Meeting with Tibetan Women’s Association Representatives Thekchen Chöling, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, HP, India - His Holiness the Dalai Lama met this morning with 190 members of the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) who have gathered from 37 different settlements in India, Nepal, Belgium and US for their triennial board meeting. “We became refugees nearly sixty years ago,” His Holiness told them. “During that time the world has come to appreciate the Tibetan tradition of Buddhism. Now even modern scientists take a keen interest in what it has to say. As refugees we have succeeded in presenting to the world our unique Tibetan identity as expressed through our distinct religious traditions, our language, our modes of writing and so forth. “Many people tell me how much they appreciate Tibetans’ compassionate, cheerful, good nature and their warm smiles. We have succeeded in presenting a positive image of Tibet to the world. “When we first arrived in India, about eighty thousand Tibetans had managed to escape. Very early on we began the systematic democratization of our administration in exile. With Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s support we established schools where Tibetan children could receive both a traditional Tibetan upbringing and a modern education.” His Holiness expressed his pride that he has been able to pass political responsibility to a leadership elected directly by the Tibetans. But he confirmed that despite his political retirement, he is committed to contributing to the preservation of Tibetan culture, religion and the natural environment of Tibet. He remarked that Tibet’s healthy ecology concerns not only Tibetans, but also millions of people across Asia who depend on Tibet’s rivers as sources of water. Speaking specifically about the role of women, he told the meeting: “As Buddhists we always pray for the welfare of all sentient beings, but from a practical point of view it is only among the human beings on this planet that we can work to promote compassion and warm-heartedness. In that context, scientists have observed that women are more sensitive towards others’ pain than men. Thus, biologically, women are more inclined to show compassion. “In my own life, I never saw an angry expression on my mother’s face. She was kind to everyone. Her compassion was vividly reflected in the way her eyes filled with tears whenever she came across others in pain or distress. My mother was my first teacher of compassion, which is why I believe we first learn about kindness at home. “At the time when the very survival of Tibet as a nation is at stake, you all have done what you could to ensure that the Buddha Dharma and Tibetan language survive. Tibetans have a special karmic connection with Avalokiteshvara. I feel sure all of you have accumulated the merit to be cared for by Avalokiteshvara not just in your next lives, but for many lives to come. Those of us in exile should never forget the Tibetans in Tibet, who lack the freedom we enjoy—we are their representatives to the rest of the world.” original link & photos: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2018/meeting-with-tibetan-womens-association-representatives
Before we jump in, I want to emphasize that my argument is cumulative in nature—about a dozen. There are numerous “red-flags” which, when taken together, dismantle the notion of residual energy. I ask the reader to keep the totality of the arguments/reasons in mind and not miss the forest for the trees, by getting too bogged down in one particular argument.
Let it be noted at the outset that my focus is on dismantling the residual theory, and not an in-depth analysis of demonology. Along the way, I will be making reference to explaining the truth behind the residual haunts, but it is not my primary burden in this book, which is showing how unnatural this alleged natural theory is. In any case, the truth is quite simple, as it should be.
1.Ockham’s Razor
The scientific/logical principle of Ockham’s Razor has been a useful tool for centuries as a guiding principle for determining which of two or more competing theories is likely correct. The basic concept is parsimony or simplicity. Which ever theory that explains the phenomena most simply is to be preferred, and is almost always correct.
Aristotle is believed the first to express this principle, but as with logic, he didn’t create either principle, rather he discovered what is woven into the fabric of God’s world. ‘Shaving away with a razor’ all but the barest essentials to adequately explain the data is what we are after. There are two issues involved: 1. adequately explaining the phenomena, 2. and a concern for simplicity. For example, if two theories equally explain the data, but one is much simpler, then the simpler one with less variables is most likely the correct theory; beauty of simplicity and symmetry are woven into the fabric of the cosmos by the Logos (in Greek, one meaning is ‘logic’) So, Jesus is the Logic of the universe—holding it together (Col.1:17)
Ockham’s Razor is a time-honored principle that has assisted in many fascinating discoveries, and in dispensing with competing theories that were overly complicated in their explanations.
E=mc (squared) Consider both sides of the equal sign; Energy= matter times the constant (squared). For something so mysterious and so basic to everything, this is its mathematical equation! Is it not lovely in its simplicity?! Think about this for a moment: does it not reflect the simplicity and beauty of God Himself? One can easily imagine such a profound concept as having multiple variables, but it has two—matter and the constant, squared. Beautifully simple; simply beautiful. Or, profoundly simple; simply profound.
Since we are dealing with energy in the notion of residual energy, I thought it particularly appropriate to mention this here. And it is an especially profound expression of parsimony/simplicity.
Consider the classic example of Copernicus vs Ptolemy. Both theories could explain the phenomena of the solar system, but the Ptolemaic system had to continually add ad hoc hypothesis to account for The earth centered galaxy could only explain the phenomena by introducing complex epicycles, which added unwieldly and unnecessary complexity. From a modern vantage point, it is an ugly theory considered from an aesthetic perspective, which physicists often appeal to: beauty in an equation. Nature reveals the wisdom and beauty of God, as seen in its unity and diversity, and design.
19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,g in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.(Romans 1:19-20)
Some things about God’s character are so clearly revealed in nature, that it leaves us without excuse. Ockham’s Razor simply expresses this reality.
Copernicus’s theory prevailed primarily because it clearly and SIMPLY explained all the phenomena. Conversely, the more variables that are introduced to explain natural processes, then the more likely it is mistaken. God’s world is wonderfully mysterious, but there is an underlying beauty of simplicity which makes exploration and discovery possible. The death knell for a proposed theory is when it is contains many variables which are themselves mysterious, unexplainable, untestable, etc. A natural theory which lacks verifiability or falsifiability is to be rejected.
The existence of demons is not the issue being discussed; residual energy is. It would take a separate volume to adequately deal with the former, and many fine books have already been written.
When we apply Ockham’s Razor to our discussion, we have two proposed solutions for explaining ‘paranormal looking’ activity. Whatever else we may say about either theory, we are talking about phenomena which looks, sounds, and smells just like supernatural activity, but is alleged to be non-intelligent. However, the competing theory (mine) assumes that the same phenomena is actually quite intelligent.
Let’s see the difference. 1.The Paranormal Community asserts that the following variables are included to explain the process: a trauma occurs; this trauma emits psychic/emotional energy shock waves; sometimes this emotional energy adheres to a rocky surface with special photographic qualities; it remains clustered instead of diffusing; this rock takes a picture/movie of traumatic event; upon cue, this energy re-animates; this energy/rock combination also contains extraordinary projection capabilities and it projects into the surroundings a looping of the past event which may include: sounds, smells, and even solid apparitions; upon completion, it then re-clusters and waits for next loop; this looping may continue perpetually. I trust that I have not set up a straw man but have accurately expressed the basics of the residual energy/haunt theory. Now, (and this is vital) all of these steps/variables are necessary to explain the phenomena in this theory. We count perhaps 6 or 7 possible steps or variables. How many are explainable in current scientific language? None.
2. The demonic theory asserts one step/variable: demonic mimicry to explain the same phenomena. It’s assumption differs widely from the first in that we assume the activity is intelligent. Whatever sounds, smells, or apparitions which normally would be classified as paranormal but are not, due to the subjective process of observing alleged non-intelligence, are explained as being intelligent.
The reason why the phenomena looks paranormal/supernatural is because it is supernatural; and not because it is some unprecedented, complex, multi-staged process of nature. The appearance of non-intelligence is either due to mis-perception or demonic deception or both.
Comparison of two equations:
1. Appearance of non-intelligent, paranormal looking activity=a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h
2. Appearance of non-intelligent, paranormal looking activity=x
Which is simpler? Obviously # 2. And #2 explains the phenomena, as we shall see, without breaking/stretching natural laws. Yes, it appeals to the supernatural to explain the phenomena, but (and this is vital) it already has all the traits of supernatural, except ‘perceived’ non-intelligence, which is subjective.
Just on a cursory glance, without going into specifics (which we will), it is manifestly clear that theory #2 is much simpler. Both explain the phenomena, but the demonic theory is vastly more simple, according to Ockham’s Razor principles. Hence, just from viewing the two models side-by-side, the demonic theory is preferable.
