Act of Smudging - Witchcraft Ritual

So the question that gets asked to the Exorcism Ministry quite frequently is “Is it okay if I were to smudge my house to remove “negative energies?”  During this blog we hope to help you discover the “Biblical Truth” of what the Holy Bible states regarding this pagan ritualistic act practicing witchcraft.

Yes you read that correctly.  Smudging is Witchcraft.  First of all so all of you understand Sage will NOT work to cleanse a Demonic location.  In the previous blogs, we made reference to the fact that it is the Fallen Angels who are posing as the culprits.  In other words as Jesus Christ said recorded in Matthew 7:15 (KJV) “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

So let’s look at this in a different aspect shall we.  Say you are walking home and a group of creepy individuals begin to stalk you, yelling threats and insults at you as they quickly close the distance between yourself and them.  Would you run over to a rock or a mailbox and beg it to protect you from these individuals?

Of course not, that wouldn't make any sense would it.  A mailbox doesn't have ears to hear you asking for help, and a rock doesn't understand language, right?  So why would you use a plant to battle Demonic forces?  This plant does not comprehend you are in trouble and need of protection.  Wouldn't it make sense that if you’re in trouble you would seek the help of someone who is stronger than those who want to harm you?

Who is bigger than the darkness and the bumps in the night?  God is, specifically his one and only son, Jesus Christ who beat death and rose again to eternal life with decisive victory.

Isn't it logical, that if you are having issues with the infestation or heavy oppression in a house you would ask someone who already beat them and is much greater source of protection? The request to a greater and stronger force, such as God (i.e. Jesus Christ) to protect you from an ancient evil rather than a few smoldering leaves?

Now, there are many who burn sage because that's what everybody on the ghost hunting/paranormal shows are doing.  The other aspect is, one of the many dubious "experts" on the paranormal told them to do this and naively they “obeyed” without so much as a second guess to find out if this is correct.

So then what is it you are doing when “smudging?”  You are engaging in Nature Worship – Paganism.  The act of burning this plant with the hopes of “clearing” a place of Demons becomes an act against what the Ministry of Jesus stood for.  Thus, reciting words in addition to this act of burning the plant to create “smoke” becomes an offering of homage which is not from Christ.  This very act of paganism becomes known as Witchcraft.

Requesting a plant to give you or someone else protection from forces of evil is just absurd.  Nature worship is as old as the hills so I won't spend much time explaining it, but for those who don't know what it is Google nature worship.

Basically doing this act boils down to worshiping the creation instead of the creator.  In addition to this just not being an effective way to protect yourself from the Demonic (realize Ghosts don’t exist – Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6 & 10), you are adding insult to injury.

By practicing this act of nature worship you are saying to the Demons, "I don't need God."  This is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline.  This also makes one open to attack by Evil from the spirit realm, because you openly mock God (Galatians 6:7)

The act of rejecting God and taking it upon yourself, thinking you have the power to attempt to fix the mess or that you know better, opens the gateway for all types of Demonic attacks into your life.  This allows one to become proud enough to say "I have the power ~ I will fix this."  This how you make yourself vulnerable.  A little plant that goes good with beef or lamb is not going to do the trick and has no power over Demons.

Now if you are seeking a Priest or Pastor to perform a simple Exorcism on your house (because confirmed diabolical actions are present) and you tell the Priest or Pastor that you smudged, many of the clergy will refuse to help you.  Why?  You’re a practicing pagan by your actions of plant usage to ward off Demons.

The data used to write this article was taken during Exorcism’s with a reformed Wiccan, turned Christian.  This person went on to tell me in a frank manner that during the numerous years that they were a practicing “good” witch, they burned bushels of the stuff and it never did a thing for protection against Evil even when manifesting near her.

The only time in her life did she receive any protection from the Demonic realm began just about a year ago after she came to learn the truth about God.  Believe her when she stated “I tried everything and looked for protection but absolutely none of it was ever effective in keeping me safe, except the word of God.”

So the moral of the story is this you either ask Jesus Christ for help or you try your luck with the “elementals” with the Demonic, as well as whatever else is out there masquerading as Mother Nature and her "elementals".

Regardless of how convincing or sincere people can be, mixing a little nature worship into their watered down faith in God is dangerous. Just remember this: "No man can serve two masters” (Luke 16:13; Matthew 6:24).

