Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Issue 140 – The Holy Grail is a Living Person!

By Kirby Robinson


TONIGHT ~ The Eye on the Paranormal Radio Show

More Bad Psychics & Their Absurdities Exposed! on tonight's radio show. Tune in from 10 to 12:00 EST / 7 to 9:00 [PST] to listen to the show. Callers welcome!



In this week's issue, we learn that the Holy Grail is a living person! New show Church Rescue means more bad reality TV, and the Worst Paranormal Awards ever …


The Holy Grail & Last Descendant of Jesus Christ is the Best Psychic Ever!

If you've read my blogs and heard my show you know about my disdain for psychics, especially those who make overblown claims.

The field isn't regulated by anyone. Claims go unchecked, and the public is cheated out of their money and cheated out of the truth.

I often visit the website Doubtful News. http://doubtfulnews.com

I may not agree with their stance on demons and exorcisms. But we can respectfully disagree on certain matters. However, I agree with their efforts to expose false psychic claims. A long running story concerns the Marks trial. Ms. Marks and her gypsy clan members had milked clients out of $25 million over several years. They were finally caught, charged, put on trail and found guilty. While most of the major news outlets backed out of the story, Doubtful News didn't and gave it the coverage it deserved.

But what they didn't see coming was this:


The complaint was filed by a person known as Psychic Medium Rose

Her website is one of those old-fashioned scrolling pages that hasn't changed much since 2006. It has lots of claims, statements, and bizarre theories and terms on it. Some will find it disturbing; others will laugh at it. Here's the link: http://www.psychicrose.com/

We found this quote quite interesting:

"Certified & Tested by the Grand Master Hermit.
of The Tarot Association. Known all over the world."

We checked into the claims of copyright and found this information in public records


Naturally, we have some questions!

1 How can someone be open to do readings 24/7/365? When a customer pays the fee, do they really get psychic medium Rose on the phone 24 hours a day?

2 If a person is the Holy Grail [does that make me the holy moley?]! Wouldn't it be a good idea for the media and the church to recognize her? Maybe set her up in her own apartment in the Vatican? Give her lots of news coverage?
3 Where is the proof that this person is from Jesus' bloodline? The Da Vinci Code is a novel. Amazon labels it as contemporary fiction, along with mystery, thriller and suspense. So, this book isn't nonfiction. If psychic medium Rose has actual evidence of her proud lineage, she needs to produce it.

4 Who determined that psychic medium Rose is the best psychic in the world?

This site just leaves me shaking my head. Will this type of stuff ever end?


Haunted Entertainment Awards ~ Only the Desperate & Delusional Need Apply


What is the point of an award for those in the paranormal field? Do you have a ghost of a chance of winning? Awards in the paranormal field are like grains of sand and are worth about as much. I stumbled onto this site and discovered some of the many categories that you can vote for.

- Favorite demonologist! Some featured on this list I used to send clients to but will never again do that.
- Favorite Male Investigator [sexist as no female investigator category is mentioned]
- Most influential Paranormal Investigator [kidding, right?]
- Favorite Ghost Hunting Location
- Favorite Horror/Paranormal Model
- Favorite Psychic-Medium
- Favorite Ghost Hunting Tool Maker [how 'bout we delete the last word in this category and declare it all a tie!]

We noticed that Shannon Sylvia was listed in the Favorite Horror/Paranormal Model category. I contacted her and she claimed they did contact her about inclusion but she never responded and was never informed of this. Haunted Entertainment, the group behind this silliness is a small talent agency trying to break into the entertainment world.

Shannon asked to have her name removed from the group, and rightfully so. Those featured resemble Sunset Blvd. strippers. One model poses with a bottle of Jack Daniels—ghost hunters drinking spirits end up seeing 'em?  

Here's a list of nominations they should have:

1 Demonologist whose pants fall down in every investigation
2 Radio show host who lies the most
3 Paranormal investigator's best sex performance with a client

I think the above three categories would spice up something that is both boring and downright silly.