We will see that, from beginning to end, the processes (a--h) behind the residual energy/haunt theory are numerous and ALL are mysterious or unexplainable. When a mysterious process like residual energy is explained in terms which are themselves dripping with mystery-laden variables, then it’s significantly problematic. We shall see that there have been attempts to explain its processes via abstruse scientific theories but this is contrary to the principle of simplicity.
The competing theory is the demonic theory, which is simplistic only if you assume your conclusion—which is circular reasoning and/or assume naturalistic/materialistic presuppositions. If you are a Christian, then you should never underestimate the creative power of the evil one to deceive by means of mimicry of even non-intelligence. And the theory I am proposing has ONE step, and is entirely explainable—as opposed to 6 step process, none of which are explainable.
It is the paranormal/parapsychological community that has painted itself into a corner by asserting that residual energy/haunt is caused by entirely natural processes. Introducing the supernatural is not unwarranted complexity because the biblical worldview is thoroughly supernatural; and it is manifestly not natural processes at work. And this phenomena is by no means analogous to something like Copernicus or gravity, because it has all the hallmarks of paranormal/supernatural activity, but people perceive that it is non-intelligent. Unseen forces of some kind, are causing screams, footsteps, smells and apparitions. By the end, we shall see that the demonic theory is most certainly in line with Ockham’s Razor.
There is no precedent for this kind of supernatural looking activity as being natural. Nature looks like nature, and if it looks like a paranormal duck and walks like a paranormal duck, then it’s a paranormal duck. Calling obviously supernatural activity natural processes is unreasonable and unnatural.
Ockham’s Razor is a time-honored principle that has assisted in many fascinating discoveries, and in dispensing with competing theories.
2.There is no evidence for residual energy/haunts. None. Since it is supposedly natural forces at work, then one would assume that it should be subject to the normal processes of the scientific method, but it is resistant at every turn. Every aspect, every variable in the process, is itself inexplicable. The only ‘evidences’ I have seen are the positing of abstruse theories, and experience, interpreted in circular fashion.
Honest defenders of the theory acknowledge that the entire process, from beginning to end, remains a total mystery. Giving an analogy (e.g. tape recorder) is not evidence; and yet when many people hear the analogy they are convinced by it. That analogy has been repeated so often that folks think they are hearing evidence, but they are not.
Before you cry foul, think of how it usually is defended. Someone will state that they are going to show ‘evidence’ for residual energy, and they point to a building which is allegedly filled with residual energy because of trauma that occurred there—then they mention the activity, and that’s it. Or, they will show footage of activity or EVP’s of voices, and then declare that they are evidence of residual haunts because they are non-sensical answers. Again, that is not evidence, but an experience, interpreted circularly. It is arguing in a circular fashion, which is a logical fallacy. The data is interpreted in line with their assumptions regarding residual energy, but could easily be explained in a different fashion. Or they will present ‘evidence’ which allegedly reveals that the activity is non-intelligent. However, we shall spend an entire chapter on the insuperable problems associated with making that distinction. The ‘evidence’ usually offered is experience, which is interpreted ‘residually’.
A theory which lacks any hard evidence is itself evidence that it is false, because it is neither verifiable nor falsifiable. It would seem that we treat this theory with ‘kid gloves’ in that I know of no other theory accepted by so many, that is entirely lacking in any hard evidence. “Not a good start”, says Dr. Ockham. Normally, that in itself, would be enough to dismiss it out of hand. If that does not seem persuasive, let us look at point # 3.
3.Let me begin by quoting Ms. Sherrie Jones in an article on Jeff Belanger’s Ghost Village newsletter (best-selling author, and advisor to The Ghost Adventures): “No universal way seems to exist to be able to shut-down or to stop a paranormal time reflection because we simply do not know what causes it to happen. Some people claim residual haunts/PTRs happen due to traumatic events leaving an energy imprint. That may be true in a few cases, but many scenes of PTR are commonplace occurrences, like someone repeatedly walking from room to room, exiting through an apparent doorway that is no longer there, or doing some mundane task. Nothing seems to indicate why that particular moment in time gets captured and repeatedly reflected back during our time or perhaps through time perpetually. So, we are also left with the disconcerting truth that perhaps the majority of residual haunts, or paranormal time reflection (PTR), is not caused by the alleged primary cause of residual haunts: a traumatic event which leaves imprint on surroundings! Rather confusing, to say the least! And no known means of cleansing it either.”(bold added) In addition, in this article she belabors the point that we probably should not even call it a haunt in order to not frighten the homeowner, who is in no danger whatsoever because of its non-intelligent nature.
Jones, who strikes me as intelligent, makes several significant points which amount to more than mere anomalies for current residual energy/haunt theory—it’s evidence against it.
First, she asserts that the entire process, from beginning to end, is an enigma; we don’t know what causes it to happen. Not even a clue! It is significant that a notion accepted by so many, is basically an entire mystery. She alludes to our third argument below regarding how the theory has no mechanism, so I’ll skip over that for the moment, even though it’s enormously significant.
Have you ever tried to visualize in your mind the process of a traumatic event occurring, emitting psychic energies which imprint on a surface, ect? I have. I have tried hard and sincerely to picture this process occurring and I simply can’t. Be that as it may, we must not pass too quickly over her comment that the entire process remains a mystery. The mystery cloud that hangs over the entire process should be a cause for concern, but it does not seem to phase anyone. As long as they have the tape/film analogy, then that is sufficient. That ALL the variables are inexplicable is unheard of and is devastating. In light of Ockham’s Razor, this theory is in serious trouble.
With the principle of parsimony, the mystery of any anomaly is seen as something to be suspicious of and a razor is taken to it; but in this case every step in the process is unexplainable—from the means by which alleged psychic energy gets trapped on a surface, to how it remains clustered, to how it is able to generate images and sounds, ect. Surely for the open minded, inexplicability of the entire process is evidence against its truth. Unless you like your theories drowning in darkness and anomalies, then it is time to re-examine this popular theory.
By the way, it is not my intention to be harsh, but when dismantling a commonly held belief, one has to be relentlessly logical. And it has always been my belief that helping folks to see the truth is an act of love and compassion. For many, their eternal destinies are at stake—not because the belief itself is damnable, but because it can lead to circumstances that accelerate peoples damnation.
4. She eviscerates the basic idea that a traumatic event is the cause behind this energy imprint. Keep in mind this is a woman who believes in residual energy, and is well known. Jones asserts that the evidence captured is mostly that of mundane activity and not traumatic events. Based on the collection of a large body of various kinds of evidence of alleged residual energy/haunts, the trauma theory does not correspond to the paranormal communities enormously extensive body of data. She readily admits it is confusing and disconcerting that the majority of the evidence is of simple, everyday, mundane activities-which should not cause an energy imprint on the environment. I assume that Ms. Jones has access to advanced technology and has seen many hours of audio and video, and so her assessment or conclusion is devastating for the residual energy/haunt theory.
Some may call it anomalous but she is saying the majority of evidence contradicts the trauma theory. That’s not an anomaly; it is evidence against the theory. I find her honest assessment of the data to be hugely significant, and any man or woman of integrity has to interact with her findings. It is what one would expect if the causal factor behind these events were not residual at all, but intelligent; as I am asserting.
To re-state, the evidence captured is mostly of mundane activity, and not traumatic. This observation is more than disconcerting; it should lead one to consider a paradigm change. What we have here is hard evidence which debunks the basic foundation of residual haunt—traumatic event. How more devastating can evidence get? It is an honest summary of the totality of the evidence gathered by the paranormal community itself. This is empirical data and not subjective feelings.
How many ‘anomalies’ have to accumulate before you will consider changing the theory itself? In a normal scientific setting, a theory which does not fit the majority of the evidence is usually tossed out and a new theory is sought. But folks are keenly wed to this notion, and the paranormal community is not as rigorous in its pursuit of the scientific method as they claim to be. (e.g. frequently depending on one’s senses/intuition, using psychics, believing the voices of EVP’s, smudging, ect) Those are not scientific techniques nor the scientific method at work.
Again Jones honestly admits that residual energy is difficult to get rid of. I find her candor refreshing because many would look at the same data and spin it differently and less honestly. My friend Dana Emanuel has written a wonderful blog and video on invalid forms of cleansings.
The bottom line is that one cannot get rid of demonic activity using occult means like smudging, which attracts and accelerates demonic activity. So, it is no wonder that she finds it difficult to get rid of. However, if you treat it as demonic, then it does go away. I know because I’ve done it many times—and it was supposed to be residual energy, but it wasn’t. That, by the way, is verifiable. Show me an alleged case of residual energy and I’ll show you one that can be cleansed through the Word of God Incarnate, Jesus of Nazareth. But please remember what I said earlier: rebuking in the Name of Jesus usually only works for those who know the Lord and are walking in the Spirit.
