need to improve education. He said that where in the past the church took care of inculcating human values, religious influence has declined. Now there’s a need for far-sighted vision and enthusiasm to incorporate ethical principles into mainstream education.
Questioned about the refugee problems in Europe, His Holiness clarified that most of them have fled their own countries because of unrest there. He compared contemporary refugees to Tibetans who have always expected ultimately to return to Tibet. Refugees today, he said, should be given shelter and provided with education and training for the young so that when peace is restored in their homelands they can return to rebuild them.
His Holiness highlighted a change in attitudes between the early 20th century, when everyone proudly joined up when war was declared, to the opposition to war, violence and nuclear weapons at the end. The manifest desire for peace is encouraging, he said, noting that the Berlin wall fell not as a result of the use of force, but due to popular will. He expressed his admiration for the spirit of the European Union, which has countered a sense of ‘them’ and ‘us’, the source of division.
“Our basic human nature is warm-hearted,” His Holiness asserted. “Without it we can’t survive. But we must also use our intelligence, asking ourselves, for example if anger is of any use. The answer is that it destroys our peace of mind. Women are prone to use make up to enhance their prettiness, but if their expressions are angry, no one will want to look at them.”
In the context of learning from experience, His Holiness described three steps to developing clearer understanding. The first is to read about or listen to what others say. The next is to think about it until it is clear in your mind and the third is to become so thoroughly familiar with this conviction that it becomes part of your experience.
Challenged to say whether freedom or security was more important, His Holiness replied:
“Freedom—because of our natural ingenuity. We have great potential for creativity which requires freedom if we are to avoid stagnation. Security is sometimes cited as protecting that creativity, but it should not be in terms of restraining our thinking. Totalitarian systems typically link security to restrictions.”
His Holiness told another student that human beings’ highest goal is the achievement of happiness.
Regarding social media he said that it’s important not to become a slave to such opportunities or the technology that supports them, but to employ them with intelligence, seeking not to be manipulated by them. He ended the meeting by recommending that the students think about what they had heard. If they approved of it and valued it, he said, they should try to implement it in their lives and share what they had understood with others. He added, nevertheless, that if it meant nothing to them, they were welcome to forget it.
Addressing almost 3000 people after lunch, His Holiness again stressed the need to overcome a tendency to dwell on secondary differences and realize that we are fundamentally the same in being human. He stressed the importance of creating a happier, more peaceful world, of acknowledging the oneness of humanity. He pointed out that when we go to hospital, no one asks where we are from or what we believe. We are received as patients in need of treatment.
“Similarly, if, lost in the wilderness, we finally see someone else in the distance, our first thought will not be to ask where they are from or to what race or religion they belong to, but relief at encountering another human being.”
His Holiness repeated his admiration for the spirit of the European Union and the sense of good neighbourliness it entails. He looked forward to such a union evolving in Africa, Latin America and Asia. He suggested that the mutual respect involved naturally leads to trust and more friendly relations, whereas suspicion leads to trouble. He reiterated that seeing others in terms of ‘them’ and ‘us’ only results in further division. Therefore, cultivating a sense of the oneness of humanity is crucial for peace in the wider world.
Among questions from the audience, His Holiness was asked how to deal with fear. He answered that some fear, such as fear of a mad dog, is valuable and well-founded. However, there is also fear rooted in thinking too much about ourselves. When that arises, he suggested, it could be fun to ask yourself where or what is the ‘I’ you are so worried about.
His Holiness’s answer to why people are so greedy was that they lack basic moral principles and a respect for the rights of others. They fail to understand that real happiness is related to the mind rather than to physical satisfaction.
When a member of the audience asked him to pray for her after coming through great difficulties, he told her he would, adding that his daily prayer is:
Finally, to end a long day, His Holiness spoke to 1500 Tibetans from various parts of Northern Europe. He praised their continuing sense of being Tibetan wherever they live now and thanked them for the loyalty and unwavering faith. He reaffirmed that it is the continuing determination of Tibetans in Tibet that enables those is exile to also keep their spirits up.
He reviewed what has been achieved in exile in terms of keeping Tibetan Buddhist culture, the Nalanda Tradition, alive by extending opportunities for rigorous study. He stressed that only Tibetans maintain an approach to the Buddha’s teachings based on scepticism, logic and reason. Besides that he asserted that the Tibetan language is the medium through which the Buddha’s teachings can be most accurately expressed. In addition, the detailed explanations of the workings of the mind and emotions found in Buddhist literature are of crucial relevance today. This, he declared, is something to be proud of.
His Holiness recounted an occasion earlier this year flying from Guwahati to Dibrugarh in a small plane during a storm when the turbulence made him fear for his life. Telling them his main concern was for what the six million Tibetans who have vested their hopes in him would do if he were to meet with an accident, the audience applauded. He assured them that his health is good and that he may live another 15-20 years, during which time there could be positive change for Tibet. Before waving goodbye, he urged them to be happy and at ease.
original link & photos: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2017/dialogue-with-students-and-public-talk-frankfurt-germany-13-september-2017-yesterday-technical-problems-delayed-his-holiness-the-dalai-lamas-fight-from-derry-northern-ireland-to-frankfurt-and-he-eventually-took-off-in-pouring-rain-when-he-landed
His Holiness was asked about the declining situation of human rights in China, exemplified in the death of Liu Xiaobo. He answered that he had heard that Xi Jinping had been taken aback by the strength of opposition to reform among the old guard in the Party. He mentioned the hope that during the forthcoming Party congress, when many elderly members of the Politburo will retire, they will be replaced by new faces. Opportunities for change may then occur. He noted that many educated Chinese support the Middle Way Approach, adding that governments come and go, but the people remain. He remarked that Chinese-Tibetan relations are more than 2000 years old, whereas the Chinese Communist Party has existed for less than a century.
Asked how progress can be made, His Holiness suggested that just as he has engaged in fruitful dialogue with scientists for more than 30 years, it’s important that Chinese and Tibetans in exile, students in particular, get to know each other better. These days, as fewer people in the world talk about human rights in Tibet and Xinjiang, it would be helpful to revive the association of Tibetans, Mongols and Uyghurs, focussing on rights and the preservation of cultural identity. His Holiness approved of a suggestion to erect statues of Liu Xiaobo to prevent memory of him being erased, proposing that Chinatown in New York would be a worthwhile location.
A drive through steady rain brought His Holiness to the Jahrhunderthalle, the Century Hall. 1600 students from 60 schools in and around the state of Hesse had gathered there to listen to his conversation with 10 of their number who would put their questions to him.
“Brothers and sisters,” he began, “I’m extremely happy to have this opportunity to talk you young students. I believe all 7 billion of us are the same as human beings. Many of the problems we face are of our own making. Why? Because we continue to think in terms of my people, my nation, my religion, focussing on the secondary differences between us.
“We can’t change the past, but we’re still able to shape the future. Since I was born in 1935 I’ve been witness to continuing violence and war. We are sitting peacefully and amicably together here, but elsewhere on this planet other human beings are suffering—being killed and dying of starvation. Can we remain indifferent? We need to remember the oneness of humanity and that we are all brothers and sisters. Those of you who belong to the 21st century have a responsibility to create a more peaceful world. If you start now and make an effort you may see such change in your lifetimes, although I won’t live to see it. The peace of mind that will be its foundation will require a combination of warm-heartedness and intelligence.”
Asked how to proceed, His Holiness stressed the need to improve education. He said that where in the past the church took care of inculcating human values, religious influence has declined. Now there’s a need for far-sighted vision and enthusiasm to incorporate ethical principles into mainstream education.
Questioned about the refugee problems in Europe, His Holiness clarified that most of them have fled their own countries because of unrest there. He compared contemporary refugees to Tibetans who have always expected ultimately to return to Tibet. Refugees today, he said, should be given shelter and provided with education and training for the young so that when peace is restored in their homelands they can return to rebuild them.
His Holiness highlighted a change in attitudes between the early 20th century, when everyone proudly joined up when war was declared, to the opposition to war, violence and nuclear weapons at the end. The manifest desire for peace is encouraging, he said, noting that the Berlin wall fell not as a result of the use of force, but due to popular will. He expressed his admiration for the spirit of the European Union, which has countered a sense of ‘them’ and ‘us’, the source of division.
“Our basic human nature is warm-hearted,” His Holiness asserted. “Without it we can’t survive. But we must also use our intelligence, asking ourselves, for example if anger is of any use. The answer is that it destroys our peace of mind. Women are prone to use make up to enhance their prettiness, but if their expressions are angry, no one will want to look at them.”
In the context of learning from experience, His Holiness described three steps to developing clearer understanding. The first is to read about or listen to what others say. The next is to think about it until it is clear in your mind and the third is to become so thoroughly familiar with this conviction that it becomes part of your experience.
Challenged to say whether freedom or security was more important, His Holiness replied:
“Freedom—because of our natural ingenuity. We have great potential for creativity which requires freedom if we are to avoid stagnation. Security is sometimes cited as protecting that creativity, but it should not be in terms of restraining our thinking. Totalitarian systems typically link security to restrictions.”
His Holiness told another student that human beings’ highest goal is the achievement of happiness.
Regarding social media he said that it’s important not to become a slave to such opportunities or the technology that supports them, but to employ them with intelligence, seeking not to be manipulated by them. He ended the meeting by recommending that the students think about what they had heard. If they approved of it and valued it, he said, they should try to implement it in their lives and share what they had understood with others. He added, nevertheless, that if it meant nothing to them, they were welcome to forget it.
Addressing almost 3000 people after lunch, His Holiness again stressed the need to overcome a tendency to dwell on secondary differences and realize that we are fundamentally the same in being human. He stressed the importance of creating a happier, more peaceful world, of acknowledging the oneness of humanity. He pointed out that when we go to hospital, no one asks where we are from or what we believe. We are received as patients in need of treatment.
“Similarly, if, lost in the wilderness, we finally see someone else in the distance, our first thought will not be to ask where they are from or to what race or religion they belong to, but relief at encountering another human being.”
His Holiness repeated his admiration for the spirit of the European Union and the sense of good neighbourliness it entails. He looked forward to such a union evolving in Africa, Latin America and Asia. He suggested that the mutual respect involved naturally leads to trust and more friendly relations, whereas suspicion leads to trouble. He reiterated that seeing others in terms of ‘them’ and ‘us’ only results in further division. Therefore, cultivating a sense of the oneness of humanity is crucial for peace in the wider world.
Among questions from the audience, His Holiness was asked how to deal with fear. He answered that some fear, such as fear of a mad dog, is valuable and well-founded. However, there is also fear rooted in thinking too much about ourselves. When that arises, he suggested, it could be fun to ask yourself where or what is the ‘I’ you are so worried about.
His Holiness’s answer to why people are so greedy was that they lack basic moral principles and a respect for the rights of others. They fail to understand that real happiness is related to the mind rather than to physical satisfaction.
When a member of the audience asked him to pray for her after coming through great difficulties, he told her he would, adding that his daily prayer is:
For as long as space endures
And for as long as living beings remain,
Until then may I too abide
To dispel the misery of the world.