For Christians, in name only, who practice this act of smudging, who feel it is not an issue to do a little nature worship you need to be reminded of God's thoughts regarding this very dangerous act: read Isaiah 44:14-20.  The mighty King was to be chopped down much like Lucifer fell from Heaven.  Yes, we are under authority of the true King Jesus, thus we are righteous in his eyes.  So as we can see the only way to defeat evil is with the name of Jesus Christ, not using false items or occult practices.

See additional scripture for support to this claim that “any false worship” is NOT sanctioned by God or his son Jesus Christ.

Exodus 34:14 "For you shall worship no other god..."
Exodus 20:3 "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
Luke 4:8 "...Jesus answered.... Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
1 Samuel 12:24 "...serve him in truth with all your heart..."
Exodus 20:5 "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them..."
Exodus 23:24 "Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works...."

Rev. Bradley Luoma, Exorcist Minister

What Is Spiritual Warfare?

Hello para beauties! I hope everyone is well and everyone you love is healthy. I know many are also preparing for the holiday and have family in and out of town and have hardly a moment to sleep. Some of us have no one. Let's pray for anyone that might be suffering with depression and feelings of loneliness. This time of year especially, brings about a lot of human emotions. A lot of us hide this and I ask that you turn to God. Please open your heart to his and ask him to give you peace again and no more torment. It is a spiritual battle to be faced everyday however, we already know who wins. Fear is not of God. Perfect Love casts out fear.

Spiritual warfare is an activity by Christians whereby satan and demons are fought, using a variety of methods and prayers depending on the group, mostly a lot of prayer and fasting. From a biblical point of view, spiritual warfare is the cosmic war of good versus evil: its battles are fought daily between God and Satan; between the Christian Church and the world fueled by our spiritual enemy; and within every child of God, between the Holy Spirit and the lusts of the carnal flesh. The clear meanings of good and evil, as defined by God rather than man, are revealed within the verses of the Holy Bible and the life of Jesus Christ. The Book of Daniel, chapter ten, provides one of the most striking examples of spiritual warfare found in Scripture. Remember when Daniel was held in captivity in a foreign land due to a great spiritual conflict, which led to the conquest of Israel and Judah. He resorts to intense prayer, which includes fasting, to seek guidance from God, verses 2,3. He receives a miraculous vision and word, verses 5–9 (which introduce. 10–12), from one having the appearance of a man (cf. verses 16,18), who may have been an angel, but whose description in verses 5,6, seems to match that of Christ in Revelation 1:13–16. Daniel’s earthly conflict extends to the heavenly realm, as the spiritual messenger was delayed by a demon, until being assisted by an archangel, verses 12–14. Strong resistance was met due to the importance of the answer to Daniels’s prayer, as it is a prophecy on Satanic activity in the end time.

Do we have a say in the matter?

When a person becomes converted and receives God's spirit they immediately enter into a war-like struggle against two large opponents and a lot of it consists in the mind. They will have to fight these two powerful enemies every day of their life until they die. The first major opponent Christians face is themselves. They must battle their own human nature with its self-defeating, sinful and destructive tendencies. The apostle Paul referred to this constant battle of the mind Christians face in his book to the Romans. The second lifelong opponent true believers must face is the devil and the world he has deceived into thinking and acting like he does (Ephesians 2:2, 1John 5:19, Revelation 12:9, etc.). Jesus, in his prayer to the Father before his crucifixion, reveals the ultimate attitude of those who do not believe God against those who do. I have given them (the disciples and all Christians by extension) Your words, and the world has hated them. . . (John 17)

Paul tells us, in no uncertain terms, that believers do not fight a carnal war that is so familiar to the world but rather one that is on a spiritual plane. Because we are not wrestling against flesh and blood, but against principalities and against powers, against the world rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual power of wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6)

Now that we know how to create armor to protect ourselves, what other ways can we stop the enemy from influencing us? We have to avoid all evil influences in our life. We can find these influences through music that we listen to, the TV shows and movies that we watch, and activities that are tied to the occult that we can find ourselves silently drawn towards or introduced to via our acquaintances and friends. We don't realize how the little things we do can open up doors and allow legal rights for demonic influence in our life. I'm so guilty of this myself. None of us are perfect nor are we expected to be. Remember Jesus Christ died for our sins.