Lastly, she states that we should not tell the homeowner that it is ‘haunted’ since that might frighten them; and since it is allegedly non-intelligent, it is of no danger to the client. Given her assumptions, that conclusion makes sense. However, what if it is intelligent? By telling the homeowner they are in no danger because its merely looping energy causes them to be in more danger than before. Why?
At least before the investigation, they had enough healthy worry or concern to be on guard and call for help. But since the healthy fear has been erased by telling them “peace, peace” when there is no peace (like false OT prophets did), then they not only still have the demonic presence, but are now welcoming of it—pure evil out to destroy them. They were concerned and guarded, but now they are embracing the enemy of their souls. That’s tragic beyond words, and it angers me. Telling the homeowner the truth is always the best policy, just as you would want a medical doctor to not sugar coat your diagnosis. Hell is infinitely more frightening than any initial reaction a homeowner may have.
Asserting that the theory does not correspond to Ockham’s Razor; the entire process is unexplainable, it does not explain most of the phenomena, usually can’t get rid of residual energy-- what does all that suggest to you? Without realizing it, Sherrie Jones, in telling the truth, has gone a long way to undermining the foundation for residual theory. Though we have several more to go, please take these arguments and their force, cumulatively.
5. No mechanism exists to explain this process. Consider the following quote: “The problem is that we know of no mechanism that could record such information in a stone or play it back. Chunks of stone just do not have the same properties as reels of tape. Even magnetic tape can’t record sound or video without a special recording head. Speaking to a magnetic tape will not record anything. Nor can one hear what’s recorded on a magnetic tape by putting it up to one’s ear. In both cases, a special device like a read/write head is needed, and the stone tape theory provides no clue as to what such device would be.” (Schick, Theodore; Vaughn, Lewis. How to Think About Weird Things, pg 326)
I keep repeating myself, but please do not see this as yet another ‘anomaly’. It is not an anomaly; it is evidence against it. If it were true, there should be a mechanism to explain the process. That’s the way real, reality works; It is how natural nature works. For a process that allegedly occurs so frequently, one would assume it could be explained at some level. But this speculation’s processes can’t be explained at all; only analogies given.’ (e.g. film recorder) On the other hand, I can explain the mechanism behind the truth; demonic deception. Simple, yes—as in Ockham. On the other hand, is an alleged natural theory which is wholly unnatural.
Think of what has been said by these men: there is nothing in nature that is similar to magnetic tape; nothing in nature that is equivalent to a recording head; nothing in nature that resembles a read write head that would play back sound. Nothing, nothing, nothing.
For arguments sake, even if we accept that limestone can receive imprinted memories (similar to magnetic tape), what is there in this rock which even remotely resembles a read/write head which projects loud cries, footsteps two floors away, or multiple solid apparitions running through the woods at Gettysburg? You know what this resembles? A miracle—self generated by nature.
Are you familiar with the technology behind building film-recorder equipment? It takes considerable skill and intelligent design to accomplish this task. Then think of the technology needed to project SOLID apparitions running through the woods. To my knowledge, nobody can do that with even the most advanced technology. Not even the military. But energy soaked rocks can.
What these two men did not mention was the further need of the equivalent of speakers, amplifiers, and visual projection mechanisms capable of projecting a solid object; The read/write head is just the beginning of a complex process of audio and visual special effects—miraculous looking special effects.
How does a rock project a solid figure that walks perfectly? Please try to visualize how a simple, energized rock could produce an astonishing sound and light show that out-performs our best efforts at ‘hologramming’. Have you ever studied how holograms are created? I would suggest that you do so, in order to grasp what this speculation is alleged to do. As we noted earlier, the solid apparitions are not attainable through current technology. It is mind boggling in the extreme to think that rocks could project a vaporous apparition, but a sold one is unspeakably incredible!
In real life, there needs to be a person to press the equivalent of the record button, as well as a person to press the play-back button. These men have stated a devastating truth about this central paranormal theory: it lacks a mechanism. In most cases, if a theory lacks a mechanism, it is rejected.
A mechanism is simply a means of explaining how the process works. If one merely asserts that something happens, but cannot explain HOW this process happens, then that is problematic in the extreme. Stating that residual energy acts like a tape/film recorder is not an explanation; it is simply an analogy, and a faulty analogy at that. Yet folks continue to regularly use the tape analogy to explain residual energy. May I suggest that there is a spiritual component that is driving this faulty theory along with such force; it is as demonic driven as the forces it is attempting to explain.
When you consider the other ‘anomalies’ we mentioned—and add to them that the theory lacks an explanation of how it’s processes work, then that is evidence against it being true. It certainly does not conform to Ockham’s Razor because it is becoming increasingly and unnecessarily complex, complicated, riddled with inconsistencies, and lacks explanatory power. Ockham’s razor states that the simplest theory which explains the phenomena is to be preferred.
***And this theory is far from simple, and as Jones noted, it does not explain the phenomena. And the current issue is the lack of falsifiability or verifiability of a mechanism that does not exist.
I need to repeat a key point: the trauma theory does not explain the phenomena; it is entirely and empirically false in that it does not conform to the observable phenomena.***
Remember the cumulative nature of my arguments from science. Take all that Ms. Jones said, add the lack of a mechanism, and one is left with no scientific evidence for this theories validity. It does not explain most of the phenomena, and it lacks a mechanism. But we have not finished.
6.The entire theory rests upon another unproven assumption: that there is a new, as of yet uncategorized, kind of energy: psychic/emotional energy. One or two scientists are talking about it but that is not the same as it being verified and officially categorized. Demonic ‘energy’ is usually behind this anyway—(e.g. Reiki) It is said to be the explosive outburst of this kind of energy that gets imprinted on the environment and replays, over and over. That there is energy is not the issue; that there are emotions is not the issue; that the uncontrolled outburst of emotions causes expenditures of energy is not the issue; what IS the issue is this: is there a category of energy known as “psychic/paranormal/emotional energy”? That is the issue.
Anthropomorphizing energy:
If you consult any textbook on energy, or Google ‘kinds of energy’ then you will find things like: electrical, chemical, radiant, nuclear, mechanical, thermal, elastic, and gravitational energy. However, there is no category known to science as “psychic/emotional energy.” There are alleged examples of it (we shall examine one of the most popular examples later—walking in after an argument) but it is an ‘experience’ and not evidence, interpreted in circular fashion. It is not an accepted category of energy in science circles. What often passes for psychic/emotional energies in an environment is either psychological processes, perception of body language cues, or demonic ‘energy.’ Hence, the very ‘stuff’ that allegedly gets imprinted/replayed on the environment does not itself even exist, despite half the world speaking of it as if it did. In other words, residual energy is comprised of a substance that is non-existent. We should be more careful with our language.
In addition, energy is inanimate and to attribute emotions to it is anthropomorphizing it; giving it human traits. That is a fallacy. Anger is real, and energy is real, but angry energy or energy filled with anger is to speak as if an inanimate object were a person. People have anger, people have joy, people have love or hate—rocks or energy do not. The more I ponder this notion of residual energy, the more “unreal” it becomes. Just because many people believe this kind of energy exists, does not make it so. Our believing has no bearing on the ontological status of emotional/psychic energy or anything else for that matter—despite what some New Age authors say regarding the power of belief/speech. God’s Words have omnipotent power and it’s blasphemous to assert that ours do too. Just as many people believed the earth was/is flat does negate the fact that it is essentially spherical. Just because the idea of emotional energy has taken root so firmly in our culture, does not prove anything…other than its popular. And many wrong-headed notions have been almost universally believed in the past.
7. If these are place memories, photos of past event imprints –holographic images caught on natural surface, then why isn’t the original scenery included? Occasionally it is, but why not all the time? If you see an image of a woman apparition walking, why isn’t the original scenery included? When one takes a simple photo, the original situational scenery is included, right? If this is a “photo or film” of original image of 100 years ago, then why isn’t the original situational scenery surrounding that event included as well? If this process is advanced enough to capture and replay the person in the environment, then why can’t it replay the environment the person was in? For something so incredible, why can’t it even get the scenery right? Maybe it’s not a ‘memory’ or filming at all? It does not act like a camera or video recorder, so why use the analogy? It seems to be intentionally stripping the person from their environment and looping just them. More signs of intelligent intervention.