Finally, to end a long day, His Holiness spoke to 1500 Tibetans from various parts of Northern Europe. He praised their continuing sense of being Tibetan wherever they live now and thanked them for the loyalty and unwavering faith. He reaffirmed that it is the continuing determination of Tibetans in Tibet that enables those is exile to also keep their spirits up.
He reviewed what has been achieved in exile in terms of keeping Tibetan Buddhist culture, the Nalanda Tradition, alive by extending opportunities for rigorous study. He stressed that only Tibetans maintain an approach to the Buddha’s teachings based on scepticism, logic and reason. Besides that he asserted that the Tibetan language is the medium through which the Buddha’s teachings can be most accurately expressed. In addition, the detailed explanations of the workings of the mind and emotions found in Buddhist literature are of crucial relevance today. This, he declared, is something to be proud of.
His Holiness recounted an occasion earlier this year flying from Guwahati to Dibrugarh in a small plane during a storm when the turbulence made him fear for his life. Telling them his main concern was for what the six million Tibetans who have vested their hopes in him would do if he were to meet with an accident, the audience applauded. He assured them that his health is good and that he may live another 15-20 years, during which time there could be positive change for Tibet. Before waving goodbye, he urged them to be happy and at ease.
original link & photos: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2017/dialogue-with-students-and-public-talk-frankfurt-germany-13-september-2017-yesterday-technical-problems-delayed-his-holiness-the-dalai-lamas-fight-from-derry-northern-ireland-to-frankfurt-and-he-eventually-took-off-in-pouring-rain-when-he-landed
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Random Rants of a Demonologist
I sure hope everyone is having a fabulous Sunday so far and had a awesome weekend. It is still so freaking hot as all get out here in Florida. I hope y'all are enjoying all the blogs here. We have great bloggers with knowledge and very interesting things to share with you as well. Check out the old forums and discussions on who was exposed and other information if you ever have a chance. You would enjoy spending some time researching for yourself. Even older blogs. You never know which ones you have missed. It's always new to someone.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS WORLD????
I have some serious issues to discuss. Firstly, on Halloween, don't be creeping around these cemeteries and abandoned buildings. It's only asking for trouble. Please learn from my stupid mistakes I made as a teenager. As I've said many times that these demonic creatures don't always come out on command but they never forget you and will be back just when you think things couldn't any worse in your life. They are sneaky that way. But what do I know?? It's not like I've ever encountered a demon. NOT! (sarcasm) Please be careful. It's hard to get help with these issues from someone legit. Once that door is open it's highly dangerous and difficult to close that door. You'll regret it.
We live in such a dark world and it ticks me off knowing our own government is part of a four decade or longer pedophile ring. Hillary Clinton has been caught committing treason. Now why won't she ever do a day in jail? It's so upsetting and wrong. Abuse of power. We outnumber them so what are they going to do if the American people decide to form a alliance against these vile pedophiles? I'm serious, this is a very real threat to our children.
We all know what a tragedy the Las Vegas shooting was. Families will forever remember how they lost the ones they love. It's scary to me because a lot of what I see and witness is this world slowly becoming darker and darker. Too much attention on occult and dark rituals. The directions are on YouTube. As I said last week, you can find many videos teaching dark magic. This is what happens in the end times. I'm not saying it's here because no one knows. But there are sure a lot of signs we are heading that way. Out of all sixty six books in the Bible, Revelations can be very complicated.
Some feel this event was manipulated to happen so it takes the attention off our corrupt government. It's an outrageous claim but apparently true according to the FBI. Now this shooting is very shady and multiple people knew or were involved. Only time will tell. These families need some kind of closure to this tragedy. Why does so much not make it on TV (mainstream media) like a pedophile ring in another country was brought down. Americans were involved too but after many years they finally did it. Now it's time the USA do the same thing! Protect our children God.
Darkness can't hide from the light of Christ for very long. Look at Hollywood. Finally, Harvey Weinstein owner of Mirimax films has had many, many allegations from underaged girls using his power in Hollywood to get women to do things for him. My God, they have it on tape. Major celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow have come forward. He's buddy buddy with our government pedophiles! Yup...they are everywhere. It's disgusting. And he's still free as a bird. He gave a 14-year- old girl some kind drug to dope her up so he could have his way with her. Everyone in Hollywood has covered for him and still are. Many more celebs came forward about his actions like Angelina Jolie. Yet he's still free and spreading his fear to others who can help put him away.
Actor Corey Feldman came forward telling us how rampant pedophilia was when he was a kid doing the movies Goonies, The Lost Boys etc.with the late Corey Haim. They were both molested. And when they spoke of it on their reality show it was pulled off air and Corey Haim ended up dead. They didn't name names. Corey Feldman has said many times, "the trouble in Hollywood is and was and will always be pedophilia. I was surrounded by them, literally." He can't name his molester who he says "is a huge Hollywood mogul probably watching this interview now." He'll be killed and he knows it. He was arrested before his concert for marijuana. Come on! It's almost legal in all states. They want to shut him up. Research for yourself. It's there.
It's almost Halloween, so it's that time of year to be very careful what you get into. Stay out of cemeteries with a ouija board/spirit board. I promise you it will not be good. I took a dare once here to sit in the 'Devils Chair" in Cassadaga, Florida. This place is known for psychics and witches who mainly live in this very small out of the way area. It's a beautiful small town. Very small. The cemetery had what the legend called the Devil's Chair. If you sit in it at midnight he will show. I sat on the large brick structure and he didn't show.....but later I became very regretful due to the activity I stirred up. Growing up with a Pentecostal minister as a father, he was very upset when he learned of what I'd done. I was 16. It's still a hot spot on Halloween.
There use to be a abandoned mental hospital in Pine Hills, Florida called Sunnyland. Everyone wanted to check it out despite the rumors of an angry demon, an inhuman spirit. Yup, I went in like a stupid idiot! Now it's torn down but one big building still stands. It can be entered but the cops patrol that place as it's a park now. There is one in Jacksonville Florida but I think it's being torn down too. It was also called Sunnyland. But I'm sure people will still enter and end up with attachments. It pains me to say that. How parents could take their children to a place like that truly baffles me and makes me angry. Why would they risk themselves and their children for a cheap thrill that won't ever leave if it attaches and leaves with them?
It's about four hours from Orlando. I'll leave it at that for another blog. See what my curiosity caused? My dad warned me so many times and I didn't listen. I wish I had. But as we all go through different phases growing up in life I was in a 'know it all' stage. I felt invincible.. I wanted to know if this place was really what people have said over the years. That's what will get you every time. Curiosity.
This world is so dark. It's getting worse and worse each day. MSM (Main Stream Media) only airs what they want us to know. You'll never know what's really going on. People don't realize these people are also satanists in our government. It's why SRA is so rampant. (Satanic Ritual Abuse) It's disgusting and happens right under our noses. These people worship THE DEVIL! They don't believe they are their own living God. They do believe in God and Satan. But they will claim they don't.
And of course Orlando's finest ghost teams claim they can help people with this and they have 30 years of experience etc...Not true. They charge! I was contacted for help and when this family told me they were charged and was never told if anything was on audio or video I felt so horrible for them. I could hear the fear. Jesus Christ in Heaven help us all. See that's a lot of work so of course they only want to look cool and do the fun stuff. Right guys?? Charging, are you serious? And you can't bring yourself to sit long enough to watch video and listen to audio. It's a game to some people. Satan makes them his puppets.
Then there's that paranormal group that took advantage of a scared family with kids and have the nerve to charge and then not return calls other than one time stipulating 'Oh we'll contact you when evidence review over'. This family paid $250, that they couldn't even afford. Those groups are paranormal posers. Wasn't cool in early life so now they use this as a tool. Makes me sick. This family is now living in a hotel out of fear. I have news for you, that alone puts you on a demon's radar. Law of attraction. And when you are useful to them they will be back with 7 more friends. What that family went through was cruel. Thinking they were finally getting help.
Please turn to Jesus Christ. Ask Him into your heart. He is the only way to the Father. We have strength in his name to cast out demons. It's one of the last things Christ said after defeating death and ascending to heaven. He revealed himself to a certain amount of people. When they asked 'Jesus what shall thy do with the devil roaming about our land' and Christ said ' I leave you with the power of the Holy Spirit to cast out demons in thy name'. Amen glory to God! We can defeat the adversary with the words of Jesus and only in his name. Faith is all it takes.
Written By Jennifer L Auld
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS WORLD????
I have some serious issues to discuss. Firstly, on Halloween, don't be creeping around these cemeteries and abandoned buildings. It's only asking for trouble. Please learn from my stupid mistakes I made as a teenager. As I've said many times that these demonic creatures don't always come out on command but they never forget you and will be back just when you think things couldn't any worse in your life. They are sneaky that way. But what do I know?? It's not like I've ever encountered a demon. NOT! (sarcasm) Please be careful. It's hard to get help with these issues from someone legit. Once that door is open it's highly dangerous and difficult to close that door. You'll regret it.
We live in such a dark world and it ticks me off knowing our own government is part of a four decade or longer pedophile ring. Hillary Clinton has been caught committing treason. Now why won't she ever do a day in jail? It's so upsetting and wrong. Abuse of power. We outnumber them so what are they going to do if the American people decide to form a alliance against these vile pedophiles? I'm serious, this is a very real threat to our children.
We all know what a tragedy the Las Vegas shooting was. Families will forever remember how they lost the ones they love. It's scary to me because a lot of what I see and witness is this world slowly becoming darker and darker. Too much attention on occult and dark rituals. The directions are on YouTube. As I said last week, you can find many videos teaching dark magic. This is what happens in the end times. I'm not saying it's here because no one knows. But there are sure a lot of signs we are heading that way. Out of all sixty six books in the Bible, Revelations can be very complicated.
Some feel this event was manipulated to happen so it takes the attention off our corrupt government. It's an outrageous claim but apparently true according to the FBI. Now this shooting is very shady and multiple people knew or were involved. Only time will tell. These families need some kind of closure to this tragedy. Why does so much not make it on TV (mainstream media) like a pedophile ring in another country was brought down. Americans were involved too but after many years they finally did it. Now it's time the USA do the same thing! Protect our children God.
Darkness can't hide from the light of Christ for very long. Look at Hollywood. Finally, Harvey Weinstein owner of Mirimax films has had many, many allegations from underaged girls using his power in Hollywood to get women to do things for him. My God, they have it on tape. Major celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow have come forward. He's buddy buddy with our government pedophiles! Yup...they are everywhere. It's disgusting. And he's still free as a bird. He gave a 14-year- old girl some kind drug to dope her up so he could have his way with her. Everyone in Hollywood has covered for him and still are. Many more celebs came forward about his actions like Angelina Jolie. Yet he's still free and spreading his fear to others who can help put him away.