'Church Rescue' -- Sending an SOS to God

National Geographic Channel got a good response for its Snake Salvation show. Oxygen network is doing well with L.A. Preachers. Now, National Geographic Channel is coming back with Church Rescue. The program is in the pattern of Fox's Kitchen Nightmares or Food Network's Restaurant Impossible or Spike's Bar Rescue. A team of three pastors goes into a church each week to see why it's not doing well. A new coat of paint, new flooring, and a new message is  expected to be spoken about each week.

Did we ever see such things in bible times? What's next for Christian reality TV?

~ Let's All Hang from the Cross!

~ So You Think You're Paul…or Saul?

~ Can You Beat My Weekly Collections?

~ Late for Church – How Fast Can You Drive?

The church lived for 2,500 or so years without TV it can live 2,500 more without it.


The EYE ON THE PARANORMAL wants you as a blogger!

Want to join the best team of paranormal reporters? Do you want your blog to get hits and comments? If so, you can blog for us. Please contact: freeallspirits@live.com


Keep current and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/eyeonparanormal

EARN EXTRA MONEY! If you have a website, forum or blog you can set up an Amazon Associates Affiliate Program link and sell the Kindle version of our books. "Is the Long Island Medium the Real Deal?" [Now in Paperback!], "Never Mock God: An Unauthorized Investigation into Paranormal State's 'I Am Six' Case" [also in paperback!], "Investigating Paranormal State," "Paranormal State Exposed" and "Paranormal Teachings: The Best of Shedding Some Light" and earn money. You can also sell other books and products that Amazon offers. Here's the linkhttps://affiliate-program.amazon.com/


Monday, November 11, 2013

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Introduces 'Secular Ethics' to Vietnamese

Dharamshala, India - 7 November 2013
By Jane Cook, The Tibet Post International

The spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama met with 71 Vietnamese CEO's, artists and intellectuals. Mostly women, he began by emphasising his and their common humanity.

His Holiness said that neurologists will tell you that Tibetan and Vietnamese brains are the same, along with emotions and intelligence. "Therefore, we have the same potential to think more deeply about the situation we find ourselves in."

He remarked that society and our education system is oriented toward material development and values, which results in a general lack of moral principles. He discovered from his guests that the Vietnamese economy has grown immensely over the last 30-40 years, that literacy is about 95% and there are probably only 2 billionaires in the country.

He commented that corruption has become like a cancer in the world and it is mostly the poor who suffer. This and climate change are among the major challenges today. Corruption takes place because of a lack of ethics. His Holiness suggested that ways must be found to instil basic values like honesty into the younger generation - otherwise corruption will continue to fester. This is why he believes so strongly in fostering secular ethics in the education system, giving a basis to resolve the majority of today's problems.

Inviting questions from the audience one woman said she was a Buddhist and when her friends ask for help and advice she tells them to ask the monks. They insist they are more interested in what she has to say, so what should she do? His Holiness replied that in a world increasingly interdependent it is time to develop global responsibility and help each other and promote human values.

Another questioner said that she knew people who didn't find prayers and ritual helpful and His Holiness replied that if this was the answer to overcoming suffering the Bodhisattvas would already have done it. The Buddha, he said, shows us the path to truth and reality and it is up to us to follow it.

His Holiness observed that at an inter-religious conference in India, all religions tended to address three questions: What is the self? Does it have a beginning? and Does it have an end? "He explained that only Buddhism teaches that the self is not something that has a solid, independent existence, but is designated on the basis of body and mind."

Referring to the Four Noble Truths he highlighted two patterns of casualty: suffering and its cause as described by the first two truths and cessation and the path to it outlined in the third and fourth truths. Cessation of suffering, he said, is brought about by practicing the path and that the path consists of three trainings in concentration and wisdom based on ethics.

Link to original article http://www.thetibetpost.com/en/news/international/3715-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-introduces-secular-ethics-to-vietnamese

More Bad Psychics & Their Absurdities Exposed ~ Wednesday, November 13, 2013


Wednesday Night Live show: 7 PM Pacific / 8 PM Mountain / 9 PM Central / 10 PM Eastern

The old adage, ‘The truth is stranger than fiction,’ certainly applies when it comes to the weird, whacky and sometimes fraudulent practices of the professional psychic world.