Do you catch the force of this reasoning? Since a simple photo, or video obviously catches the scenery, and not just the primary subject, then why does that not occur in the process of place memory? Is it ‘selective memory’? The traumatic event occurred to an individual in a situation, and not in a vacuum, so why isn’t the ‘photographing’ element not capturing the situational context as well; especially since it was the situation that was causing the trauma? The subject was surrounded by scenery when the event occurred; does the process prefer people over things? Perhaps the film analogy should not be used because it’s so untrue to what it’s depicting. I suggest it can be better explained as very intelligent deception via mimicry. Makes more sense of the data than the mystery laden alternative.
If there can be such high tech ‘place memories’ occurring in locations like Gettysburg, where allegedly multiple, beyond holographic (I say beyond because in many cases apparitions are solid), images are moving through the woods (not original woods, but existing woods) then why can’t something as relatively simple as the soldiers original scenery be part of the holographic equation/surroundings as well? Part of the mystery? Well, I readily and happily admit there is mystery and wonderment in God’s world, but this is not mystery, it is ugliness of asymmetrical reasoning and false/demonic reality.
If one were to postulate demonic mimicry, as I am, then explaining the various mysteries is rather simple. We must not forget the ‘angel of light’ principle (2 Cor.11:14) in which Satan/demons can appear as anything. If they can appear as Jesus, then appearing as anything else would be easy.
I remind the reader we are not discussing the run of the mill scientific theory, but one that occurs in paranormal circumstances, with all the same indicators of supernatural activity, except the alleged perception of non-intelligence-- of exactly the same phenomena that in other circumstances would be interpreted as paranormal. The subjective nature of this distinction process will be spelled out in detail in a later chapter.
Cumulatively speaking, more evidence is piling up that this theory is deeply flawed. And consider how much human intelligence it would take to holographically project very realistic looking soldiers moving through the woods. Are we to believe that non-intelligent natural forces can out perform our best hologram efforts? Our best scientists can’t approximate what this speculation proposes, which cannot even be explained. Where are you Ockham?
No evidence for the theory, no correlation of the data to the theory, no mechanism to explain the process, no category known as psychic/emotional energy or emotionalized energy, and subjects being filmed with no background scenery. The ‘red-flags’ are accumulating, and the contra-evidence is mounting higher and higher.
8. Did you know that according to some folks, the phenomena of period dress did not start occurring until 100 years ago? Prior to that, ghosts were seen in contemporary garb. If one saw a ghost in 1905 they were dressed in garb of 1905. I do not have any way of verifying if this true, though I have tried. So, I offer this more as suggestive, than as ‘evidence’. But if it is true, then it is quite significant. And there is a precedent for it in the UFO phenomenon, as we’ll see. It is because of this precedent that I decided to include this observation which I cannot verify. Yet.
If ghosts are intelligent and residual energy haunts are non-intelligent, then they must have occurred throughout human history in similar fashion. If these are manifestations of non-intelligent residual apparitions, then something has happened that shouldn’t have occurred. 100 years ago, Victorian women in white dresses started appearing and countless other apparitions in ‘period dress.’ Perhaps the devil knows there is something ‘romantic’ about a Victorian ghost woman dressed in white; or civil war soldiers. If he can appear as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14), then appearing as anything else would be a snap. Anything. I saw a demonic ‘cat’ in one location, and it was the ugliest cat I’ve ever seen, and appeared to be hyper-ventilating as I approached it! It was paralyzed with fear and looked as if it were having a heart attack.
Satan is very smart and the ultimate opportunist in learning a good thing when he sees it, too deceive people. It sounds like intelligent changing of strategy to fit our expectations and desires—folks like their Victorian ghosts. It is eerily similar to early UFO sightings as saying they were from Mars (Martians), but as our technology got more advanced, ‘somebody’ realized this was becoming implausible—it was much more exotic (and harder to falsify) to say they were from outer reaches of the galaxy, ect. It has all the signs of intelligent deception. Since most activity is said to be residual (past and present), then non-intelligence cannot change its MO 100 years ago. This is further evidence that the residual speculation is implausible. Non-intelligence is not going to decide one day to start appearing in ‘period dress’ because, by definition, non-intelligence cannot decide anything.’ Based on UFO/alien encounters, there is no doubt in my mind that true alien-appearing activity is demonic in nature. In terms of their anti-Jesus/hell message and actions, it is evident that this is yet another scheme of the evil one, just as are ghosts, and residual energy/haunts.
9. Residual energy/haunts are not reproducible in the lab. One would think that a surface that contains this stored energy could be removed and stimulated in some fashion in the lab to cause it to ‘loop’. Or think of material taken from a residual haunt used to build another structure, is said to result in it being residually haunted as well.
After all, it is said that lightning, or EMF pumps, ionize the air and make re-play likely. Has anyone on site, or in the lab, been able to electrically stimulate this energy surface and cause it to re-play? The problems with testing it on-site is that at the first sighting of ‘activity’ one will be tempted to call it residual in order to produce desired results. In other words, it is not a controlled setting. And non-reproducibility is normally considered at best seriously problematic, and at worse, a death-blow to a theory in science. It is assumed that a theory is reproducible in the lab, if it is true.
This is about the third or fourth time that same point has been made, but in regards to different anomalies. But this is residual energy and it seems nobody messes with it. I do not divulge my personal business but exposing this scheme has attracted unwanted attention, and ‘messing’ with it has come at a spiritual price. This attack has only caused me to re-double my efforts, and reinforced what I already knew: Satan is quite fond of his residual energy deception. But God is good.
It is said that surfaces retain energy. Fine. Bring it to the lab and reproduce the desired effect.
10. Utter unpredictability. The vast majority of traumatic situations that should lead to residual energy/haunts do not. Trauma, of countless varieties and intensity, occur every day across every city. If we assume the ‘trauma theory,’ in spite of # 2 above, then one would expect all significant trauma to send out emotional/psychic energy which would result in imprinting on the surroundings. Residual haunts occur in all types of physical environments, and not just those with limestone, ect. There is no surface or kind of substance that has been isolated as the cause/causes. (see the last chapter on limestone) My point is this: if a theory is truly scientific in nature-- if it is true-- then it should be predictable. But in this case, it is utterly unpredictable as to the: if, what, when, where and how of which events will be recorded and played back. There is no simplicity to this theory at all; just one anomalous complexity after another.
This is a distinct argument from the lack of a mechanism (# 3); that has to do with the inability to explain how the process works. This has to do with if and when the process even occurs, despite serious trauma. No, this is the total lack of predictability. Even in places where there is intensified, horrific trauma on a daily basis, like a prison, there should be much more residual energy/haunts than there are, according to the theory; especially if part of the reason it was posited was because the prison was made of limestone. A place like that should be ‘crawling’ with residual energy.
It would seem that someone is choosing which trauma produces this effect. But in the residual theory there is nobody ‘there’ to choose’ which event makes an imprint; and ‘choosing’ is an obviously intelligent activity. One could go further and say that some of the very worst traumas have not produced any residual haunts, even in limestone environments, or in different kinds of environments. The contrary theory can easily explain why some events are causing some ‘issues’ and others are not; intelligent intervention.
A basic component of a theory passing the ‘muster’ of the scientific method in becoming accepted as ‘scientific’ is the simple test of predictability. Yet, one of the hallmarks of this theory is its sheer unpredictability. Nothing about this theory is explainable; every aspect of it is shrouded in mystery and contradictions.
Along these same lines, there is, as I said, no substance that has been isolated as THE photographing element or surface. Residual haunts, due to their alleged frequency, are found in every mineral/rock surface imaginable. So, forget limestone.
11. Have you ever heard of a perpetual motion machine? If you have, it’s not because you have seen one: they are an impossibility in the world God has made. Why? Due to friction, gravity, and especially the 2nd law of thermodynamics, the energy will eventually wind down; the energy has not been destroyed but it has ‘changed’. These inventions have always been a failure, and always will be.