Actor Corey Feldman came forward telling us how rampant pedophilia was when he was a kid doing the movies Goonies, The Lost Boys etc.with the late Corey Haim. They were both molested. And when they spoke of it on their reality show it was pulled off air and Corey Haim ended up dead. They didn't name names. Corey Feldman has said many times, "the trouble in Hollywood is and was and will always be pedophilia. I was surrounded by them, literally." He can't name his molester who he says "is a huge Hollywood mogul probably watching this interview now." He'll be killed and he knows it. He was arrested before his concert for marijuana. Come on! It's almost legal in all states. They want to shut him up. Research for yourself. It's there.
It's almost Halloween, so it's that time of year to be very careful what you get into. Stay out of cemeteries with a ouija board/spirit board. I promise you it will not be good. I took a dare once here to sit in the 'Devils Chair" in Cassadaga, Florida. This place is known for psychics and witches who mainly live in this very small out of the way area. It's a beautiful small town. Very small. The cemetery had what the legend called the Devil's Chair. If you sit in it at midnight he will show. I sat on the large brick structure and he didn't show.....but later I became very regretful due to the activity I stirred up. Growing up with a Pentecostal minister as a father, he was very upset when he learned of what I'd done. I was 16. It's still a hot spot on Halloween.
There use to be a abandoned mental hospital in Pine Hills, Florida called Sunnyland. Everyone wanted to check it out despite the rumors of an angry demon, an inhuman spirit. Yup, I went in like a stupid idiot! Now it's torn down but one big building still stands. It can be entered but the cops patrol that place as it's a park now. There is one in Jacksonville Florida but I think it's being torn down too. It was also called Sunnyland. But I'm sure people will still enter and end up with attachments. It pains me to say that. How parents could take their children to a place like that truly baffles me and makes me angry. Why would they risk themselves and their children for a cheap thrill that won't ever leave if it attaches and leaves with them?
It's about four hours from Orlando. I'll leave it at that for another blog. See what my curiosity caused? My dad warned me so many times and I didn't listen. I wish I had. But as we all go through different phases growing up in life I was in a 'know it all' stage. I felt invincible.. I wanted to know if this place was really what people have said over the years. That's what will get you every time. Curiosity.
This world is so dark. It's getting worse and worse each day. MSM (Main Stream Media) only airs what they want us to know. You'll never know what's really going on. People don't realize these people are also satanists in our government. It's why SRA is so rampant. (Satanic Ritual Abuse) It's disgusting and happens right under our noses. These people worship THE DEVIL! They don't believe they are their own living God. They do believe in God and Satan. But they will claim they don't.
And of course Orlando's finest ghost teams claim they can help people with this and they have 30 years of experience etc...Not true. They charge! I was contacted for help and when this family told me they were charged and was never told if anything was on audio or video I felt so horrible for them. I could hear the fear. Jesus Christ in Heaven help us all. See that's a lot of work so of course they only want to look cool and do the fun stuff. Right guys?? Charging, are you serious? And you can't bring yourself to sit long enough to watch video and listen to audio. It's a game to some people. Satan makes them his puppets.
Then there's that paranormal group that took advantage of a scared family with kids and have the nerve to charge and then not return calls other than one time stipulating 'Oh we'll contact you when evidence review over'. This family paid $250, that they couldn't even afford. Those groups are paranormal posers. Wasn't cool in early life so now they use this as a tool. Makes me sick. This family is now living in a hotel out of fear. I have news for you, that alone puts you on a demon's radar. Law of attraction. And when you are useful to them they will be back with 7 more friends. What that family went through was cruel. Thinking they were finally getting help.
Please turn to Jesus Christ. Ask Him into your heart. He is the only way to the Father. We have strength in his name to cast out demons. It's one of the last things Christ said after defeating death and ascending to heaven. He revealed himself to a certain amount of people. When they asked 'Jesus what shall thy do with the devil roaming about our land' and Christ said ' I leave you with the power of the Holy Spirit to cast out demons in thy name'. Amen glory to God! We can defeat the adversary with the words of Jesus and only in his name. Faith is all it takes.
Written By Jennifer L Auld
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Dalai Lama: Launch of a Secular Ethics Curriculum
After a short rest, His Holiness was escorted to the stage where an enthusiastic crowd of more than 1500 faculty, students and members of their families applauded to show their appreciation of his presence. After the customary lighting of the lamp, Dr Alpana Sharma, the Principal of CJ DAV formally welcomed His Holiness to the school. Prof Avinash C Pandey, Director of the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Allahabad, and former Vice Chancellor of Bundhelkhand University, Jhansi, introduced Ayurgyan Nyas of which he is a founder member.
Established in 2014 with His Holiness’s approval, Ayurgyan Nyas is endeavouring to introduce training in Universal Ethics into the modern Indian education system. The goal is to develop a curriculum that will ensure students’ holistic development on the basis of innate human values.
Prof. Pandey explained,
“With this curriculum, we hope to bring about a positive transformation in the minds of children who are the future of the world.”
The curriculum was formally released by His Holiness and presented to Principals and representatives of 9 schools from Delhi, Ghaziabad, Jhansi, Kanpur, Meerut and Pilibhit who have made a commitment to teach it.
In his remarks, His Holiness explained why he felt there was a need for such a curriculum,
“Since I was born in 1935, I’ve witnessed great violence, including the Second World War. Historians estimate that more than 200 million people died as a result of war in the 20th century. Great suffering resulted from the misguided thought that the way to resolve problems was a resort to the use of force, based on seeing our human brothers and sisters in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’.
“This way of thinking began to change during the latter part of the 20th century as people developed a desire for peace. The indiscriminate suffering that is the result of war had helped open their minds. In this 21st century, at an individual, family and national level we need to understand that the use of force to settle disputes is out of date. We must make efforts to resolve our problems through dialogue conducted on the basis of mutual respect.”
His Holiness stressed his conviction that education is the key to changing people’s way of thinking.
“Modern education tends to be oriented towards material goals and the achievement of physical comfort. It encourages people to seek happiness only on a sensory level of consciousness. The mistake is not to pay more attention to our mental consciousness. Entire generations have been brought up with a materialistic outlook, in a materialistic culture and way of life. Although they want to live in peace, they don't know how to tackle their destructive emotions, which are its biggest obstacle.
“We need to improve the current education system by introducing instructions on ways to cultivate positive emotions like warm-heartedness. Relying on religious tradition won’t appeal to everyone. We need a more universal approach based on common experience, common sense and scientific findings”.
His Holiness drew attention to ancient Indian traditions that deal with concentration and insight, shamatha and vipashyana, that have accumulated profound understanding of the workings of the mind. This ancient knowledge remains relevant today because it can equip us to deal with our destructive emotions and bring about a transformation of the mind, whether we have any religious belief or not.
“This is a country that has the potential to combine ancient knowledge with modern education to achieve peace of mind.”
His Holiness expressed his appreciation of the efforts that are being made to ensure that this 21st century becomes an era of peace and happiness, contributing to the greater joy of all 7 billion human beings alive today.
In reply to a student’s question about whether he missed Tibet, His Holiness replied,
“I was born in Tibet so of course I miss my homeland, but today I consider myself a citizen of the world. In my life I have four commitments. The first is the promotion of basic human values; the second is to foster greater harmony among our religious traditions; the third is to contribute to the preservation of Tibet’s unique language and culture, as well as the protection of the natural environment of the Land of Snow—and the fourth is to encourage a revival of ancient Indian knowledge in this country”.
After enjoying lunch with a group of invited guests at the school, His Holiness returned to Delhi. Tomorrow, he will make his first visit to the north-eastern state of Manipur, where he will participate in an international conference on peace and harmony, organized by the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
original link + photos: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2017/launch-of-a-secular-ethics-curriculum
Sunday, October 22, 2017
For Our Battle Isn't Against The Flesh & Blood
For Our Battle Isn't Against The Flesh & Blood
Hello everyone! I hope your having a wonderful Sunday. It's very hot here in Florida. I can't begin to explain how hot. I set AC on 73 and it ran all day. It was too hot to cool it down that low. But the other day our AC unit was shot. Done!.... needing replacement for $5,000 It's ridiculous. Every time you shower due to how sweaty and hot one gets inside with no air will just start sweating badly within minutes. I can't begin to tell you how miserable we are. We have to wait a few more days. It's 88degrees in the house. Yuck! I'm literally sick. Irma was bad enough. But I digress... (Lol)
Ephesians 6:12 New International Version (NIV)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
I'm sorry to keep regurgitating the same subject but I've been warning about certain things way before October arrived. There is so much evil and darkness in this world, it overwhelms me at times. I know the Spirit Cooking I brought up caused a bit of a stir. Google this. It happens I can promise you that.
Many networks using Halloween just as a excuse for TV to be extra disturbing all month with their shows that show people doing seances and using spirit boards/Ouija. Being obsessed with these kind of movies is unhealthy. The TV show Lucifer must have had great ratings as it's on season two. Slowly trying to condition people to accept certain things. Almost as if it's kind of normal. That's how the government would like it. We have satanists in our White House and pedophiles! Satanic Pedophilia--how do we have both?
I warned everyone about this show Lucifer before it started airing on TV. It's making evil seem cool and sexy. People don't realize the danger until it's too late. Having knowledge from the bible of demons is fine. We need to be aware just not obsessed with it. So many paranormal teams in Orlando are not what they claim. They are not properly educated in this. Creating so much more harm than good. I end up cleaning the mess or finding someone who can pending how far things have become out of control.
Many people have somewhat proved there were more than 1 shooter in the Las Vegas shooting according to FBI. Not that it makes it any better. Those victims families are going through hell. Ones that survived will never be the same. Some are receiving therapy. Having to bury family members and seeing these YouTube videos people had their phone filming this tragedy so people get how scary this was. Some think it was a set up to divert attention once again and a second shooter makes everything very suspect. Such a awful event. We must continue to pray for the victims families. They need some kind of peace and closure. I pray the truth comes to light if a lie exists.
As I've said already some people believe all these disasters take focus off what's going on in the evil White House so it shifts the attention to a major event or a hurricane. It's just so suspicious every time something is going to be leaked on the main TV news something major happens. I'm not saying it's paid crisis actors as some believe. I'm simply repeating what I'm seeing others report. I can't know for sure but what I do know for sure is every day it's getting darker and darker in this world. So many people email me wanting to know how to summon a demon. I'm still getting emails like that. It's curiosity. But that won't save you. Even accidentally letting something in, it's going to be a war dealing with it. It's NOT a joke. They DO NOT leave easily, either..
I spoke about Spirit Cooking in my last blog and it freaked some people out. But if you searched that subject you'll see how common this is. Also bathing in sacrificed blood, semen, breast milk and other disturbing things I can't say. It'a done because they believe it makes them young again. It's also a satanic ritual. It originates from satanism or devil worshipping from what I personally gather. But the good news is Jesus Christ is always with you even during battle.
This country is so divided which just makes hell and Satan so happy. Any discord, fighting, depression etc...will feed them energy. Like a moth to a flame. You are now on their radar. Spiritual Warfare is so very important and must be done daily. Come against anything negative in the name of Jesus Christ and that will make a huge impact on an inhuman entity. If we have the Armor Of God on daily we have nothing to worry about.