While the fallen angels have no control over your Free Will, they do have some preternatural abilities to influence your thoughts. They will silently tempt you, often to impure thoughts, or into dissuading you from some good effort. Construct a mental picture of Our Lord Jesus Christ during His Passion. Focus on His pierced hands or feet, or maybe His carrying of the Cross, or concentrate on His crowning with thorns or scourging at the pillar. You will be amazed at how fast the evil thoughts will flee.

The dark forces pull out all the stops to trick us out of our good intentions, and it is only by our soul's determination to succeed and by the grace of God's assistance that we can get back on track.

Without your spiritual armor on tight (the light of God sealed around you), it's easy to fall prey to a spiritual attack.

These so-called attacks don't have to be very in-your-face. In fact they work better when they aren't obvious, because you're less likely to do anything about it. Cunning and subtle methods cause us to accept an intrusion into our world as 'the way things are' or 'just part of our personality'.

It's important to recognize when we need to call to God to take care of that negative energy. Praying for discernment is key, as well as just simply practicing.

Spiritual warfare is really one of the greatest blessings we have. We don't have to wallow in the darkness, we can call for spiritual protection from the forces of light and they will fight back and raise us out of whatever negative state of mind or being we are in.

Written By Jennifer L Auld

Do You Have God's Peace?

By Pastor Stephen Piersall

Wars and even more wars, every day in the news it is the headlines! Have you ever done a study and find a time that there was NOT a war on this planet? Even Jesus described to his disciple's wars, and rumors of wars would be a sign toward "End of Times." That fact alone makes it difficult for us to figure that one out, considering WWI & II, were the wars to end all wars.

Have you ever stopped to think of whom is the mastermind of wars? Satan is the driving influence behind man's viciousness to his fellow man. He is the source of instigation of wars. Satan wants to eradicate humans because he knows our ultimate potential of becoming glorified sons of God. He hates that our destiny is, among other things, to judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3, Hebrews 2:10, 1 Peter 5:8).

The devil cannot directly destroy human beings without God's express permission (Job 1:12, Luke 22:31). Therefore, he sets himself to influence humans to destroy themselves, hoping to end it all through the bloodshed of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).

Satan will fail, but the path of his destruction is right before our eyes. Here are some examples?

·      Abortion

·      Alcohol

·      Drive-by shootings

·      Drugs

·      Genocide

·      Process foods

·      Race riots

·      School shootings

·      Smoking


I am sure you can name a few more yourself. We, for the most part, are not directly affected unless a friend or family member, or a well-known personality, e.g., Robin Williams. Yes, it is a shame for anyone. For that matter, to die because of Satan's influence.

I figured since this is fresh in our minds, to mention once again, there is an alternative. No amount of money can buy you the life insurance policy that Jesus has for us. If you have not accepted the gift of Salvation, now is the time to decide. God created us in his image, but also gave us "Free-will" to determine what we do with our own lives.

Buying a new car, yes we can sleep on it and decide in the future. As for your opportunity of eternal life in Heaven, you may NOT awaken the next day to consider it more. Now, is the time to decide! If you already are a Christian, I ask you how many individuals are on your own prayer journal that you are praying for regarding salvation.

If you are against it altogether, go about your day as you see fit.

If you are on the fence and leaning toward God, drop to your knees and just ask Our LORD Jesus for forgiveness. My staff and I are available, and you can contact us multiple ways listed below. We will be glad to answer your questions, guide, and pray for you. Even so, YOU must make the first step. † 

May God shine his light through you †

Pastor Stephen Piersall

God's Preservation Ministry Soul Care 

gpmsc.org/

facebook.com/GodsPreservationMinistry

networkedblogs.com/blog/soul-care

Satan Would Not Do Good -- Would He?

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

An argument that is persuading some folks is this--"Satan would not do something good, since he is pure evil". And they then give some extraordinary example of "apparitional humans" doing something that helps someone/s. The term "apparitional humans" is usually used to distinguish between deceased humans and demonic mimicry, but since I don't believe in true human apparitions, I use them as synonyms.

Examples abound of "apparitional humans" comforting or in some way helping to extend the Kingdom of God. What do we make of this?

I can see why this would cause problems for Christians, but we must not put Satan in a box as to what this perfectly evil creature is capable of. His intelligence is way above mine or yours, and intelligent deception will often include losses for the greater cause. What he considers an acceptable loss may not seem so to our inferior intellects. Yes, I have a healthy appreciation for the devil's capabilities. Below are a few examples or reasons for Satanic 'good works' .