Eye on the Paranormal host Kirby Robinson has been following the antics of the psychic world throughout his professional career, and returns to this topic in this week’s podcast.

http://www.goddiscussion.net/2013/11/10/more-bad-psychics-and-their-absurdities-exposed-wednesday-november-13-2013/


The EYE ON THE PARANORMAL wants you as a blogger!

Want to join the best team of paranormal reporters? Do you want your blog to get hits and comments? If so, you can blog for us. Please contact: freeallspirits@live.com


Keep current and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/eyeonparanormal

EARN EXTRA MONEY! If you have a website, forum or blog you can set up an Amazon Associates Affiliate Program link and sell the Kindle version of our books. "Is the Long Island Medium the Real Deal?" [Now in Paperback!], "Never Mock God: An Unauthorized Investigation into Paranormal State's 'I Am Six' Case" [also in paperback!], "Investigating Paranormal State," "Paranormal State Exposed" and "Paranormal Teachings: The Best of Shedding Some Light" and earn money. You can also sell other books and products that Amazon offers. Here's the linkhttps://affiliate-program.amazon.com/

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Babylon the Harlot, Part 1

Hello my parabeauties. I trust you had a fabulous weekend.

Now the subject I am getting asked the most revolve around the book of Revelations. Revelations is a VERY difficult book to understand and comprehend. It's interpreted many ways. So this again is just my humble opinion on how I see it according to Biblical views but let the Holy Spirit guide you when you reading the Lords Word.

Babylon the Harlot or the Religious Babylon is Destroyed. 
Babylon the Harlot

Archaeologists tell us that Babylon is the cradle of civilization. Located on the shores of the Euphrates River, the ruins of this city have revealed some of the most ancient documents of past generations.

This city begun by Nimrod, who was a rebel before the Lord, authored some of the greatest evils ever to fall on humankind. Two of these evils will be destroyed during the Tribulation period. Revelation 17 is the destruction of the religious Babylon that takes place about the center of the seven years after the Antichrist declares himself to be God and no longer news the One World Religion.

In chapter 18 we will read about the destruction of the commercial, political Babylon when takes place at the end of the Tribulation.

In ancient days Satan seemed to make Babylon the capital of this evil operation. From this headquarters was started false religion, humanity's attempt for self-government in defiance of God's will and city dwellings for commercial and social purposes contrary to God's command to "be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth." (Gen. 1 v.28)

These great evils, which have damned the souls of millions by substituting counterfeit solutions to natural human problems that would ordinarily lead a person to God, will all be destroyed at the end of the Tribulation period. Chapter 17 describes the coming judgment of God on the religious system that has enslaved the human race in superstitious darkness for centuries.

The woman is a great city: "The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth" (Rev. 17 v.18) Many have taken this to mean that the woman represents the capital city of Antichrist's kingdom, but his cannot be, for Antichrist himself rules over the kings of the earth.

If, then, the women is not the Antichrist, what other possible explanation can we have for such unanimous world dominance? The only answer is the one system before which all kings, dictators, and nations have been forced to bow down throughout history, that is, the Babylonian religion of idolatry. One cannot go anywhere in the world without being confronted with some semblance of the idolatry.

No system in the world's history has enslaved more people than this awful religion. It should not take us by surprise that this prostitute woman, the religious system, is referred to as a city. When used symbolically, a woman is always intended throughout the Scripture to signify a spiritual or religious movement. If a good woman, it is "Jehovah's wife" or "the bride of Christ". If an evil woman, such as "a prostitute," it represents the evil religious.

Spirit of adultery

Since the woman who rides the beast gets her authority from the beast, the Holy Spirit uses this description to show how religious Babylon and governmental Babylon are so intertwined they are presented together. However, they are destroyed at different times. The prostitute (religious Babylon) is destroyed by "beast and the kings of the earth," who "hate the prostitute" and kill her.