We need our Lord God more than ever. We really do. We need to turn to him and stay in his Word in these days of horror. But the government keep pushing him away, taking his name out of court. Some court rooms that used to say 'In God We Trust'. It will only get much worse. This world has changed, we have way too many people wanting to know about the occult. It's a fact. That in of itself is opening a door. It will attract something -- I can assure you. And possibly bring friends, seven more friends. This is no joke. I hate having to say these things but it's the truth. Hold your kids tight. Don't let them roam too far. This world has gone to pot to put it politely.
We need to be spiritually ready to go to battle. It's a very real battle taking place daily. Satan and his demons know their time is short so they are trying to get as many souls as possible. The music industry is getting dark. It's just not normal what is put on TV. Nothing but horror and demonic movies at the box office it seems. Not just this month but it's always like that. We need to be sober and pay attention to our surroundings. Don't always believe what you hear or see on TV. Do your own research to be sure. Don't let anger or resentment cause this country to stay divided. Other countries see this as such weakness.
May God have mercy on us all.. Give us peace and favor in this horrible world we are living in.
Written By Jennifer L Auld
Hello everyone! I hope your having a wonderful Sunday. It's very hot here in Florida. I can't begin to explain how hot. I set AC on 73 and it ran all day. It was too hot to cool it down that low. But the other day our AC unit was shot. Done!.... needing replacement for $5,000 It's ridiculous. Every time you shower due to how sweaty and hot one gets inside with no air will just start sweating badly within minutes. I can't begin to tell you how miserable we are. We have to wait a few more days. It's 88degrees in the house. Yuck! I'm literally sick. Irma was bad enough. But I digress... (Lol)
Ephesians 6:12 New International Version (NIV)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
I'm sorry to keep regurgitating the same subject but I've been warning about certain things way before October arrived. There is so much evil and darkness in this world, it overwhelms me at times. I know the Spirit Cooking I brought up caused a bit of a stir. Google this. It happens I can promise you that.
Many networks using Halloween just as a excuse for TV to be extra disturbing all month with their shows that show people doing seances and using spirit boards/Ouija. Being obsessed with these kind of movies is unhealthy. The TV show Lucifer must have had great ratings as it's on season two. Slowly trying to condition people to accept certain things. Almost as if it's kind of normal. That's how the government would like it. We have satanists in our White House and pedophiles! Satanic Pedophilia--how do we have both?
I warned everyone about this show Lucifer before it started airing on TV. It's making evil seem cool and sexy. People don't realize the danger until it's too late. Having knowledge from the bible of demons is fine. We need to be aware just not obsessed with it. So many paranormal teams in Orlando are not what they claim. They are not properly educated in this. Creating so much more harm than good. I end up cleaning the mess or finding someone who can pending how far things have become out of control.
Many people have somewhat proved there were more than 1 shooter in the Las Vegas shooting according to FBI. Not that it makes it any better. Those victims families are going through hell. Ones that survived will never be the same. Some are receiving therapy. Having to bury family members and seeing these YouTube videos people had their phone filming this tragedy so people get how scary this was. Some think it was a set up to divert attention once again and a second shooter makes everything very suspect. Such a awful event. We must continue to pray for the victims families. They need some kind of peace and closure. I pray the truth comes to light if a lie exists.
As I've said already some people believe all these disasters take focus off what's going on in the evil White House so it shifts the attention to a major event or a hurricane. It's just so suspicious every time something is going to be leaked on the main TV news something major happens. I'm not saying it's paid crisis actors as some believe. I'm simply repeating what I'm seeing others report. I can't know for sure but what I do know for sure is every day it's getting darker and darker in this world. So many people email me wanting to know how to summon a demon. I'm still getting emails like that. It's curiosity. But that won't save you. Even accidentally letting something in, it's going to be a war dealing with it. It's NOT a joke. They DO NOT leave easily, either..
I spoke about Spirit Cooking in my last blog and it freaked some people out. But if you searched that subject you'll see how common this is. Also bathing in sacrificed blood, semen, breast milk and other disturbing things I can't say. It'a done because they believe it makes them young again. It's also a satanic ritual. It originates from satanism or devil worshipping from what I personally gather. But the good news is Jesus Christ is always with you even during battle.
This country is so divided which just makes hell and Satan so happy. Any discord, fighting, depression etc...will feed them energy. Like a moth to a flame. You are now on their radar. Spiritual Warfare is so very important and must be done daily. Come against anything negative in the name of Jesus Christ and that will make a huge impact on an inhuman entity. If we have the Armor Of God on daily we have nothing to worry about.
We need our Lord God more than ever. We really do. We need to turn to him and stay in his Word in these days of horror. But the government keep pushing him away, taking his name out of court. Some court rooms that used to say 'In God We Trust'. It will only get much worse. This world has changed, we have way too many people wanting to know about the occult. It's a fact. That in of itself is opening a door. It will attract something -- I can assure you. And possibly bring friends, seven more friends. This is no joke. I hate having to say these things but it's the truth. Hold your kids tight. Don't let them roam too far. This world has gone to pot to put it politely.
We need to be spiritually ready to go to battle. It's a very real battle taking place daily. Satan and his demons know their time is short so they are trying to get as many souls as possible. The music industry is getting dark. It's just not normal what is put on TV. Nothing but horror and demonic movies at the box office it seems. Not just this month but it's always like that. We need to be sober and pay attention to our surroundings. Don't always believe what you hear or see on TV. Do your own research to be sure. Don't let anger or resentment cause this country to stay divided. Other countries see this as such weakness.
May God have mercy on us all.. Give us peace and favor in this horrible world we are living in.
Written By Jennifer L Auld
Friday, October 20, 2017
Jesus and The Abiding Authority of Old Testament Moral Law
By Reverend Mark Hunnemann
Some folks have dismissed the Old Testament laws prohibiting occultic activity simply because they sincerely, but wrongly, believe that the Old Testament has been abrogated (done away with) by the New Testament. So, with one fell swoop, they throw out the entire older testament, and continue to engage in ghost box activity, EVP’s etc. because they believe that those laws were not part of ‘giving of the NEW law” in the New Testament. However, as an aside, they overlook the New Testaments condemnation of the occult.
Showing that the Old Testament is still valid today is a comprehensive task beyond the scope of this blog, but I wish to focus on one incident in Jesus’ life that shows how HE viewed and used the Old Testament moral law. I say MORAL law because theologians often distinguish between the moral law, civil law, and ceremonial law. Again, it is beyond the scope of this discussion to address this, as I have in an earlier blog.
Are there some difficult passages? Yes, but common sense can usually cipher out the issues that folks raise like: what about where it condemns using two kinds of cloth? Common sense is not THE law of theology, but it certainly is useful!
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Briefly, there are two ‘take-aways’ from this text. First, the entire OT is normative and applicable for today (though not always literally, as we’ll see). Jesus could not have stated it more clearly: nothing in the OT will be abrogated or abolished by His ministry. Certain things like the ceremonial law regarding sacrificices find their fulfillment in Christ’s once for all atonement, and are thus not to be repeated by Christians. But as we read the OT law about sacrifices and feast days we learn more about the multi-faceted nature of the atonement. In other words, they are still normative and applicable in how they teach us about the Person and Work of Christ.
Second, those who do toss out the OT law can expect some ramifications (see v.19) That is sobering for those who hold to the view that the OT law is no longer binding on Christians.
One last word of introduction. It sometimes takes discernment and common sense to tell which commandments in OT are literally normative for today, and are not seen as typology, ect. Again, all the OT is normative/authoritative and applicable (in some way) for today, but it is the OT moral law that is LITERALLY normative for today. Some examples of this would be the Ten Commandments and Deuteronomy 18.
Most people are aware that, when Jesus was tempted by Satan, He quoted from the book of Deuteronomy—in particular Deut. 8:3; 6:16; and 6:13. If in the midst of the most savage spiritual warfare, God in human flesh appealed to the OT moral law as the “Sword of the Spirit’, then surely it shows how important,significant and normative it is for today’s believers! What Jesus later taught in the same chapter regarding the abiding authority of OT law (see above), He ‘practiced what he preached’ in the temptation narrative. “It is written…” and He then quoted a verse that hammered the devil head on.
However, what you may not be aware of is the deep and abiding significance of the Greek tense of the phrase: “It is written…” Gegreptai in the Greek, in all three quotes…gegreptai, gegreptai, gegreptai! Satan knew the enormous significance of this word (translated into three words in English).
So, with each temptation, Jesus says to Satan: “Gegreptai…” and then quotes from OT moral law—Deuteronomy. It is in the PERFECT tense. What does this mean?
Well, to be more specific, gegreptai is-third person, singular, perfect, indicative, passive.
The perfect tense in this context denotes permanence of normative authority. Generally, the Greek perfect tense denotes the present state resultant from past actions. It is a completed act with abiding results. In other words, it (texts quoted from Deuteronomy)was written in the past but it is still in force; it is still the Word of God!
Do you see the fantastic ramifications of this? The Holy Spirit could have chosen to use the aorist past tense, but in all three replies Jesus used the perfect tense to emphasize to Satan, and to us, that the Word of God is alive and Divine. He hammered home to the devil that what had been written about 1.500 years before had lost none of its original divine normative authority.
Yes, it is very instructive that Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy, but it is even more so when we realize the full significance of His prefatory words, “It is written…” He was telling the devil, and us, that the written words He was uttering had a permanently abiding authority to them.
Hence, the notion that we can jettison the moral law of the OT in general, and texts like Deuteronomy 18 in particular, regarding occultic sin, is especially wrong-headed in light of Jesus’ use of the perfect tense when referring to the up-to-the-second normative authority of the moral law in the same book, a few chapters earlier.
The words are to be taken at face value at speaking God’s abiding contempt for all occult tools and practices.
I add this as a short addition to the reasons for why all Old Testament laws regarding attempting to contact the dead must be taken as valid and normative for all people today—especially believers.
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.
Some folks have dismissed the Old Testament laws prohibiting occultic activity simply because they sincerely, but wrongly, believe that the Old Testament has been abrogated (done away with) by the New Testament. So, with one fell swoop, they throw out the entire older testament, and continue to engage in ghost box activity, EVP’s etc. because they believe that those laws were not part of ‘giving of the NEW law” in the New Testament. However, as an aside, they overlook the New Testaments condemnation of the occult.
Showing that the Old Testament is still valid today is a comprehensive task beyond the scope of this blog, but I wish to focus on one incident in Jesus’ life that shows how HE viewed and used the Old Testament moral law. I say MORAL law because theologians often distinguish between the moral law, civil law, and ceremonial law. Again, it is beyond the scope of this discussion to address this, as I have in an earlier blog.
Are there some difficult passages? Yes, but common sense can usually cipher out the issues that folks raise like: what about where it condemns using two kinds of cloth? Common sense is not THE law of theology, but it certainly is useful!
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Briefly, there are two ‘take-aways’ from this text. First, the entire OT is normative and applicable for today (though not always literally, as we’ll see). Jesus could not have stated it more clearly: nothing in the OT will be abrogated or abolished by His ministry. Certain things like the ceremonial law regarding sacrificices find their fulfillment in Christ’s once for all atonement, and are thus not to be repeated by Christians. But as we read the OT law about sacrifices and feast days we learn more about the multi-faceted nature of the atonement. In other words, they are still normative and applicable in how they teach us about the Person and Work of Christ.