Examples also abound of people who were wicked who appear to family to comfort them...does that mean folks on the way to hell may visit loved ones...I think not.

Some examples are more psychological in nature, w/o apparition--what if it is the Holy Spirit comforting a believer in extraordinary way? (e.g. C.S. Lewis) Comforting suffering Christians is a major role of the Holy Spirit.

What if demon did make tactical error...they HAVE to sometimes since they are not God. In other words, demons have had the "tables turned" (Romans 8:28)

Satan is in fight he knows he will lose. Hence, he is desperate, and desperate "persons" will do desperate things.

Satan's intelligence vastly exceeds ours. Like George Washington, he knows the importance of deception in warfare. Only, the devil IS  deception. If he perceives that a 'defeat' will serve greater strategy of his, then he will allow defeat.It is well known that Mexican cartels send some shipments of drugs as a decoy to be caught in order for larger shipments to have greater chance of making it through customs/border patrol. How many "human apparitions" who actually help people, actually allow for larger "shipment" of occult to filter in?

A 'healing' by energy healer may bring wonderful results to impress all involved, but the 'good work' will backfire at some point. This is simply an example of bad good works(see below) that is similar to apparitional humans doing 'good'.

As John Gerstner pointed out there are bad good works, and good good works. The latter are done for God's glory, but the former can be the outwardly looking most wonderful actions, but have nefarious motives.

To say an action could NOT come from Satan because it accomplished some good, shows a naive view of warfare in general, and of Satan's massive intelligence in particular.

From my own experience, seemingly apparitional humans who appeared tender and helpful at first, eventually showed that they were really seeking to steal, kill, and destroy.

I end with this, why do you think Paul spoke of Satan's/demons ability to appear as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), if they did not appear to be doing the Lord's work?

That is what the next verse speaks of....

If you allow for any form of apparitional humans, then what is your OBJECTIVE criterion for distinguishing that and demonic mimicry? 1 John 4:1ff calls us to distinguish between Holy Spirit led teachers and demonic led teachers....you cannot read apparitional humans as third option without reading it into the text. We must remain faithful to SOLA SCRIPTURA.

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

The Problem with Angels -- Write Stuff

By Parker J. Cole

Angels. They are our guardians, our healers, our protectors. They follow us whereever we go. They lull us to sleep and send our prayers to God on wings of the morning.  They are gentle, kind, caring, full of heavenly grace and beings of immense beauty.

Or are they?

Stories of angels are prevalent in our society. From paintings to bumper stickers, belief in angels is at on all time. I would even hazard to say that more people are willing to believe in angels than in God. Perhaps because the view of angels is based on our own preconceptions of what angels are. Some believe they are glorious beings of both genders with white wings playing a golden harp or lupe. Some suggest they are warriors of power, girded with armor, and wielding swords. Still others see angels as benign, sending message from earth to the heavenly realm. Even more so, some people believe angels are our dear departed dead sent back to guide loved ones in their lives and protect them from catastrophe.

From small images carved of glass to massive statues adorning places of worship, angels are mentioned in one form or another in various faiths aroudn the world. This has given rise to the worship of angels.

Which leads to the problem of angels.

Join me as we talk about this topic with our guest co host and contributor, author Lisa Grace. You can call in at 646-595-2083, press 1 to be live on air. Or, you can download the WLUV radio mobile app today. Any way you can, join us.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wluv103/2014/08/05/the-problem-with-angels--write-stuff--852014


Lisa Grace
Angel In The Shadows, Book 1 - Free
The difference between vampires and angels? Angels are real. 
Books 1 & 2 are optioned for film, in development now.
Self Publishing RoundTable - Lisa Grace Interview #4
Rocking Self Publishing Podcast - Lisa Grace
Guest Post by Lisa Grace on JA Konrath

They tried to shut me down and shut me up! Blog Talk Radio helped?

People often ask me why I do what I do as far as exposing people.  I ask, why not?  I do not know how people see injustices in this world and just think the best plan of action is to do nothing or worse, to criticize the one that does take a stand to stop it.  This is who I am and have always been to one degree or another. Perhaps my methods are harsh to some, but I find being blunt, using a sense of humor and saying it how it is works and is how I do things.

Some will call me crazy.  It’s all a matter of perspective.  I might be… to those I’m exposing or have a fear that I’ll expose them.  People at times fear me.  Some should.  At least those who have something to expose that show they are not what they pretend to be.