My point is this: the theory of residual energy as usually proposed, is essentially a theoretical model of a perpetual motion machine. As Ms. Jones said, the residual energy will continue to loop, PERHAPS PERPETUALLY. Of course, nobody has any clue as to how many volts of psychic/emotional energy is emitted in a trauma (is this measurable?), but the human body has relatively little energy in it, compared to the tasks that are said to be performed in a residual haunt. How much energy is needed to create a hologram on steroids, which is what many of the apparitions appear like? In fact, they are not holograms because, they are much more sophisticated—in many cases, actual human bodies are generated which can be touched. In addition, consider just how problematic it is to visualize this happening for centuries. You have energy expending itself through ‘self-exertion’ due to cue and response, over and over. The cue-ing process is just that, a cue to prompt the loop; but there is nothing in an anniversary to refuel energy.
Supposing for arguments sake that the energy did cluster photographically on the rock surface. It seems to me that after just one exertion the amount of usable energy would have been depleted. Verbal loops are energetic enough, but think of the energy needed to create a visual image/body? Unless this energy field is being resupplied with new, usable energy, then it would seem to me that the notion of residual energy/haunt is a variation of a perpetual motion machine. Robbing energy from batteries would seem to be a very insufficient amount to project a visual apparition. Hence, it is impossible. And in order to avoid this dilemma, yet another ad hoc hypothesis will need to be added to make this model work.
If one proposes lightning, as Timothy Yohe does, as the energizer, then why is there residual energy/haunts happening frequently, worldwide in places where lightning has not occurred in many months? It would seem that these energy clusters are reenergizing themselves, which is the same as postulating perpetual motion, and ignoring the 2nd law of thermodynamics, which we will turn our attention to shortly.
A subpoint: it would seem that there is no aspect of this process that is actually measurable
When Moses saw the burning bush, he was aware that fire usually consumes its fuel. So, he turned aside to look. The Lord re-revealed that His name is Yahweh (this name had been known by Adam, Genesis 2:5ff, but apparently forgotten) It contains the idea of aseity; God alone is self-existent and unchanging; everything in creation is marked by change, dependence, and energy expenditure.
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12. The cue problem. It is common in discussions of residual energy/haunts to state that certain anniversaries of the event cause it to loop. I have a problem with that. Anniversaries are memorable dates, and intelligent entities, like humans/demons, remember dates; rocks and energy cannot remember anything. Even if, for arguments sake, we assert that rocks can project images, they cannot remember anything because they have no conscious awareness. Rocks are inanimate. Electrical energy is inanimate. Is it being suggested that this psychic energy is ‘alive’, can remember events, and act upon itself to re-animate and loop? Again, we are anthropomorphizing energy.
How many times have you heard someone state that the looping usually occurs on anniversaries of the trauma? Fine. Explain, please, how an anniversary can trigger energy to loop. Since it is a date, it has no ‘fingers’ to press anything. It takes energy to trigger energy and anniversaries have no energy because they are….nothing-ontologically.
An anniversary is not a thing. Ontologically speaking, it is nothing; it has no being. My birthday is in two days, and it is significant to me, but the date of my birthday is not a ‘thing’. The date itself is nothing in terms of being. It is literally no-thing. Of course it has significant emotional value, but that can only be recognized by intelligence. But since it is ontologically nothing, how can it act as a cue or trigger for energy to loop? Nothing cannot create something. Ex nihil, nihil fit…Latin for: ‘from nothing, nothing comes’. So, we have what appears to be spontaneous generation of energy occurring as well, which is logically and physically impossible. Something would have to be its own cause. How can an anniversary, which has no being, cause a physical object to re-energize and loop? It is so easy to say that anniversaries cause energy to loop, but it is quite another to show HOW it can cause it to happen.
It makes much more sense to posit an intelligent spirit/demon who knows the date of the suicide, and loops the action on that date. It avoids all the spontaneous generation problems.
There is a reason I took the time to lay the foundation in the first two chapters, and I’m glad I did because, the more I look at this notion, the more it seems that folks are assuming that nature is at least semi-divine; animism in modern garb. How else can one explain all of this ability being attributed to rocks?
No evidence for the theory, no correlation of the data/evidence to the theory, no mechanism to explain the process, subjects being filmed with no background scenery, non-intelligent residual entities ‘deciding’ they want to change their clothing habits, non-reproducible in the lab, unpredictability, no common photographing substance, it acts like a perpetual motion machine, and anniversaries have no ability to cause looping. The anomalies are no longer anomalies; they are hard evidence that this theory needs to be rejected and a new paradigm adopted: evil intelligence.
Ockham’s razor states that the simplest explanation that explains the phenomena is to be preferred; residual energy is neither the simplest explanation nor does it explain the phenomena (see all the arguments above, in addition to my next chapter)
Nine years ago I was able to come to ‘cognitive rest’ regarding my utter certainty that the notion of residual energy/haunt CANNOT be right. It must be wrong. That comes from my next argument which I spend an entire chapter on, which is the next scientific evidence against residual energy. This one line of evidence was sufficient nine years ago to persuade me, but since then other reasons have emerged.
Dialogue between Russian and Buddhist Scholars - Understanding the World
Thekchen Chöling, Dharamsala, HP, India - This morning, under stormy skies, His Holiness the Dalai Lama walked from his residence to the Tsuglagkhang, to take part in a second Dialogue between Russian and Buddhist Scholars - Understanding the World. The event was organized by the Center of Tibetan Culture and Information (Moscow), Save Tibet Foundation (Moscow), and the Dalai Lama Trust, with the support of the Center for Consciousness Studies at the Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences.
In the temple, he paid his respects before the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni and saluted the monks sitting nearby. He then turned to greet old friends among the nine Russian scientists gathered round a table in the main body of the temple. The remaining space was filled by about 150 observers including 75 Russians, 18 Tibetan monks who have experience of studying science, 17 students from the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, Sarah, 25 from the Men-tsee-khang, 50 students from the Tibetan Children’s Village, three from Tong-len and two teachers from the Dharamsala Government College, in addition to 18 guests of the Ganden Phodrang.
Telo Rinpoche, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Office of Tibet in Moscow, briefly introduced this second Dialogue between Russian and Buddhist Scholars in Dharamsala. He welcomed the Russian scientists, as well as people viewing the webcast online, noting that proceedings were being made available in English, Russian, Chinese and Tibetan.
Moderator Prof Konstantin Anokhin thanked His Holiness for taking part in the meeting. He informed him that all the participants had read and been impressed by his book ‘Universe in a Single Atom’ and they intended to found this dialogue on ideas taken from it. He asked if His Holiness had any remarks to open with.
“Brothers and sisters, that’s what I believe we 7 billion human beings are,” His Holiness began. “A lot of the problems we face today are of our own making. And yet scientists say that our basic human nature is essentially compassionate. We create problems because we are under the sway of emotions and because we view other people in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’. Out of short-sightedness we forget that we are all part of humanity, which leads to our doing others harm. We consider that the destruction of our foes is our victory, and in the past that may have been true. But, today, we are so interdependent that when others are harmed, we’re harmed as well, besides which we have to deal with problems like climate change that affect us all.
“What’s more, at this very moment, people are being killed elsewhere in places like Syria and Yemen, while others are dying of starvation. And worst of all there are people killing each other in the name of religion. We contradict our compassionate nature out of a short-sighted failure to recognise the oneness of 7 billion human beings.
“As social animals we depend on our community so the time has come to educate people about our all being the same in being human. Our future depends on each other. Being too self-centred is to be unrealistic. Narrow minded self-interest is uneducated thinking.
“For thousands of years religious traditions have conveyed a message of love for all human beings, but with limited effect. Now, modern education is oriented towards materialistic goals instead. And yet it is our common experience to have been born and cared for by our mothers, consequently young children reveal a fresh, compassionate nature.
“Scientists warn that constant fear and anger are bad for our health, while being compassionate and warm-hearted contributes to our physical and mental well-being. Therefore, just as we observe physical hygiene to stay well, we need to cultivate a kind of emotional hygiene too.”
His Holiness mentioned that he has been engaged in dialogue with scientists focused on cosmology, neurobiology, physics and psychology for more than 30 years. He noted that these are fields modern science and Buddhist science have in common. For example, there is a general agreement about the arising, abiding and destruction of galaxies and the possibility of there having been more than one ‘big bang’ in the past.
As far as physics is concerned, His Holiness reported that nuclear physicist Raja Ramana had told him that quantum physics was new to science, but corresponding concepts can be found in the writings of the Buddhist master Nagarjuna. In terms of psychology, there is a need for more education about how to tackle our emotions. His Holiness remarked that we need to learn how destructive anger and a general lack of concern for others can be. Weapons and the use of force solve no problems, he added, confirming that violence just leads to counter violence, and so it goes on.