Second, those who do toss out the OT law can expect some ramifications (see v.19) That is sobering for those who hold to the view that the OT law is no longer binding on Christians.
One last word of introduction. It sometimes takes discernment and common sense to tell which commandments in OT are literally normative for today, and are not seen as typology, ect. Again, all the OT is normative/authoritative and applicable (in some way) for today, but it is the OT moral law that is LITERALLY normative for today. Some examples of this would be the Ten Commandments and Deuteronomy 18.
Most people are aware that, when Jesus was tempted by Satan, He quoted from the book of Deuteronomy—in particular Deut. 8:3; 6:16; and 6:13. If in the midst of the most savage spiritual warfare, God in human flesh appealed to the OT moral law as the “Sword of the Spirit’, then surely it shows how important,significant and normative it is for today’s believers! What Jesus later taught in the same chapter regarding the abiding authority of OT law (see above), He ‘practiced what he preached’ in the temptation narrative. “It is written…” and He then quoted a verse that hammered the devil head on.
However, what you may not be aware of is the deep and abiding significance of the Greek tense of the phrase: “It is written…” Gegreptai in the Greek, in all three quotes…gegreptai, gegreptai, gegreptai! Satan knew the enormous significance of this word (translated into three words in English).
So, with each temptation, Jesus says to Satan: “Gegreptai…” and then quotes from OT moral law—Deuteronomy. It is in the PERFECT tense. What does this mean?
Well, to be more specific, gegreptai is-third person, singular, perfect, indicative, passive.
The perfect tense in this context denotes permanence of normative authority. Generally, the Greek perfect tense denotes the present state resultant from past actions. It is a completed act with abiding results. In other words, it (texts quoted from Deuteronomy)was written in the past but it is still in force; it is still the Word of God!
Do you see the fantastic ramifications of this? The Holy Spirit could have chosen to use the aorist past tense, but in all three replies Jesus used the perfect tense to emphasize to Satan, and to us, that the Word of God is alive and Divine. He hammered home to the devil that what had been written about 1.500 years before had lost none of its original divine normative authority.
Yes, it is very instructive that Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy, but it is even more so when we realize the full significance of His prefatory words, “It is written…” He was telling the devil, and us, that the written words He was uttering had a permanently abiding authority to them.
Hence, the notion that we can jettison the moral law of the OT in general, and texts like Deuteronomy 18 in particular, regarding occultic sin, is especially wrong-headed in light of Jesus’ use of the perfect tense when referring to the up-to-the-second normative authority of the moral law in the same book, a few chapters earlier.
The words are to be taken at face value at speaking God’s abiding contempt for all occult tools and practices.
I add this as a short addition to the reasons for why all Old Testament laws regarding attempting to contact the dead must be taken as valid and normative for all people today—especially believers.
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.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Introduction to the Kalachakra
Introduction to the Kalachakra
General presentation of the Dharma
The Buddha's Dharma, can be divided to two vehicles, the Hinayana and the Mahayana. The Hinayana itself can be divided into the vehicle of the shravakas and the vehicle of the pratyekabuddhas. The shravakas and pratyekabuddhas can be differentiated according to the relative inferiority and superiority of their faculties and the results they obtain, but the doctrinal features of the paths they follow are basically the same. People with the propensity to follow these two Hinayana vehicles take them up for the sake of their own emancipation as they feel the urgency to first free themselves as quickly as possible from the vicious cycle of existence. Since the main cause of bondage in samsara is grasping at a self, the main cause of obtaining the freedom of liberation is the wisdom that realizes the meaning selflessness. Thus, shravakas and pratyekabuddhas, like bodhisattvas, realize selflessness. They meditate on it accompanied by the other paths of moral conduct, meditative concentration and so forth, and thus extinguish all their passions, greed, hatred, ignorance and so forth.
Even though Hinayanists do not engage in their path intending to obtain Buddhahood, their path is in fact a means for ultimately leading such people to the stage of Buddhahood. Thus, do not misapprehend the Hinayana paths as being solely an obstacle to enlightenment, because the Saddharmapundarika sutra and other texts teach that they are methods for achieving Buddhahood. The Buddha appears in the world so that sentient beings may obtain the gnosis that he himself obtained. Thus, the Buddha's demonstrations of the path are strictly means to lead sentient beings to Buddhahood. Even though the Hinayana paths do not lead directly to Buddhahood, it is taught that followers of the Hinayana do in fact eventually enter the Mahayana and obtain Buddhahood.
Although followers of the Hinayana, like followers of the Mahayana, realize that phenomena are devoid of own-being, it is not the case that there is no difference at all between the Hinayana and the Mahayana. The doctrines of the Mahayana do not merely illuminate the selflessness of phenomena, they teach the bodhisattva stages, the perfections, the prayer to achieve perfect enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings, great compassion, and so forth. They also teach the dedication of merits to enlightenment, the two accumulations of merit and gnosis, and the inconceivable reality that is purified of all stains.
Thus, the Mahayana and Hinayana are not distinguished due to differences in their philosophical viewpoints, but they are differentiated according to their respective practice and non-practice of the entire range of skillful means. This is the assertion of Arya Nagarjuna and his disciple Aryadeva: A mother is the common cause of all her sons, and their fathers are the causes for distinguishing their races. Just so the mother, the perfection of wisdom, is the common cause of the sons, all four kinds of aryas: shravaka aryas, pratyekabuddha aryas, bodhisattava aryas, and buddha aryas. The cause for differentiating them into the particular Hinayana and Mahayana lineages is whether or not they have the methods of generating bodhichitta and so forth. The general Mahayana, like the Hinayana, can be subdivided into two vehicles: the Paramitayana and the Mantrayana. The common aim of the Mahayana is to train oneself in the six perfections by practising them out of a desire to obtain unexcelled enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. It is clear that one proceeds in the Mantrayana by this same path, because it is taught in the tantras. However, Mahayana practitioners who follow the paramitayana merely take up that much of the general body of the path, whereas followers of the Mantrayana cultivate the perfections by means of special tantric techniques that are not taught in the paramitayana.
The terms "Cause vehicle", "Paramitayana", and so forth are synonyms, and "Mantrayana", "Vajrayana", "Effect vehicle", and "Method vehicle" are synonyms as well. There is a difference between the cause vehicle and the effect vehicle: the cause vehicle is the Mahayana vehicle in which there is no meditation on oneself having a like aspect with any of the effects-the four complete purities-during the period of the path of training. The Mahayana vehicle in which there is meditation on oneself as having a like aspect with the four complete purities during the period of the path of training is called "The Effect vehicle" or "The Mantrayana". This is what the master Tsongkhapa said in the Ngag Rim Chenmo: "With regard to vehicle, since it is the vehicle of, i.e., conveys, the effect that is desired here and the cause that desires this, it is called 'vehicle'. The effect is the four complete purities of abode, body, property, and activities, a buddha's palace, body, wealth, and deeds. One meditates from the present on oneself as having a divine mansion, a divine entourage, divine ritual implements, and the divine deeds of purifying the cosmos and its inhabitants, just like a Buddha, Thus, it is the Effect Vehicle because one progresses through meditating in accordance with the vehicle of the effect."
Thus, the Mahayana as a whole is divided into the Paramitayana and the Mantrayana because these two have substantially different means for achieving a Buddha's Form Body that accomplishes the aims of others. In general, the Hinayana and the Mahayana are not distinguished according to any difference in their wisdom of emptiness, but must be distinguished due to differences in their methods, as mentioned above. In particular, although the Mahayana is divided into the Paramitayana and the Mantrayana, this is not due to any difference in their wisdom that realizes the profound emptiness; the two Mahayana systems must be distinguished from the point of view of differences in their methods. The main aspect of method in the Mahayana is the portion dealing with achievement of the Form Body, and the method that achieves the Form Body in the Mantrayana is just the deity yoga of meditating on oneself as having an aspect similar to that of a Form Body. This method is superior to the method employed in the Paramitayana.
With regard to the disciples of the Mantrayana, there are four types: inferior, middling, superior, and most excellent. The four classes of tantra were taught with these four types of disciples in mind. Since the disciples enter the Mantrayana through the four classes of tantra, the four classes are likened to "four doors." Should you wonder what the four are, they are Ritual Tantra, Conduct Tantra, Yoga Tantra, and Unexcelled Yoga Tantra. The Kalachakra, which will be described below, belongs to the Unexcelled Yoga Tantra class.
An Account of the Kalachakra, or Wheel of Time
The entire meaning of the subject matter of the Kalachakra tantra is included within the three Kalachakras, or Wheels of Time: The Outer Wheel of Time, the Inner Wheel of Time, and the Other Wheel of Time. The Outer Wheel of Time is the external world of the environment, and it is also called "The procession of the external solar and lunar days." The Inner Wheel of Time is the human body, that is an inner Jambudvipa, or earth-surface. Likewise, the inner channels, elements, and movements of the winds are set forth as the Inner Wheels of Time. The Other Wheel of Time is the initiations and paths of Shri Kalachakra, together with their results. It is "other" than the preceding two Wheels of Time. The guru ripens the disciple's psycho-physical continuum with the initiations, and the disciple meditates on the path that consists of the generation process and the completion process. In this way the yogi actualizes the resultthe buddha body that is the divine image of emptiness. This is the Other Wheel of Time.
The Buddha's teaching of the Kalachakra is described in the Paramadibuddha, the Kalachakra, Basic Tantra:
"As the teacher demonstrated the Dharma on Vulture Heap according to the Perfection of Wisdom system, he also taught the mantra system at Shri Dhanyakataka. What teacher taught what tantra, when and where was he dwelling? What was the place, who was the worldly entourage, and what was the purpose?
"He taught the unexcelled Mahayana, the system of the Perfection of Wisdom, to the bodhisattvas on Mount Vulture Heap. Then at the same time the Tathagata dwelt together with bodhisattvas and others in the great stupa, in the mandala of the sphere of phenomena. He dwelt in the house of universal vajra, in space, immaterial and very lucid, unpartitioned and radiant. He taught the tantra in the beautiful sphere of phenomena, for the merit and gnosis of human beings."
The Basic Tantra also says: "Then Vajrapani's emanation, King Suchandra from famous Shambhala, miraculously entered into the splendid sphere of phenomena. First he circumambulated to the right, then he worshipped the teacher's lotus feet with flowers made of jewels. Placing his hands together, Suchandra sat before the perfect Buddha. Suchandra requested the Buddha for the tantra, redacted it, and taught it too."
The Kalachakra was taught by our teacher, the Buddha Shakyamuni. He showed the way of actualizing highest perfect enlightenment underneath the bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya in India, at early dawn on the full moon of April/May. For one year he taught the general Paramitayana. In particular, at Mount Vulture Heap he turned the Dharma Wheel of the Perfection of Wisdom, the chief, ultimate Dharma Wheel of the Paramita system of the Mahayana.