These people that I expose don’t just get exposed and then change.  They keep doing what they were and keep trying to reinvent their identity and that usually entails slamming me and those who help me in an effort of trying to silence us.  They will use what ever method works for them including lying to people and twisting everything that is said and even inventing and fabricating evidence.  They play dirty.  They do not just roll over and hide or realize and change.  We do not live in that utopian world where they do.

One of the recent strategies against us is to lie about stealing trade names.  It seems their new MO and since they pulled that with Blog Talk Radio that pulled my shows, it’s their newest tactic because it seems to work for them.  Now, the problem with Blog Talk Radio is, they became part of the problem giving a voice to criminals and taking the voice away from the people who have been victimized by them.  They are quite obviously slighted towards our opponents.  We suspect there is a reason which at some point we will find.

The name of my first show I produced and hosted was “Beyond the Edge of Reality” which still exists today and is the name of my now broader “Beyond the Edge of Reality Radio Network” that includes a graphic department as well as more then just radio.  Anyhow… it was NOT “Beyond the Edge” and not “Beyond the Edge Radio”, which are names used by a Bigfoot enthusiast for his show that has run since as far as I can see, since 2009, but, he claims it was founded October of 2007 by the name of Eric Altman.  It doesn’t really matter, as the show names are not the same.  I was recently accused by Hawk Spearman (not his real name and Bigfoot enthusiast) of stealing my own radio show name on his radio show that he asked me to be a guest on.  So I wrote Eric Altman a private message after the rude and attack manner of the host, Hawk Spearman, to which he informed me that Hawk’s wife Karen wrote him that morning to ask if I stole the name.   So, these people had the gall to call me up, misrepresent their motives to me and act as though they were going to be fair, when in reality they meant to bombard me on air and then shut me off and were previously looking for dirt to pile on me.  Here’s the thing, Eric admitted having no problem with the name of my show.  My show has been around longer then Eric’s anyway.  I just do not advertise the dates as some do.  I will say here, that my friends were not happy and thought his radio show was a big screw up with the way the show hosts handled it.  Most of the listeners were OUR invites and therefore our own audience and apparently Hawk and his cohorts do not know how to promote a show.  So they played to their critics.

Earlier on Blog Talk Radio, I was accused of stealing the name “Darkside; Deep Secrets”.  Carol Malone from Paranormal Association of Cold Cases (PACC) had called Blog Talk claiming I stole the show name from her and how it was copyrighted and SAID to me she had her lawyer whom she named write up the cease and desist letter.  ONE, She might have had the idea for the name, but, I named it.  While she was involved, I added her into the introductions and gave her credit along with myself, as I AM ALSO CLEARLY ON THAT RECORDING ALSO.  I had the artwork done.  I produced it and paid for it.  I promoted it.  What did Carol do?  Show up for the show.  That’s it.  I as very gracious to her by giving her credit as I do with all my co-host.

Now Carol left the show over a year ago and never had a problem with the show name and never complained about it.  In fact, (although totally unnecessary) wrote an email giving me the name when she left as co-host.  I figured she didn’t really know and I thanked her for the thought.  But, when I got upset with her recently for involving herself in a stolen statue case that I was helping with and directly inject herself into it so much, to have the nerve to tell the owner to the statues that she had them (which is illegal and she could have implicated herself in a crime) and that he had to go to VA to get them and that they owed her money, I was upset and I let her know it.  THEN, the name got to be a problem to her.

Now, I did use the intro that we used back in the day on the show I did to make a point to her and it did include her name.  But, it was NEVER her show, NEVER her name and she does not own a word, especially since it is not a proper word.  The name of the show was “Darkside” and it is now and had been change quite some time ago “Darkside; Deep Secrets”.  So where was the issue?  OK, let’s just say you thought that even the combination name is taken of “darkside” (you can not copyright a word) then there should be NO “Darkside” shows on Blog Talk Radio. OHHHH, but there are and they have not been taken down.

Christina George, the fake psychic and the one who seems to be at the pinnacle of all of this made a show called The Darkside of the Paranormal.  The show still exists on Blog Talk.