This clears the way for Antichrist to fulfill the lifetime dream of Satan to get people to worship him. She is destroyed in the middle of the Tribulation; Babylon the governmental system will be destroyed at the end, when commercial, political Babylon is destroyed (Rev. 18). With "Mystery Babylon, the Mother of Prostitutes" out of the way, "all inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast, all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world". (Rev. 13 v.8).

The Vision of the Woman - Ten details describe this woman:

The great prostitute Who sits on many waters With her the kings of the earth committed adultery. The inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries. A woman sitting on a scarlet beast Dressed in purple and scarlet Glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. On her forehead: Mystery Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abomination of the Earth. 10. Drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus Even before we come to the angel's interpretation of this vision, it is clear that we are not dealing with a mere human being, for no one woman can commit fornication with the kings of the earth, nor can a woman be "drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus." Chapter 17

17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

This "whore" here is not a literal woman. In Hosea, his wife (who was a whore) was speaking of Israel. Here, this "whore" is speaking of the idolatrous church. Mystery, Babylon the Harlot

This statement "sitteth upon many waters", speaks of large groups of people. This is not the true church. This is the apostate church. God calls it the harlot church; the church that is not faithful to God, the church that is worldly. This church, while claiming to be Christian, finds many reasons to conform to the beast and the evil world system. This will be the one world religion which will appear which the church (Christians) have been raptured. 

One World Church

This, without question, is the part of the church that has compromised with the world and is no longer a chaste virgin in the sight of God. I truly believe that a large portion of the church falls into this category today. Worldliness has crept into our churches. The sad thing is that if she would repent, God would take her back, but she will not repent.

To be continued next Sunday.

Written By Jennifer L Auld


Thursday, November 7, 2013

What About Visitations After a Loved One Dies?‏

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

What about people who claim that when their loved one died, they were visited by them? Does God ever allow a deceased believer to say "goodbye"? This poses a particular challenge for a number of reasons: there are a fairly large number of people who say they had this experience; and some of the most vocal opponents of the notion of ghosts do allow for this exception. Also, it arouses intense emotions, especially in those who are earnest Christians, who "swear" it was their mom (fill in blank). Frankly, I was so intimidated by the topic, that I purposely did not mention it in my book! (of course I justified to myself by saying I had enough material as it was!!) For good or ill, I am no longer as reticent to address this issue. In fact, it NEEDS to be addressed.

Let me define what I mean by "visitation". It is not merely a sixth sense or intuition that something bad has happened. That is a distinct phenomenon which I do not know how to explain. I am referring to a visible manifestation...something akin to what we call an apparition.This "person" appears out of the blue, says goodbye, and is gone. Not just odors, sounds, or feelings.  Blinking lights at the time of death,, and similar phenomena, are not what I am analyzing now. I wanted to make sure that was clarified.

First, I have lost alot of loved ones to death. (all grandparents, both parents, and four adult age siblings) The deaths of my bother and sisters were all terribly tragic. So, I do know this issue experientially...at the deepest level imaginable--and beyond.

Second, there is no record in the bible of a recently deceased loved one saying "goodbye" enroute to heaven.Okay, all the references you may be considering do NOT fit the criteria of a recently deceased person's soul coming back to family to comfort them. We saw recently that the Samuel incident was singular and must not be used as data to support anything...other than the reality of divine judgement. I can assure you there are NO examples of this occurring in the bible. We will return to this in #4.

Third, closely related to this, don't you think that if it were a legitimate phenomenon that the bible would have either recorded it or mentioned it in the epistles--when it deals with death and the Intermediate State? The doctrine of the sufficiency of scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17) implies that God has given us all the divine words we need to understand and deal with death. Why would God be silent regarding such a significant issue if it were true? If visitations were part of God's occasional agenda for mankind, surely he would have prepared us.

Fourth, there are hundreds of deaths recorded in the bible and a sizable number of recorded experiences of a person dying (e.g. Jesus, 2 criminals next to Him, Stephen, and numerous others) In Acts 7 we have the poignant account of the stoning death of Stephen, which would seem to be  illustrative of any/all believers death experience. Jesus rises to greet Him, and Stephen cries out--echoing Jesus--"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit....Lord, do not hold this sin against them." (Acts 7:59, 60) I do not know the exact number, but there are quite a few death/dying episodes in the bible, but no recorded "visitations" afterwards. What we actually see happening with Stephen is precisely what Paul taught regarding death and the Intermediate State (Phil. 1:21-23; 2 Cor. 5:8) IMMEDIATE...(no interruptions or pit stops), presence with the Lord after death.