On the full moon of March/April, the twelfth month counted from the time he obtained buddhahood, the Buddha was teaching the Paramitayana at Mount Vulture Heap. At the same time he manifested another form inside the great stupa of Shri Dhanyakataka, which is near Shri Parvata in south India where he taught the Mantrayana.
The great stupa was more than six leagues from top to bottom, and inside it the Buddha emitted two mandalas: below the mandala of Dharmadhatu Vagishvara, above the great mandala of the splendid asterisms. The Buddha was in the centre on the Vajra lion throne in the great Mandala of the Sphere of Vajra, the abode of great bliss. He was absorbed in the Kalachakra samadhi, and stood in the form of the Lord of the mandala.
The excellent entourage within the mandala consisted of a host of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, furies, gods, nagas, and goddesses. Outside the mandala the requestor was the emanated body of Vajrapani, King Suchandra of Shambhala. He had miraculously come to Shri Dhanyakataka from Shambhala, and he requested the Kalachakra for the entourage of listeners: the ninety-six emanated satraps of the ninety-six great lands within Shambhala, together with a limitless host of fortunate bodhisattvas, gods, demons, and others.
The Buddha gave the assembly the excellent Dharma-the worldly and transcendental initiations-and prophesied that they would obtain buddhahood, then he taught them the Paramadibuddha, the twelve thousand verse Kalachakra Basic Tantra. King Suchandra wrote it down in a volume and miraculously returned to Shambhala.
In Shambhala Suchandra composed a sixty thousand-line commentary of the Basic Tantra. He also erected a Kalachakra mandala made of precious substances. After he had appointed his son Sureshvara as King and teacher of the tantra, he passed away. Many great Kings appeared in the dynasty of Shambhala: Kalki Yashas, Kalki Pundarika, and others. They caused the profound Dharma of the Kalachakra to shine like the sun and the moon.
The Kalachakra continued to be transmitted through the succession of kalkis ("chieftains") of Shambhala, and eventually it was reintroduced into India. There are two main stories of how this came about, the story told by the Ra tradition and the story of the Dro tradition. (The Ra tradition and the Dro tradition will be discussed below).
According to the Ra tradition, the Kalachakra and related commentaries famed as the Bodhisattvas Corpus appeared in India during the simultaneous reigns of three kings. Taking Bodh Gaya as the center, the three kings were: Dehopala, the Master of Elephants, in the East; Jauganga, the Master of Men, in the South; and Kanauj, the Master of Horses, in the West. At that time the great pandit Cilu, who mastered all aspects of the Buddhadharma, was born in Orissa, one of the five countries of eastern India. Cilu studied all the Buddhist texts at the Ratnagiri Vihara, Vikramashila, and Nalanda. In particular, he studied at the Ratnagiri Vihara that was undamaged by the Turks.
Cilu realized that, in general, in order to achieve buddhahood in a single lifetime he would need the Mantrayana, and in particular, that he would need the clarifications of these doctrines contained in the Bodhisattva commentaries. Knowing that these teachings were extant in Shambhala, and depending on the instruction of his deity, he joined up with traders who sought jewels in the ocean. Having agreed with the traders, who were setting out across the sea, to meet up after six months, they went separate ways.
Cilu proceeded in stages and finally, upon climbing a mountain, he met a man. The man asked him, "Where are you going?" Cilu replied, "I am going to Shambhala in search of the Bodhisattva Corpus." The man said, "It is extremely difficult to go there, but if you can understand it, you could listen to it even here." Cilu realized that the man was an emanation of Manjushri. He prostrated, offered a mandala, and requested instruction. The man conferred all the initiations, tantra commentaries, and oral instructions on Cilu. He grasped Cilu, placed a flower on his head, and blessed him, saying, "Realize the entire Bodhisattva Corpus." Thus, like water poured from one vessel into another, Cilu realized the entire Bodhisattva Corpus. He went back the way he had come and, meeting with the traders, he returned to Eastern India.
According to the Dro tradition, the Kalachakra was reintroduced into India by the master Kalachakrapada. A couple who practised the Yoga of Yamantaka performed the ritual for the birth of a son as it is taught in the Yamantaka Tantra, and had a son. When he grew up he learned that in the north the bodhisattvas themselves taught the Dharma, so he went to listen to them. With his psychic power the Kalki of Shambhala knew of the youth's pure motivation and enthusiasm for the profound Dharma. He knew that if the youth attempted to come to Shambhala it would endanger his life because of the waterless wasteland that takes four months to cross. Thus, the Kalki used an emanation body to meet the youth at the edge of the desert.
The Kalki asked the youth, "Where are you going, and why?" when the youth told him his intentions the Kalki said, "That road is very difficult. But if you can understand these things, couldn't you listen to them even here?" The youth realized that this was an emanation of the Kalki and asked him for instruction. Right there the Kalki initiated the youth, and for four months he taught him all the highest tantras especially the three Bodhisattva Corpus commentaries. Like a vase filled to the brim, the youth realized and memorized all the tantras. When he returned to India he became renowned as an emanation of Manjushri, and his name was "Kalachakrapada".
The Ra and Dro traditions say that the Kalachakra was introduced into India by Cilu and Kalachakrapada. The Kalachakra continued to be studied and practised in India, and it was eventually introduced into Tibet. Again, the Ra and Dro traditions are the two main lineages through which this occurred.
The Dro tradition started from the visit of the Kashmiri Pandit Somanatha to Tibet. Somanatha first arrived in Tibet at Kharag and stayed among the Ryo clan. For a fee of one hundred measures of gold Somanatha translated half of the great Kalachakra commentary, the Vimalaprabha, into Tibetan, but in the meantime he became displeased and stopped his work. He took the gold and his draft translation and went to Phan Yul drub. There Chung Wa of the Zhang clan took Somanatha as his guru, and Shayrabdrak of the Dro clan acted as translator. Somanatha and Shayrabdrak translated the entire Vimalaprabha.
The Dro tradition continued on to Lama ChöKu Özer. This lama mastered all of the teachings of the Dro clan, including the Kalachakra. His disciple was Lama Galo, who mastered both the Dro tradition and the Ra tradition and passed them on in a single combined lineage.
The Ra tradition started with Chorab of the Ra clan, the nephew of the famous translator Ra Dorjedrak who was born in Nyen Ma Mang Yul. Ra Chorab memorized and understood all the doctrines of the Ra clan. Then he wished to learn the Kalachakra, so he went to the centre of Nepal where he continuously served the Pandit Samantashri for five years, ten months, and five days. Samantashri explained all the Kalachakra texts and gave Chorab the initiations and oral instructions. Then Chorab invited Samantashri to Tibet where they carefully translated the Kalachakra tantra and its commentary, together with the auxiliary texts.
The Ra tradition continued through Ra Chorab's son and grandson, and it eventually came to Lama Galo, as mentioned before. Lama Galo passed on both the Dro and the Ra traditions, and his lineage continued through such masters as Buton Rinchendrub and Tsongkhapa. The study and practice of the Kalachakra based on the Ra and Dro traditions exists even today.
Practice of the Kalachakra tantra, like all Buddhist tantric systems, is based on first receiving the proper initiations. For the initiations to be properly given and received it is necessary that both the guru and the disciple have certain qualifications. The qualifications of the Mantrayana guru are described by Losang Chökyi Gyaltsen as follows: "He should have control over his body, speech, and mind. He should be very intelligent, patient, and undeceitful. He should know the mantras and tantras, understand reality, and be competent in composing and explaining texts". We are very fortunate that such gurus can be found even now.
The disciple should have experience of the three principal aspects of the Mahayana path: renunciation of samsara, bodhichitta, and understanding of emptiness. If the disciple has not actually experienced these, he or she should at least have intellectual familiarity with them and admiration for them.
The most important of the three aspects is bodhichitta, the primary motivation for taking the initiations. Lord Maitreya defined bodhichitta in his Abhisamayalankara: "Bodhichitta is the desire for true, perfect enlightenment for the sake of others". When applied to the specific circumstance of taking the Kalachakra initiations, the disciple should generate bodhichitta in the following manner: "For the sake of all sentient beings I must achieve the state of Shri Kalachakra. Then I will be able to establish all other sentient beings in the state of Shri Kalachakra as well". With this motivation one should take initiation.
The general aim of tantric initiations is that through the initiations the guru ripens the disciple's psycho-physical continuum. Here "ripening" means empowering the disciple to practise the yoga of the generation process and the completion process. In particular, the Kalachakra initiations empower the disciple to practise the yoga of the Kalachakra tantra, and, ultimately, to achieve the state of Shri Kalachakra.
There are eleven Kalachakra initiations: seven initiations of "entering like a child", three "exalted" initiations, and one "most exalted" initiation. Disciples who are temporarily intent on just the worldly siddhis (magical or mystical accomplishments) are given only the seven lower initiations. Those who are mainly interested in the transcendental siddhi of buddhahood are given all eleven initiations. The first of the seven initiations of entering like a child is the water initiation. This is analagous to a mother washing her child immediately after its birth. The second initiation is the crown initiation that is analogous. to the binding of a child's hairlocks. The third, ribbon initiation is analogous to piercing a child's ears and arraying it with ornaments. The fourth initiation, the vajra and bell initiation, is analogous to a child laughing and talking. The fifth initiation is the discipline initiation, it is analogous to the child's enjoyment of the five desirable sense-objects. Sixth is the name initiation, analogous to the naming of the child. The seventh, and final, initiation of entering like a child is the mantra authorization initiation. This initiation empowers the disciple to eliminate obstacles and to achieve the magic powers of pacification, gaining prosperity, subjugation, and destruction.
The three exalted initiations are as follows: the vase initiation is the gnosis of bliss and emptiness that arises from the disciple touching the consort's breasts. The secret initiation is the gnosis of bliss and emptiness that arises from the disciple savouring the bodhichitta, the wisdom-gnosis initiation is the experience of connate joy that arises from the disciple and consort themselves engaging in union.
The most exalted initiation is also called "the fourth initiation" or "the word initiation" The previous great wisdom-gnosis initiation empowers the disciple to achieve the eleventh bodhisattva stage. Then the guru symbolically indicates the Gnosis Body that is the integration of supreme unchanging great bliss and emptiness possessing the best of all aspects. Saying, "This is it", the guru bestows the fourth initiation on the disciple. This initiation empowers the disciple to obtain perfect buddhahood in the form of Shri Kalachakra.
Translated from the Tibetan and edited by John Newman Translator's note: 'or more information on the subjects touched on in this essay the reader is advised to see: Dalai Lama, Kalachakra Tantra Initiation Rites and Practices (London: Wisdom Publications, 1985), and Geshe Lhundup Sopa eral, The Wheel of Time: The Kalachakra in Context (Madison. Wisconsin USA: Deer Park Books, 1985).