Supposedly we were bashing people on our shows.  Well, did Blog Talk take into consideration all the shows bashing me and my co-host and guest?  NOPE, they pulled mine and accused me of being a thief while NEVER showing me any legal paper once so ever and on top of that and we called Carol Malone’s lawyer she had named who knew nothing about it and was only her neighbor.  Of course later, she said it was someone else.  So, this means that Blog Talk employees Shannon Dingee-Kramer and Sherry Sanland, who are known for knee jerk reactions to issues and disputes between radio show host and clearly took a stand, no matter how ridiculous and made their entire company stand behind it.

Will I sue them?  You know, when it comes to legal issues, I state what I’m going to do and do it and the rest, well, people will have to wait and see.  Papers do not get filed overnight for something like this and there is a lot to consider and background work.

I truly believe that Blog Talk Radio made a huge mistake allowing some people to use the paranormal community even further to line their pockets and intimidate innocent people is deplorable and I plan on letting people know about it while squelching our and many other’s freedom of speech in the process.

 I do have the network that I was already bringing onto my own setup because of the quality issues with Blog Talk Radio anyway.  I wanted our old shows though.  But, it appears that Blog Talk Radio considers all shows THEIRS.  Something for other’s to be aware of.

This demonstrates our mindset very well.  Sometimes, a song is easiest to understand.   http://youtu.be/H6KgUM6U9w4


By Evan Jensen

Producer of Beyond the Edge of Reality Radio Network
https://www.facebook.com/beyondtheedgeofrealitynetwork
https://www.facebook.com/paranormalbureauofinvestigation
https://www.facebook.com/beyondtheedgeofrealitydesigns
Web pages
http://beyondtheedgeofreality.net
http://beyondthedgeofreality.com
Blogs  (Watch for more information on these articles on our blogs.)
http://beyondtheedgeofreality.blogspot.com/
http://hauntedishpeming.blogspot.com/

How to Achieve Happiness & the Unsung Heroes of Compassion

San Francisco, CA, USA, 23 February 2014 - This morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama drove from San Francisco out to Richmond, where the Tibetan community that has grown from a handful in the 1980s to about 1500 today had invited him to inaugurate their new Community Center. Tibetans of all ages lined the street as he arrived to a traditional welcome.

Kunjo Tashi the community President escorted His Holiness into the building. He cut the ribbon across the doorway into the temple and scattered rice as he recited auspicious prayers. He inspected the labels on the volumes of the Kangyur before taking his seat on the throne. Tea and sweet rice were served and His Holiness spoke briefly about the need to preserve Tibetan identity and culture. He stressed that the Center should be useful.

Outside in the chill sunshine, the Tibetan community assembled to listen to the Mayor of Richmond, Gayle McLaughlin, formally welcome His Holiness to the city, following which he spoke too.

“It’s now nearly 55 years that we’ve been in exile. I was a young man then. Those born after 1959 are now parents, so we are into the third generation in exile. In the life of an individual a generation seems quite a long time, but in the context of the greater Tibetan cause 50 years or so is not very long. Tibetans in Tibet have placed their hopes in us.”

He sought to encourage his listeners about the value of their heritage: “We all want happiness, not suffering, and as a consequence we have to see if the mind can be transformed. Tibetan Buddhist culture is not just about prayers, reciting mantras and performing rituals, it involves explanations of the nature of reality. We Tibetans have the most comprehensive presentation of what the Buddha taught. We should not feel deprived, but proud of the knowledge we possess. What’s more we don’t need to rely on any other language to access this knowledge because it already exists in Tibetan. Don’t waste your time getting drunk or gambling. There’s no reason to feel low or demoralized; much better to be confident and optimistic.”

He said these days the Sikyong has taken on political responsibility and the Tibetan spirit is robust. Tibet has the support of many people around the world. The Middle Way Approach which does not seek separation from China has the support of Chinese people in China and abroad. To seek total independence undermines that support and any chance of opening a dialogue with the authorities.

“If we are granted the rights we deserve and which are guaranteed by the Chinese constitution it will do us good. So, the Middle Way Approach is beneficial. Meanwhile, reports I receive from Tibet about monasteries that have turned away from Dolgyal practice and are developing harmony and friendship with other monasteries in their region are encouraging. Be happy”

An estimated 3300 people gathered in the nearby Berkeley Community Theatre to listen to His Holiness. At the very beginning Tibetan children sang the Tibetan and American anthems. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D) movingly and eloquently welcomed His Holiness to the 13th congressional district, which she declared is the most progressive district in the country. She praised him for his tireless work for peace and thanked him for coming to Berkeley. In response, he began:

“Respected Congresswoman, brothers and sisters, we really need this sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. It is our self-centredness that is the cause of many of the world’s problems. We too are social animals like those ants and bees that have a sense of community and work together by nature without the guidance of religion or law. The environmental crisis makes us part of one world, as does the global economy. Our population is growing; natural disasters are increasing making ever clearer our need to acknowledge the oneness of humanity.”