He advised that a peaceful mind is good for our health and that our goal should be to avoid violence and make this a century of dialogue. He observed that while not everyone accepts religion any more, scientific findings have a more universal appeal. Therefore, one of the purposes of meetings like this is to discuss how to educate people from a secular point of view of the need to cultivate warm-heartedness.
“In this context,” His Holiness said, “Russia has a particular role between the cultures of East and West. When I was young, there were Russian scholars, Buryats, Kalmyks and Tuvans, in our monasteries, so we already have a connection. Also, during the time of the 13th Dalai Lama, there was some contact with the Tsar. Accordingly, I’m very happy to have this opportunity to meet and hold discussions with you scholars from Russia.”
Neurobiologist Prof Pavel Balaban opened the conversation, telling His Holiness that he studies the brain, especially the function of the emotions. He remarked that while rats can be shown to have pleasure centres in their brains that can be stimulated revealing an emotional response, he is also interested to see if apparently uncommunicative snails also have emotions.
His Holiness was prompted to repeat a question he often puts to scientists. He explained how sometimes, when he is confident there is no malaria present, he allows a mosquito to drink his blood. However, once it is full it flies off with no sign of appreciation. So, his question is how big does a brain have to be before it’s capable of showing appreciation? Balaban reported that his investigation of rats showed that they are like other species among which 30-40% reveal a natural sense of compassion. His Holiness responded that mammals do seem to respond this way, but it would be interesting to observe reptiles like turtles that hatch from eggs with no direct relationship to a mother and no immediate need for compassion to survive.
His Holiness recommended that as human beings we need to assess whether anger has any value---noting that it destroys our peace of mind. Compassion, on the other hand, brings optimism and hope. He remarked that some religious traditions rely on fear to bring about better behaviour. He rejects this because it tends instead to lead to pessimism and discouragement.
His Holiness introduced two questions related to the mind. Regarding the first he asked if a perfect sperm meets a perfect ovum in a perfect womb, will life begin? And if not, what is the third factor? Secondly, he mentioned a phenomenon observed among some accomplished meditators when they die. Although clinical death has taken place, the body remains fresh for some days because, it is said, the subtlest consciousness still remains. So far, scientists have no answer as to what’s going on.
Until late in the 20th century scientists took interest in the brain, but not the mind, he said. However, more recently they have acknowledged that neuroplasticity can be observed as a result of mental training. Consequently the relationship between the brain and the mind is beginning to be investigated. Buddhist science describes different levels of mind, ordinary sensory consciousness, awareness in the dream state that is subtler, in deep sleep that is subtler still and the consciousness that manifests at the time of death that is subtlest of all. His Holiness indicated that this mind has neither beginning nor end.
Prof Svyatoslav Medvedev told His Holiness that he has examined the nature of the relation between mind and brain in connection with his research into how the brain maintains attention. He remarked that there are things like the laws of thermodynamics that can be demonstrated mathematically but are not easily proved by experiment. He favours taking a more logical approach to some questions. He noted that Pavlov had referred to bright spots on the brain, but it is only now, a century later, that it has been possible to demonstrate what he was talking about.
“We are now moving from pure theory to actual practice,” Medvedev asserted. “We are trying to understand the brain. It may be that consciousness exists separately and that the brain is a kind of interface.”
Summarizing the three instances of the Buddha’s teachings known as the turnings of the wheel of dharma, His Holiness explained that in the first he taught the four noble truths. In the second he elaborated on the third of those truths, the cessation of suffering in relation to overcoming ignorance. Ignorance is defeated by knowledge—in this case an understanding of the reality that things are empty of intrinsic existence. That does not imply nothingness but that things only exist by way of designation. His Holiness clarified that for those who found this explanation too difficult to deal with, the Buddha gave a third group of teachings that took a different approach in discussing consciousness and how the subtlest consciousness can be thought of as Buddha nature.
He further touched on three objects of knowledge—things that are obvious to us, things that are slightly obscure but can be understood through reason and inference, and things that are obscure and can only be understood by relying on others’ testimony. In addition he mentioned the four principles of reason—nature, dependence, function and evidence.
Following a short break for tea, Prof Nikolai Yankovsky, a leading Russian expert on genetics explained that genes can affect whether you are inclined to meditate or benefit from psychological therapy. Similarly, genes can affect susceptibility to anger. His Holiness wondered whether the role of genes may be comparable to the role of subtle energy that goes together with the mind described in the tantras.
Yankovsky said that editing gene code is expected to contribute to remedies for certain kinds of illness. He also remarked that genetic manipulation could be used in the form of a weapon, which raises the question of morality. He pointed out that when scientists make a new discovery morality is not necessarily an issue, but once they try to use it in practice, the question of ethics arises. His Holiness responded that since all sentient beings seek happiness, what brings about benefit and happiness is regarded as good, whereas what causes suffering is regarded as bad.
He also made clear that since anger is part of the mind, its antidote has to be applied within the mind. He observed that scientists have confirmed to him that rocks and the brain consist of the same kind of particles at a subtle level. At a certain point the arrangement of matter in the brain is such that it becomes a basis for consciousness. Then life, a being with feelings of pleasure and pain occurs. He encouraged the scientists to take this up with younger scholars whose brains are fresher in the afternoon.
Prof Evgeny Rogaev described his research into the brain, looking at what genes give rise to schizophrenia. He stated that genetic research confirms His Holiness’s assertion that we are all brothers and sisters and that we do not have to go very far back to find that we all have ancestors in common. He spoke of work that is being done to create models for transforming aggressive into peaceful behaviour involving taming Siberian wild foxes.
Prof Alexander Kaplan told His Holiness of the interest his students in Moscow are taking in this meeting. He mentioned his attempts to make direct contact with the brain in work with stroke victims who have lost the ability to speak or move. He described how their choice of letters displayed on a screen can be gleaned from responses in their brains that enable communication to take place. He sees this as having potential for understanding the workings of emotions in otherwise healthy people.
His Holiness commented that the innermost subtle consciousness that is described as Buddha-nature has immense potential and people are trying to explore it, but it will take a great deal of time.
He concluded the session by thanking everyone for coming and assuring them he would see them again tomorrow. He left the temple and returned to his residence. Participants in and observers of the meeting then enjoyed lunch served in the temple yard and gathered for another session of discussions in the afternoon.
New Delhi, India - On arrival at the leafy IIT campus in Hauz Khas, New Delhi, this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was received by the founder of Velocity 48, Ms Parul Rai and actor Tisca Chopra. They escorted him to the auditorium where an audience of 1500 were waiting.
On the stage His Holiness and his hosts lit a traditional lamp together to open the event. Moderator Sadhna Srivastav invited the Director of IIT Prof V Ramgopal Rao and IIT Executive Councillor Sanjeev Jain to formally welcome His Holiness with flowers and a white scarf. Ms Parul Rai explained that it has been her dream to provide opportunities for people to meet and listen to living legends so she was pleased that His Holiness had accepted her invitation. She added playfully that it was more by accident than design that the panel on stage with His Holiness were all women.
In her words of welcome Tisca Chopra said she found it daunting to be speaking at IIT and introducing His Holiness who the New York Times has described as the most famous man in the world. She mentioned several questions she would like to have answered—is it our goal to be happy? can compassion be learned? and what is a well-lived life?
Ms Srivastav invited His Holiness to begin his talk, which he did.
“Respected dear sisters and brothers, several of my friends and in particular former Irish President Mary Robinson have called me the feminist Dalai Lama because I support women’s taking the lead at a time when we need to give greater promotion to compassion. Experiments have shown women to be more sensitive and responsive to others’ pain. We all come from a mother and most of us have survived as a result of her affection and care.
“In human history, warriors, those who kill, have traditionally been male. Butchers are mostly male. So, as I said before, at a time when we need to make a special effort to promote love and compassion, I believe women have a special role to play.
“As to the question of happiness and a stress-free life, every sentient being that experiences pleasure or pain has a desire to be happy. There are many different levels of happiness because animals, including birds, insects and fish, do not have the brains that we have. Their lives are entirely directed towards sensory experience. It’s what their survival depends on, which is why some animals have much sharper senses than we humans do.