Kalachakra Initiations by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Date/Place/Attendance)
1. May 1954 / Norbulingka, Lhasa, Tibet / 100,000
2. April 1956 / Norbulingka, Lhasa, Tibet / 100,000
3. March 1970 / Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India / 30,000
4. January 1971 / Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India / 10,000
5. December 1974 / Bodhgaya, Bihar, India / 100,000
6. September 1976 / Leh, Ladakh, India / 40,000
7. July 1981 / Madison, Wisconsin, USA / 1,500
8. April 1983 / Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, India / 5,000
9. August 1983 / Tabo, Himachal Pradesh, India / 10,000
10. July 1985 / Rikon, Switzerland / 6,000
11. December 1985 / Bodhgaya, Bihar, India / 200,000
12. July 1988 / Zanskar, Jammu & Kashmir, India / 10,000
13. July 1989 / Los Angeles, California, USA / 3,300
14. December 1990 / Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India / 130,000
15. October 1991 / New York, New York, USA / 3,000
16. August 1992 / Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh, India / 20,000
17. April 1993 / Gangtok, Sikkim, India / 100,000
18. July 1994 / Jispa, Himachal Pradesh, India / 30,000
19. December 1994 / Barcelona, Spain / 3,000
20. January 1995 / Mundgod, Karnataka, India / 50,000
21. August 1995 / Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia / 30,000
22. June 1996 / Tabo, Himachal Pradesh, India / 20,000
23. September 1996 / Sydney, Australia / 3,000
24. December 1996 / Salugara, West Bengal, India / 200,000
25. August 1999 / Bloomington, Indiana, USA / 4,000
26. August 2000 / Kyi, Himachal Pradesh, India / 25,000
27. October 2002 / Graz, Austria / 10,000
28. January 2003 / Bodhgaya, Bihar, India / 200,000
29. April 2004 / Toronto, Ontario, Canada / 8,000
30. January 2006 / Amarvati, Andhra Pradesh, India / 100,000
31. July 2011 / Washington, DC, USA / 8,000
32. January 2012 / Bodhgaya, Bihar, India / 200,000
33. July 2014 / Leh (Ladakh), Jammu & Kashmir, India / 150,000
34. January 2017 / Bodhgaya, Bihar, India / 200,000
original link with photos: https://www.dalailama.com/teachings/kalachakra-initiations
General presentation of the Dharma
Even though Hinayanists do not engage in their path intending to obtain Buddhahood, their path is in fact a means for ultimately leading such people to the stage of Buddhahood. Thus, do not misapprehend the Hinayana paths as being solely an obstacle to enlightenment, because the Saddharmapundarika sutra and other texts teach that they are methods for achieving Buddhahood. The Buddha appears in the world so that sentient beings may obtain the gnosis that he himself obtained. Thus, the Buddha's demonstrations of the path are strictly means to lead sentient beings to Buddhahood. Even though the Hinayana paths do not lead directly to Buddhahood, it is taught that followers of the Hinayana do in fact eventually enter the Mahayana and obtain Buddhahood.
Although followers of the Hinayana, like followers of the Mahayana, realize that phenomena are devoid of own-being, it is not the case that there is no difference at all between the Hinayana and the Mahayana. The doctrines of the Mahayana do not merely illuminate the selflessness of phenomena, they teach the bodhisattva stages, the perfections, the prayer to achieve perfect enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings, great compassion, and so forth. They also teach the dedication of merits to enlightenment, the two accumulations of merit and gnosis, and the inconceivable reality that is purified of all stains.
Thus, the Mahayana and Hinayana are not distinguished due to differences in their philosophical viewpoints, but they are differentiated according to their respective practice and non-practice of the entire range of skillful means. This is the assertion of Arya Nagarjuna and his disciple Aryadeva: A mother is the common cause of all her sons, and their fathers are the causes for distinguishing their races. Just so the mother, the perfection of wisdom, is the common cause of the sons, all four kinds of aryas: shravaka aryas, pratyekabuddha aryas, bodhisattava aryas, and buddha aryas. The cause for differentiating them into the particular Hinayana and Mahayana lineages is whether or not they have the methods of generating bodhichitta and so forth. The general Mahayana, like the Hinayana, can be subdivided into two vehicles: the Paramitayana and the Mantrayana. The common aim of the Mahayana is to train oneself in the six perfections by practising them out of a desire to obtain unexcelled enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. It is clear that one proceeds in the Mantrayana by this same path, because it is taught in the tantras. However, Mahayana practitioners who follow the paramitayana merely take up that much of the general body of the path, whereas followers of the Mantrayana cultivate the perfections by means of special tantric techniques that are not taught in the paramitayana.
The terms "Cause vehicle", "Paramitayana", and so forth are synonyms, and "Mantrayana", "Vajrayana", "Effect vehicle", and "Method vehicle" are synonyms as well. There is a difference between the cause vehicle and the effect vehicle: the cause vehicle is the Mahayana vehicle in which there is no meditation on oneself having a like aspect with any of the effects-the four complete purities-during the period of the path of training. The Mahayana vehicle in which there is meditation on oneself as having a like aspect with the four complete purities during the period of the path of training is called "The Effect vehicle" or "The Mantrayana". This is what the master Tsongkhapa said in the Ngag Rim Chenmo: "With regard to vehicle, since it is the vehicle of, i.e., conveys, the effect that is desired here and the cause that desires this, it is called 'vehicle'. The effect is the four complete purities of abode, body, property, and activities, a buddha's palace, body, wealth, and deeds. One meditates from the present on oneself as having a divine mansion, a divine entourage, divine ritual implements, and the divine deeds of purifying the cosmos and its inhabitants, just like a Buddha, Thus, it is the Effect Vehicle because one progresses through meditating in accordance with the vehicle of the effect."
Thus, the Mahayana as a whole is divided into the Paramitayana and the Mantrayana because these two have substantially different means for achieving a Buddha's Form Body that accomplishes the aims of others. In general, the Hinayana and the Mahayana are not distinguished according to any difference in their wisdom of emptiness, but must be distinguished due to differences in their methods, as mentioned above. In particular, although the Mahayana is divided into the Paramitayana and the Mantrayana, this is not due to any difference in their wisdom that realizes the profound emptiness; the two Mahayana systems must be distinguished from the point of view of differences in their methods. The main aspect of method in the Mahayana is the portion dealing with achievement of the Form Body, and the method that achieves the Form Body in the Mantrayana is just the deity yoga of meditating on oneself as having an aspect similar to that of a Form Body. This method is superior to the method employed in the Paramitayana.
With regard to the disciples of the Mantrayana, there are four types: inferior, middling, superior, and most excellent. The four classes of tantra were taught with these four types of disciples in mind. Since the disciples enter the Mantrayana through the four classes of tantra, the four classes are likened to "four doors." Should you wonder what the four are, they are Ritual Tantra, Conduct Tantra, Yoga Tantra, and Unexcelled Yoga Tantra. The Kalachakra, which will be described below, belongs to the Unexcelled Yoga Tantra class.
An Account of the Kalachakra, or Wheel of Time
The entire meaning of the subject matter of the Kalachakra tantra is included within the three Kalachakras, or Wheels of Time: The Outer Wheel of Time, the Inner Wheel of Time, and the Other Wheel of Time. The Outer Wheel of Time is the external world of the environment, and it is also called "The procession of the external solar and lunar days." The Inner Wheel of Time is the human body, that is an inner Jambudvipa, or earth-surface. Likewise, the inner channels, elements, and movements of the winds are set forth as the Inner Wheels of Time. The Other Wheel of Time is the initiations and paths of Shri Kalachakra, together with their results. It is "other" than the preceding two Wheels of Time. The guru ripens the disciple's psycho-physical continuum with the initiations, and the disciple meditates on the path that consists of the generation process and the completion process. In this way the yogi actualizes the resultthe buddha body that is the divine image of emptiness. This is the Other Wheel of Time.
The Buddha's teaching of the Kalachakra is described in the Paramadibuddha, the Kalachakra, Basic Tantra:
"As the teacher demonstrated the Dharma on Vulture Heap according to the Perfection of Wisdom system, he also taught the mantra system at Shri Dhanyakataka. What teacher taught what tantra, when and where was he dwelling? What was the place, who was the worldly entourage, and what was the purpose?
"He taught the unexcelled Mahayana, the system of the Perfection of Wisdom, to the bodhisattvas on Mount Vulture Heap. Then at the same time the Tathagata dwelt together with bodhisattvas and others in the great stupa, in the mandala of the sphere of phenomena. He dwelt in the house of universal vajra, in space, immaterial and very lucid, unpartitioned and radiant. He taught the tantra in the beautiful sphere of phenomena, for the merit and gnosis of human beings."
The Basic Tantra also says: "Then Vajrapani's emanation, King Suchandra from famous Shambhala, miraculously entered into the splendid sphere of phenomena. First he circumambulated to the right, then he worshipped the teacher's lotus feet with flowers made of jewels. Placing his hands together, Suchandra sat before the perfect Buddha. Suchandra requested the Buddha for the tantra, redacted it, and taught it too."
The Kalachakra was taught by our teacher, the Buddha Shakyamuni. He showed the way of actualizing highest perfect enlightenment underneath the bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya in India, at early dawn on the full moon of April/May. For one year he taught the general Paramitayana. In particular, at Mount Vulture Heap he turned the Dharma Wheel of the Perfection of Wisdom, the chief, ultimate Dharma Wheel of the Paramita system of the Mahayana.
On the full moon of March/April, the twelfth month counted from the time he obtained buddhahood, the Buddha was teaching the Paramitayana at Mount Vulture Heap. At the same time he manifested another form inside the great stupa of Shri Dhanyakataka, which is near Shri Parvata in south India where he taught the Mantrayana.
The great stupa was more than six leagues from top to bottom, and inside it the Buddha emitted two mandalas: below the mandala of Dharmadhatu Vagishvara, above the great mandala of the splendid asterisms. The Buddha was in the centre on the Vajra lion throne in the great Mandala of the Sphere of Vajra, the abode of great bliss. He was absorbed in the Kalachakra samadhi, and stood in the form of the Lord of the mandala.
The excellent entourage within the mandala consisted of a host of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, furies, gods, nagas, and goddesses. Outside the mandala the requestor was the emanated body of Vajrapani, King Suchandra of Shambhala. He had miraculously come to Shri Dhanyakataka from Shambhala, and he requested the Kalachakra for the entourage of listeners: the ninety-six emanated satraps of the ninety-six great lands within Shambhala, together with a limitless host of fortunate bodhisattvas, gods, demons, and others.
The Buddha gave the assembly the excellent Dharma-the worldly and transcendental initiations-and prophesied that they would obtain buddhahood, then he taught them the Paramadibuddha, the twelve thousand verse Kalachakra Basic Tantra. King Suchandra wrote it down in a volume and miraculously returned to Shambhala.
In Shambhala Suchandra composed a sixty thousand-line commentary of the Basic Tantra. He also erected a Kalachakra mandala made of precious substances. After he had appointed his son Sureshvara as King and teacher of the tantra, he passed away. Many great Kings appeared in the dynasty of Shambhala: Kalki Yashas, Kalki Pundarika, and others. They caused the profound Dharma of the Kalachakra to shine like the sun and the moon.
The Kalachakra continued to be transmitted through the succession of kalkis ("chieftains") of Shambhala, and eventually it was reintroduced into India. There are two main stories of how this came about, the story told by the Ra tradition and the story of the Dro tradition. (The Ra tradition and the Dro tradition will be discussed below).