Evidently, all of the apostles but John were murdered, but none "visited" the fledgling church. If ever a visitation might have been helpful, it was then. However, the reality is that it did not happen, and certainly that is a significant.

Actually, some who believe in "visitation" may agree with all I have said thus far, but point to their experience. "Mine was a divine exception...I KNOW it was my husband by "discernment".

Well, did it occur before or after their personal judgement (Heb.9:27)? So, there seems to be some difference as to whether the deceased soul was sent from heaven or stopped at their earthly home enroute to judgement.

Questions

1. Why is it that folks from all belief systems experience this same visitation phenomena, with equal certainty of the person's identity and comfort?  That is seriously problematic....I seriously doubt God is going to allow a hell-bound unbeliever to say "goodbye." This is a particularly significant argument, in my opinion.The only plausible explanation would be demonic mimicry.
2. We must ask this--are demons not capable of mimicking a person immediately after they die? Certainly #1 would seem to be examples of that. I am sorry if this offends anyone, but this issue must be raised.
3. I have been wanting to ask this question for some time....am I the only "demonologist" (not like label) who does NOT have the gift of discernment? According to Rom. 12 and 1 Cor. 12 God sovereignly gives gifts as He pleases for the health of the Body. The gift of discernment (ability to distinguish or sense the presence of demonic--discern between Holy Spirit and unholy spirits) is only given to SOME people.I am convinced that most folks who think they have the gift of discernment, do not have it. Am I saying they are lying? NO!!! Am I saying they are experiencing a demonic counterfeit of it? NO!!! It is a purely psychological phenomenon--the person is sincere, but sincerely wrong. In certain circles everyone is told they must speak in tongues. However, Paul is very clear that only some have that gift as well.Those who "speak in tongues" but do not have the gift, are simply having a psychological experience.

I mention this because of how convinced many Christians are that they were visited by a deceased loved one. But remember that the gift of discernment was not given to discern if a "visitation" has occurred....not given to discern between human and demonic spirits, but between Holy Spirit and unholy spirits. (1 John 4:1-3) This is the touchiest part of the whole discussion--people's experience and their interpretation of it.. Just on an emotional level, it is hard to argue with a sincere Christian who says that they were certain that it was their deceased dad they saw.

4. Have you come to grips with just how filthy and cruelly inventive demons are? Dare I say this...is not the death of a loved one a perfect time for pure evil to seek advantage? We are traumatized and in weakened condition--just what the prowling lion is looking for.They cruelly target abuse victims, and even handicapped children as objects of their hateful oppression.
They have NOT given Satan any "legal rights"...he is supreme opportunist and the death of our loved ones fits that MO. Nothing is beneath them, as far as cruelty goes.

5. Has anybody who has experienced a "visitation" rebuked it in the name of Jesus to see what would happen? Perhaps some have, but usually the confidence level is so high  (sense of love, light, and goodness present) that they are understandably overwhelmed with joy and even worship of God. I say this tenderly,but that wretched Satan can project a heavenly ambiance that would fool even the most experienced, especially while in deep grief.
6. When we allow for "visitations" then we have stepped on a very slippery slope. How long after death is a "visitation" to be allowed? An hour after death? A day? A week" A month? Year anniversary? 10 year anniversary? I have heard stories which expressed all of the above. And how many "visits" are allowable before we should be concerned?
7. The most difficult "visitation" to question is immediately after death and is singular...never repeated.
8. I have devoted my life to understanding death, dying, and the demonic through God's eyes, and the singular significance of this deception of ghosts grows within me each passing day. Would Satan mimic a recently deceased loved one just once? I hope that by now that to ask the question is to answer it. I mentioned the slippery slope above....how many folks who have had this experience, have also had their views toward the notion of ghosts "softened" or made them more "open-minded" to other post-death human appearances? I have seen it happen..... it is certainly not beneath these filthy wretches to do an "angel of light" maneuver at the moment of greatest vulnerability. Is it not a rule that, when we are weakened and emotionally distressed, that demons tend to lurk like vultures?
9. With all the death I have experienced, I have never been visited.
10. God has given us the bible, the Holy Spirit, and loving friends/family to comfort us in times of grief.
11. last, but certainly not least, GOD WANTS US HOME. We cannot be in two places at the same time--in His loving presence in heaven and visiting family here. God wants us home. When we die, like Stephen, we make a bee-line for Jesus.