His Holiness paused and asked his audience: “What do you feel, what is the best way to achieve happiness, is it through money and power? My eldest brother, Taktser Rinpoche, told me that while he was still in his monastery, he never gave a thought to money, but once he was out in the world he realized how important it is. But money only brings us physical comfort. Material values alone do not bring inner peace.

“Once in Barcelona I was introduced to a Catholic monk who wanted to meet me. He had spent five years in retreat deep in the mountains. A wonderful man, I asked him what kind of practice he did and he told me he meditated on love. And as he did so his eyes sparkled. He was very happy and yet he lived on bread and water with very little cooked food. Clearly genuine happiness doesn’t depend on material comfort.”

His Holiness explained that scientists are finding that more compassionate people are happier. A happy mind is conducive to physical health. He said we need friends, but asked how we find them? Trust, transparency, truthfulness and honesty attract friends and create happy individuals, happy families, happy communities and a happier world.

His Holiness also drew attention to the work scientists are doing in the US to help promote secular ethics in secular education. Developing concern for others on the basis of the oneness of humanity is not necessarily a religious teaching. However, all religious traditions acknowledge that there are obstacles to this and teach tolerance and forgiveness. And because we are subject to the drawbacks of greed they also teach contentment and simplicity. Similarly, all the major religious traditions teach self-discipline, so they share common goals. For this reason His Holiness promotes inter-religious harmony. At the same time, scientific research shows that inner values bring real happiness into our lives.

Among the questions from the audience, His Holiness was asked to speak about death. He said that if you lead a meaningful life, helping others and avoiding dong them harm, you can be sure of a good after life. He stressed that peace of mind is essential at the actual time of death, so the dying should not be disturbed. From a Buddhist point of view it is useful to think about compassion and the nature of reality and perhaps do some visualizations, as many do in their daily practice.

The session concluded with a group of young children reciting a short prayer for His Holiness’s long life.

After lunch, back at his hotel in San Francisco, His Holiness was invited to attend a function to acknowledge and commend Unsung Heroes of Compassion, individuals from around the globe who work to alleviate the suffering of others without expectation of reward. This is an organization launched by Dick Grace and the Grace Family Foundation and this is the fourth such event.

After Ngawang Khechog had brought peace to the occasion by playing his flute, the introductory speaker, 90 year old Grandmother Agnes of the Takelma tribe, meanderingly encouraged the audience to stop and think of the great gift of water as an essential part of creation. She called on everyone to join her in praying to the creator to protect and keep His Holiness and his people. When actor Peter Coyote invited His Holiness to speak, he acknowledged her in turn.

“We all come from our mothers and this old lady has showered affection on us like a mother does on her children. We are grateful, thank you.

“In our lives, my generation has seen the major part of the 20th century. I’m nearly 79 now and the killing and violence of that era still goes on in places like Syria. The question is whether such merciless killing is actually part of human nature. Our mothers give birth to us; we are brought up on mothers’ milk. Now scientists say that while anger and fear undermine it, warm-heartedness is actually good for our health. This suggests that in fact human nature is essentially kind.

“The reality is, as I’ve said before, that we are social animals and each of us depends on the community within which we live, so today the idea of war is out of date. In ancient times, destruction of your enemy was your victory. Now it’s as if we are all part of one body, so what happens to others affects us too. We have to take care of each other.

“Usually I say that people younger than 30 belong to the 21st century. My generation belongs to the 20th century, an era that is over. We will not see the great changes to be made in this century. Those who are young today must work to create a better more peaceful world, and I often teasingly say that wherever I am I’ll be watching how you do.”

His Holiness praised Dick Grace for creating an organization that brings such wonderful individuals to wider attention. They each set examples that can only strengthen the younger generation. The Unsung Heroes of Compassion for 2014 each came up to the platform to be honoured and at the end the applause was loud and long.

original link and photos: http://www.dalailama.com/news/post/1083-how-to-achieve-happiness-and-the-unsung-heroes-of-compassion