According to the Ra tradition, the Kalachakra and related commentaries famed as the Bodhisattvas Corpus appeared in India during the simultaneous reigns of three kings. Taking Bodh Gaya as the center, the three kings were: Dehopala, the Master of Elephants, in the East; Jauganga, the Master of Men, in the South; and Kanauj, the Master of Horses, in the West. At that time the great pandit Cilu, who mastered all aspects of the Buddhadharma, was born in Orissa, one of the five countries of eastern India. Cilu studied all the Buddhist texts at the Ratnagiri Vihara, Vikramashila, and Nalanda. In particular, he studied at the Ratnagiri Vihara that was undamaged by the Turks.
Cilu realized that, in general, in order to achieve buddhahood in a single lifetime he would need the Mantrayana, and in particular, that he would need the clarifications of these doctrines contained in the Bodhisattva commentaries. Knowing that these teachings were extant in Shambhala, and depending on the instruction of his deity, he joined up with traders who sought jewels in the ocean. Having agreed with the traders, who were setting out across the sea, to meet up after six months, they went separate ways.
Cilu proceeded in stages and finally, upon climbing a mountain, he met a man. The man asked him, "Where are you going?" Cilu replied, "I am going to Shambhala in search of the Bodhisattva Corpus." The man said, "It is extremely difficult to go there, but if you can understand it, you could listen to it even here." Cilu realized that the man was an emanation of Manjushri. He prostrated, offered a mandala, and requested instruction. The man conferred all the initiations, tantra commentaries, and oral instructions on Cilu. He grasped Cilu, placed a flower on his head, and blessed him, saying, "Realize the entire Bodhisattva Corpus." Thus, like water poured from one vessel into another, Cilu realized the entire Bodhisattva Corpus. He went back the way he had come and, meeting with the traders, he returned to Eastern India.
According to the Dro tradition, the Kalachakra was reintroduced into India by the master Kalachakrapada. A couple who practised the Yoga of Yamantaka performed the ritual for the birth of a son as it is taught in the Yamantaka Tantra, and had a son. When he grew up he learned that in the north the bodhisattvas themselves taught the Dharma, so he went to listen to them. With his psychic power the Kalki of Shambhala knew of the youth's pure motivation and enthusiasm for the profound Dharma. He knew that if the youth attempted to come to Shambhala it would endanger his life because of the waterless wasteland that takes four months to cross. Thus, the Kalki used an emanation body to meet the youth at the edge of the desert.
The Kalki asked the youth, "Where are you going, and why?" when the youth told him his intentions the Kalki said, "That road is very difficult. But if you can understand these things, couldn't you listen to them even here?" The youth realized that this was an emanation of the Kalki and asked him for instruction. Right there the Kalki initiated the youth, and for four months he taught him all the highest tantras especially the three Bodhisattva Corpus commentaries. Like a vase filled to the brim, the youth realized and memorized all the tantras. When he returned to India he became renowned as an emanation of Manjushri, and his name was "Kalachakrapada".
The Ra and Dro traditions say that the Kalachakra was introduced into India by Cilu and Kalachakrapada. The Kalachakra continued to be studied and practised in India, and it was eventually introduced into Tibet. Again, the Ra and Dro traditions are the two main lineages through which this occurred.
The Dro tradition started from the visit of the Kashmiri Pandit Somanatha to Tibet. Somanatha first arrived in Tibet at Kharag and stayed among the Ryo clan. For a fee of one hundred measures of gold Somanatha translated half of the great Kalachakra commentary, the Vimalaprabha, into Tibetan, but in the meantime he became displeased and stopped his work. He took the gold and his draft translation and went to Phan Yul drub. There Chung Wa of the Zhang clan took Somanatha as his guru, and Shayrabdrak of the Dro clan acted as translator. Somanatha and Shayrabdrak translated the entire Vimalaprabha.
The Dro tradition continued on to Lama ChöKu Özer. This lama mastered all of the teachings of the Dro clan, including the Kalachakra. His disciple was Lama Galo, who mastered both the Dro tradition and the Ra tradition and passed them on in a single combined lineage.
The Ra tradition started with Chorab of the Ra clan, the nephew of the famous translator Ra Dorjedrak who was born in Nyen Ma Mang Yul. Ra Chorab memorized and understood all the doctrines of the Ra clan. Then he wished to learn the Kalachakra, so he went to the centre of Nepal where he continuously served the Pandit Samantashri for five years, ten months, and five days. Samantashri explained all the Kalachakra texts and gave Chorab the initiations and oral instructions. Then Chorab invited Samantashri to Tibet where they carefully translated the Kalachakra tantra and its commentary, together with the auxiliary texts.
The Ra tradition continued through Ra Chorab's son and grandson, and it eventually came to Lama Galo, as mentioned before. Lama Galo passed on both the Dro and the Ra traditions, and his lineage continued through such masters as Buton Rinchendrub and Tsongkhapa. The study and practice of the Kalachakra based on the Ra and Dro traditions exists even today.
Practice of the Kalachakra tantra, like all Buddhist tantric systems, is based on first receiving the proper initiations. For the initiations to be properly given and received it is necessary that both the guru and the disciple have certain qualifications. The qualifications of the Mantrayana guru are described by Losang Chökyi Gyaltsen as follows: "He should have control over his body, speech, and mind. He should be very intelligent, patient, and undeceitful. He should know the mantras and tantras, understand reality, and be competent in composing and explaining texts". We are very fortunate that such gurus can be found even now.
The disciple should have experience of the three principal aspects of the Mahayana path: renunciation of samsara, bodhichitta, and understanding of emptiness. If the disciple has not actually experienced these, he or she should at least have intellectual familiarity with them and admiration for them.
The most important of the three aspects is bodhichitta, the primary motivation for taking the initiations. Lord Maitreya defined bodhichitta in his Abhisamayalankara: "Bodhichitta is the desire for true, perfect enlightenment for the sake of others". When applied to the specific circumstance of taking the Kalachakra initiations, the disciple should generate bodhichitta in the following manner: "For the sake of all sentient beings I must achieve the state of Shri Kalachakra. Then I will be able to establish all other sentient beings in the state of Shri Kalachakra as well". With this motivation one should take initiation.
The general aim of tantric initiations is that through the initiations the guru ripens the disciple's psycho-physical continuum. Here "ripening" means empowering the disciple to practise the yoga of the generation process and the completion process. In particular, the Kalachakra initiations empower the disciple to practise the yoga of the Kalachakra tantra, and, ultimately, to achieve the state of Shri Kalachakra.
There are eleven Kalachakra initiations: seven initiations of "entering like a child", three "exalted" initiations, and one "most exalted" initiation. Disciples who are temporarily intent on just the worldly siddhis (magical or mystical accomplishments) are given only the seven lower initiations. Those who are mainly interested in the transcendental siddhi of buddhahood are given all eleven initiations. The first of the seven initiations of entering like a child is the water initiation. This is analagous to a mother washing her child immediately after its birth. The second initiation is the crown initiation that is analogous. to the binding of a child's hairlocks. The third, ribbon initiation is analogous to piercing a child's ears and arraying it with ornaments. The fourth initiation, the vajra and bell initiation, is analogous to a child laughing and talking. The fifth initiation is the discipline initiation, it is analogous to the child's enjoyment of the five desirable sense-objects. Sixth is the name initiation, analogous to the naming of the child. The seventh, and final, initiation of entering like a child is the mantra authorization initiation. This initiation empowers the disciple to eliminate obstacles and to achieve the magic powers of pacification, gaining prosperity, subjugation, and destruction.
The three exalted initiations are as follows: the vase initiation is the gnosis of bliss and emptiness that arises from the disciple touching the consort's breasts. The secret initiation is the gnosis of bliss and emptiness that arises from the disciple savouring the bodhichitta, the wisdom-gnosis initiation is the experience of connate joy that arises from the disciple and consort themselves engaging in union.
The most exalted initiation is also called "the fourth initiation" or "the word initiation" The previous great wisdom-gnosis initiation empowers the disciple to achieve the eleventh bodhisattva stage. Then the guru symbolically indicates the Gnosis Body that is the integration of supreme unchanging great bliss and emptiness possessing the best of all aspects. Saying, "This is it", the guru bestows the fourth initiation on the disciple. This initiation empowers the disciple to obtain perfect buddhahood in the form of Shri Kalachakra.
Translated from the Tibetan and edited by John Newman Translator's note: 'or more information on the subjects touched on in this essay the reader is advised to see: Dalai Lama, Kalachakra Tantra Initiation Rites and Practices (London: Wisdom Publications, 1985), and Geshe Lhundup Sopa eral, The Wheel of Time: The Kalachakra in Context (Madison. Wisconsin USA: Deer Park Books, 1985).
Kalachakra Initiations by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Date/Place/Attendance)
1. May 1954 / Norbulingka, Lhasa, Tibet / 100,000
2. April 1956 / Norbulingka, Lhasa, Tibet / 100,000
3. March 1970 / Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India / 30,000
4. January 1971 / Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India / 10,000
5. December 1974 / Bodhgaya, Bihar, India / 100,000
6. September 1976 / Leh, Ladakh, India / 40,000
7. July 1981 / Madison, Wisconsin, USA / 1,500
8. April 1983 / Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, India / 5,000
9. August 1983 / Tabo, Himachal Pradesh, India / 10,000
10. July 1985 / Rikon, Switzerland / 6,000
11. December 1985 / Bodhgaya, Bihar, India / 200,000
12. July 1988 / Zanskar, Jammu & Kashmir, India / 10,000
13. July 1989 / Los Angeles, California, USA / 3,300
14. December 1990 / Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India / 130,000
15. October 1991 / New York, New York, USA / 3,000
16. August 1992 / Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh, India / 20,000
17. April 1993 / Gangtok, Sikkim, India / 100,000
18. July 1994 / Jispa, Himachal Pradesh, India / 30,000
19. December 1994 / Barcelona, Spain / 3,000
20. January 1995 / Mundgod, Karnataka, India / 50,000
21. August 1995 / Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia / 30,000
22. June 1996 / Tabo, Himachal Pradesh, India / 20,000
23. September 1996 / Sydney, Australia / 3,000
24. December 1996 / Salugara, West Bengal, India / 200,000
25. August 1999 / Bloomington, Indiana, USA / 4,000
26. August 2000 / Kyi, Himachal Pradesh, India / 25,000
27. October 2002 / Graz, Austria / 10,000
28. January 2003 / Bodhgaya, Bihar, India / 200,000
29. April 2004 / Toronto, Ontario, Canada / 8,000
30. January 2006 / Amarvati, Andhra Pradesh, India / 100,000
31. July 2011 / Washington, DC, USA / 8,000
32. January 2012 / Bodhgaya, Bihar, India / 200,000
33. July 2014 / Leh (Ladakh), Jammu & Kashmir, India / 150,000
34. January 2017 / Bodhgaya, Bihar, India / 200,000
original link with photos: https://www.dalailama.com/teachings/kalachakra-initiations
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