“We, on the other hand, have sophisticated language and thought, but that in itself doesn’t prevent our brains from sometimes creating trouble. Having too much expectation about the future or getting lost in musing about the past can bring us stress and anxiety
“Our basic human nature is compassionate and warm-hearted because that’s the way our lives begin. Without love and affection we would not have survived. Therefore, we need to combine our natural intelligence with warm-heartedness. Warm-heartedness brings inner strength and self-confidence, it enables us to be honest and truthful so our conduct is transparent, which attracts trust and friendship.
“Our survival and our future depend on other human beings, who are our source of happiness. If I smile at this flower, it doesn’t respond. But if I smile at another human being, she or he generally smiles in return. Without showing a warm-hearted concern for others we can’t be happy.
“As I already said, we have a marvellous, brilliant brain. But if this brain is driven by anger, competition and jealousy, it can be overcome by fear and anxiety. Dominated by self-centredness, we lack moral principles and a far-sighted approach. However, when we combine our intelligent brain with warm-heartedness, we respect others’ rights, sincerely wish them to be happy and never make trouble for them.
“When emotions cloud our minds we are unable to use our intelligence, are unable to think straight and can’t apprehend reality. To do that our minds must be calm, clear and unbiased. We need to look at whatever we’re dealing with from different angles to get a fuller picture. If we can do this, we’ll be happier and face less stress.”
His Holiness next turned his attention to India’s 1000 year old tradition of secularism, showing respect for all spiritual traditions and even for the views of those with no faith. All religious traditions convey a message of love and compassion, which can bring peace, happiness and satisfaction. And yet, since one billion of the seven billion human beings alive today have no interest in religion, these religious messages will not appeal to everyone. To do that requires secular ethics.
His Holiness talked about theistic and non-theistic religious traditions. How the theistic traditions like Judaism, Christianity, Islam and some strands of Hinduism believe in a creator God who is full of love. Their followers believe that they too need to relate to the other beings God has created with love and compassion. He described this as a powerful idea. He went on to explain that non-theistic traditions like one branch of the Samkhyas, the Jains and the Buddhists believe that life has no beginning, therefore there is rebirth and karma. However, where Jains and Samkhyas believe in an atman, an independent self, Buddhism teaches selflessness, that there is no independent self, but a self merely designated on the basis of body and mind.
“The purpose of teaching about selflessness,” His Holiness continued, “is to help us tackle our emotions. My American friend, cognitive psychologist Aaron Beck, who works with people who have problems with anger, has told me that the feelings of negativity they have when they are angry are 90% mental projection. This corresponds with what Nagarjuna taught in terms of conceptual fabrication. As a student of Nagarjuna, I have personal experience that thinking about his explanation that nothing has any independent existence helps reduce the strength of disturbing emotions. This is another way to bring about peace and happiness.
“At the same time, Shantideva, in his book ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ explains how a self-centred attitude also gives rise to negative emotions like anger and that anger can be countered by altruism and warm-heartedness.
“So, something we can do is try to tackle our disturbing emotions, develop warm-heartedness and achieve peace of mind. Then we can share our experience with our human sisters and brothers.”
Ms Nivruti Rai of the IIT Bengaluru moderated a question and answer session. His Holiness advised that human beings can change. They can, for example, examine whether anger and frustration have any value, coming to understand that anger is always unhelpful. However, compassion is an antidote to many disturbing emotions. Because anger and compassion are opposites, as one increases the other is reduced. His Holiness emphasized the importance of thinking about these things, reaching a conviction and becoming deeply acquainted with it.
Asked how to remain strong when a loved one passes away, His Holiness recommended being realistic. Any living thing, he said, whether it’s a flower or our body, has a beginning and an end. Birth and death are part of life.
“When my Tutor passed away, it was like losing the rock on which I was accustomed to lean and I was sad,” His Holiness explained. “However, I realized that what I should do instead of moping was to work to fulfil his wishes.”
He told someone else who was uncertain how to decide which course to follow that the first thing to do is to use your intelligence and think carefully about it without any sense of haste. Ask trusted friends for advice. In ways like this reach a decision and, he said, when you’ve done so, act on it with determination.
His Holiness answered a question about why good and innocent people suffer by suggesting that in the case of those who are starving, it is because they are neglected by those who have the means to help them, but lack the moral principles to do so.
Finally, a member of the audience asked if we are not all fundamentally selfish. His Holiness agreed that it is natural to take care of yourself, but recommended doing so wisely not foolishly. Given how dependent we are on each other it’s unrealistic to think only of yourself, so the wise way to fulfil self-interest is to look after the interests of others.
As the meeting came to an end, His Holiness thanked people for coming to listen to what he had to say. He asked them to think about what they’d heard and to try to put into effect whatever they could of what they’d understood.
The crowd pressed forward gently as individuals hoped to interact briefly with His Holiness who gradually made his way to the door and left the building to return to his hotel. Tomorrow morning, he will fly back to Dharamsala.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Welcomes Steps towards Nuclear Disarmament New Delhi, India - I welcome North Korea’s announcement that it will halt nuclear and missile tests with immediate effect. I am particularly encouraged that this move is taking place in the context of efforts to achieve agreement through dialogue. It is my hope that the forthcoming meeting between the two Korean leaders, followed by a summit with the President of the USA, can take place in a spirit of amity, compromise, and transparency, enabling the resolution of past disagreements. I am optimistic that these talks will lead to the establishment of trust between the two Koreas resulting ultimately in the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Such a process, if successful, can serve as the model of a human approach to peace in the region. This in turn will have a deep impact on the elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide. As an avowed campaigner for demilitarization throughout the world and the elimination of all nuclear weapons, I hope these positive developments will contribute to concerted efforts to do away with these dreadful weapons and secure genuine and lasting peace in our world. Original link: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2018/his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-welcomes-steps-towards-nuclear-disarmament
In 1974 I graduated from High School and many changes have taken place in our culture since then. And I can assure you that “residual energy” was an unknown subject. How did we get to the place where residual energy has become so common a notion?
How did we get to the place where the notion of residual energy is so commonplace? Why has energy taken on such a distinctive role, not just in hauntings but in healing, and our understanding of reality? I think of Reiki as just one example amongst many. While what follows does not explicitly address the notion of residual energy/haunts, it does attempt to explain the transition from energy to Energy, as the Ultimate reality. We have moved from a God-centered worldview to an Energy-centric/occult worldview, and this has given rise to such notions as residual energy.
Dr Peter Jones, author of The Other Worldview, has shown how the New Age/Pagan Worldview has displaced the biblical worldview as the dominant worldview. In the mid- 60s it came into USA, and it’s no coincidence that the ascendancy of the Energy centric worldview coincides with the popularity of residual energy.
"Sending prayers and positive energy"...gosh, how many times have I heard, or read on Facebook, a comment similar to that? How many times have you? The sending of positive energy has equaled, and in many cases, eclipsed the pledge of praying to the Living God from a friend to someone experiencing a trauma. Clearly, energy has undergone a radical evolution recently; it has taken on such a profound and practical significance for countless numbers of people. Nothing reveals more about a person's real, basic spiritual convictions than how they pray. For many, energy has become THE central organizing principle in their worldviews. I remember in seminary, a professor said that how a person prayed spoke volumes about what their true theological beliefs were. Hence, when the prayer of professing Christians includes pledges of sending positive energy, then we know this energy belief has deeply infiltrated the Christian community. Just 15 years ago...did you hear or say that positive energy was being sent on behalf of a beloved? I seriously doubt it. Therefore, it is incumbent for Christians that we understand this issue and sift it through a biblical worldview grid...pulling down strongholds and arguments... that are raised against the knowledge of God (2 Cor.10:5). Otherwise, like the ancient Israelites, we shall fall into an unthinking syncretism; the blending of the truth with falsehood—and incur God’s discipline.
Ultimate Reality, according to God’s Word, is the tri-personal, Living God; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in loving, joyous communication for backwards eternity to eternity future. Nothing/ No-one is “further back” or more basic. He existed eternally before He created energy and the universe. However, today, many people seem to assume that Energy/Universe is Ultimate reality, but that is an occultic, demonic deception. But it does explain why the notion of residual energy has taken hold so quickly in our culture which has largely jettisoned the biblical God from its thinking. We have rejected the Living God and exchanged it for the lie, worshipping nature—and energy in particular. (Romans 1:25) An idol doesn’t have to be a figurine (it can be mental instead of metal) because, by definition, and idol is whatever is uppermost in our affections or considered to be the ground of our being.
Those who research and investigate the supernatural realm-from quantum jumping to spirit hunting-are increasingly seeing ultimate reality in terms of energy.
Energy vibrations of the cosmos or cosmic consciousness. Energy has become not only personified but deified as well. This impersonal stuff that we call energy has now become our new god...our new reference point for defining the cosmos, mankind, and our relationship to the cosmos.
In the beginning God created (bara-act of personal creating) has been replaced by... In the beginning, Energy has always been there and is evolving....It has become commonplace to believe that we are currently experiencing a quantum leap into a higher form of consciousness or energy, and it is often stated that we are spirit energy in a body, and NOT vice versa. Raise your vibration levels and you’ll experience wholeness with the Universe. Instead of personal holiness before a holy God, we now seek personal wholeness by enhancing our energy vibrations. This pagan worldview has altered our view of God, reality, sanctification and countless other vital aspects of our worldview.
As I alluded to, this is no mere dry as dust academic theory, because it has become a paradigm or worldview shift in how one understands who they are, and how to become better at living and being human. Watch the plethora of energy healers attempting to adjust folk's vibrational levels to harmonize with the vibrations of primal Energy and the Universe. And what must be noted with tears, is that often these energy therapies seem to work in terms of affecting vibrational change and healing. May I suggest, though, that we are playing god in this respect, and are opening ourselves to deep demonic intervention. They (demons) are clever, and all it takes is openness to this Energy to potentially begin the oppression process. Usually, at some opportune time, the demonic will find some imaginative way to gain permission for entry. We should have known better than to reject God and begin to call energy ultimate reality/god--Energy. Romans 1:18f speaks of the endarkenment, instead of the desired enlightenment, which comes when we deify, make ultimate, or worship, any aspect of the Creator's creation-including one of His greatest creations, which is energy. We have rejected the Living God and exchanged it for the lie. (Romans 1:25) The essence of paganism is the denial of the Creator/creature distinction, and that incenses God. He hates it and we should hate what He hates—the idea, not the people who embrace it.
It is not being intellectually consistent or honest to spell energy as Energy, because the bottom line is that this notion (energy is ultimate reality) implies that there was an impersonal beginning, and by adding upper-case you have magically imported personality-creating it out of thin air. The only reason why we sense or detect personality with the energy entities is because they ARE personal beings-demons. Like humans, demons and Satan have a will, intelligence, and emotions. We have not dealt with ghosts per se, in this book, but the concept of ultimate reality as energy often accompanies the belief in ghosts. It is this occult worldview change which gave rise to its enormous popularity.
There is a flow to human history and we have seen how our culture has arrived at this juncture where energy plays such a vital role in defining reality. Be wary of any talk of tapping into primal Energy or cosmic consciousness. In our weakness, let us cling to the God who was manifested through the burning bush-the infinite-personal God of the bible who has inexhaustible, omnipotent energy and power. Yahweh.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama was in a jovial mood as he emerged from his residence this morning. He greeted the more than 1500 visitors from 68 countries who had gathered in the temple courtyard, shaking hands with some, teasing and exchanging a few words others. He gradually made his way round the yard, stopping to pose for photographs with people grouped according to their geographical origins, before sitting down on a chair in the porch under the temple.
“For some time I’ve thought that when there are brothers and sisters from different countries here,” he told the crowd, “just seeing my face is not sufficient. I want to show how brilliant my brain is by talking to them.
“We Buddhists pray for the welfare of all sentient beings, but we have to think about what that really means. Whether we think about animals, insects or fish, there’s not much we can really do for them except pray. However, the 7 billion other human beings on this planet are like us. They have the same kind of brain as we do. Realistically, they are the only ones we can really help.
“Scientists say that basic human nature is compassionate, which is good because if it were angry there’d be no hope. What’s more, scientists have observed that constant anger, fear and hatred have the effect of undermining our immune system, whereas cultivating a compassionate heart is much better for our health. This is why it’s important that we use our brains to promote such values.
“Young children don’t care about differences of nationality, faith or religious denomination. If their companions smile, they play with them. Our education and social system seem to change this and as we grow up we learn to make distinctions about where people belong and what they believe. Here in India, for example, there is the so called caste system and the time has come to acknowledge that the Indian constitution gives all citizens equal rights so there is no room for discrimination on the basis of caste—we are all brothers and sisters.
“Today, the world is faced by a crisis of emotions and I believe the ancient Indian knowledge of the workings of the mind can be of great value in tackling them. When I began to study these things by memorizing classic texts that I didn’t yet understand I was reluctant and lazy. However, later on I came to realize how valuable this knowledge could be for achieving peace of mind. It also requires self-confidence and determination, for which it’s important to be honest and truthful.
“Mentally and emotionally we human beings are all the same. We all experience anger and hatred, even me too, but we also all have the potential to cultivate compassion, forgiveness and tolerance. Destructive emotions are based on ignorance, an observation supported by my friend, cognitive therapist Aaron Beck, who describes the negative judgements arising from anger as 90% mental projection. Constructive emotions like love and compassion are supported by reason, so we can use our brains to develop and strengthen them.”
Looking across to a group who have been learning about Buddhism at Tushita, a local meditation centre, His Holiness advised them to pay attention to the ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ composed by the great Indian master Shantideva. He highlighted chapters six and eight as useful in countering anger and self-centredness and suggested that people who are not Buddhists could also benefit from reading them. He observed that reading this book repeatedly since he first heard it explained in 1967 had helped him transform his own mind.
His Holiness remarked that modern education is oriented towards material goals rather than inner values, which has influenced whole generations. By contrast, ancient Indian traditions, even before the time of the Buddha, had a rich understanding of the workings of the mind and emotions as a result of practices for cultivating a calmly abiding mind (shamatha) and insight (vipashyana). His Holiness told his audience that they too could develop mental qualities if they steadily came to understand the workings of the mind and emotions. He noted that by learning to tackle the emotions it’s possible to defend your peace of mind and inner strength.
“Brothers and sisters,” he continued, “please pay more attention to your inner world, learn to counter your negative emotions and transform your mind. When one individual has developed peace of mind and shares what they’ve learned with others it has an impact. You might look at the problems in the world and think that there’s not much you can do about them. Remind yourselves that individuals can make a difference. Cultivating positive qualities in day to day life can create the conditions for humanity to live more peacefully. This is a practical approach.
“Today, we see too much emphasis on secondary differences between individuals and groups of people leading to divisions between ‘us’ and ‘them’. When this happens we need to remember the oneness of humanity. This is one of the areas in which we need to introduce inner values into modern education. If we are to make this 21st century different from the 20th century in which more than 200 million died violently, we have to take steps now. And if we make the effort in about 30 years you’ll see the world has changed.
“That’s what I have to say. I’m 82 years old now. At the age of 16 I lost my freedom and at 24 I lost my country. I’ve faced difficulties my whole life, but I’ve come to understand that it’s when we’re most tested that we are especially able to learn. Through inner transformation, as individuals, we can develop peace of mind. To achieve social change we need to improve education.”
Responding to a question about his potential return to the Potala Palace, His Holiness stated that more important is working to preserve Tibetan language and culture, which in turn has kept alive ancient Indian knowledge such as the traditions of Nalanda University. He explained that the more than 300 volumes of the Kangyur and Tengyur, translations of Indian literature into Tibetan, contain philosophy, psychology and logic that continue to have relevance and value today.
His Holiness expressed admiration for vegetarianism, and declaring that the kitchens of Tibetan monasteries and other institutions in exile are largely vegetarian. However, he also explained that Buddhist monks’ traditional dependence on alms prevented them from expressing preference. Therefore, they are neither vegetarian nor non-vegetarian.
Finally, asked to clarify what he meant when he declared that compassion is not a luxury, but a necessity if we are to survive, His Holiness pointed out that science and technology have give human beings an immense power of destruction. At the same time reality has changed and people are now more interdependent than ever before. Climate change, for example, is a threat that affects everyone and which can only be addressed by everyone working together. There is an urgent need to be realistic and understand that since problems can’t be solved by the use of force, the only alternative is to seriously engage in dialogue.
“Brothers and sisters, please think about how we are all part of humanity. If humanity is at peace, we’ll all be happier. Of course, we are all driven to some extent by self-interest. But there’s a difference between foolish, narrow self-interest and wise self-interest that also includes concern for others. Thank you.”
His Holiness got up and walked at an easy pace down the temple yard, taking time to accept people’s greetings and salutations as he went, before climbing into the car that would take him home to lunch.