In conclusion, the argument for visitation is based entirely on experience and our interpretation of it. I wish with all my heart that I could see my brother and sisters again. But knowing what I now know regarding demons, if one of them did appear, I would (while weeping) rebuke them forcefully in the precious and holy name of Jesus.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Issue 139 – Random Paranormal Thoughts

By Kirby Robinson


The Eye on the Paranormal Radio Show

Bad Psychics [and absurdities] exposed on tonight's radio show. Tune into from 10 to 12:00 EST/ 7 to 9:00 [PST] to listen to the show. Callers welcome!



'Haunted Collector' is Gone -- Another Fake Show Bites the Dust

John Zaffis was better than this show. We shouldn't get upset that it's gone the way of such shows as Paranormal State and Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal.

When we set out to debunk an episode, it took only one phone call to the investigation site and a single Google search to come up with the information we needed. We had to work a little harder to debunk Paranormal State. Also, we had a few bloggers in the pipeline who told us about Haunted Collector and the number of places they visited that were open to ghost hunters for a fee. Hmmm, seems like they never told the public about that.

We were sent a link to this guy's blog:

What an ego driven piece of crap. Why do people look up to these fools? Just because they're on TV? Whenever I see or hear a person is on one of these shows it makes me wonder how easily they sell their souls for that few minutes of televised fame.


West Memphis 3--No Satanic Ritual Abuse & No Psychics

If you get a chance, watch the 2012 documentary West of Memphis. It covers the infamous 1993 case from finding three bodies of eight-year-old boys to the release of the three men convicted of the murders years later. The question remains: who killed the boys?

The producers tell us who they think did it. But after looking into the case not one psychic stepped forward and offered their help. Sylvia Browne was a no-show. James Van Praagh had nothing to say. Theresa Caputo, who claims to bring loved ones on the Other Side together isn't offering any free readings. Why? Because they can't talk to the dead, not even famous dead people.


Ghost Hunters Insensitive to Family's Privacy

The following article drives home the price that is paid by insensitive ghost hunters who only care about making money and spreading their fame -- while the truth is twisted.



American Pastor's Life Means Something -- Even if the Media Ignores Him

The media doesn't care as the word Christian is mentioned. They aren't concerned that American pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen, is put into the same area of an Iranian prison as rapists and murderers. Obama doesn't care even though he has a man's blood on his hands. A pastor whose only crime is loving God. Obama's approval rating is in the low 30s. In heaven, it's far less.

See full story here:



The EYE ON THE PARANORMAL wants you as a blogger!

Want to join the best team of paranormal reporters? Do you want your blog to get hits and comments? If so, you can blog for us. Please contact: freeallspirits@live.com


Keep current and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/eyeonparanormal

EARN EXTRA MONEY! If you have a website, forum or blog you can set up an Amazon Associates Affiliate Program link and sell the Kindle version of our books. "Is the Long Island Medium the Real Deal?" [Now in Paperback!], "Never Mock God: An Unauthorized Investigation into Paranormal State's 'I Am Six' Case" [also in paperback!], "Investigating Paranormal State," "Paranormal State Exposed" and "Paranormal Teachings: The Best of Shedding Some Light" and earn money. You can also sell other books and products that Amazon offers. Here's the linkhttps://affiliate-program.amazon.com/


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Notes from Nadir ~ Dr. Rinpoche Excerpt

eBook edition
By Lisa Maliga


Ordinarily, each Tuesday a blog written by or about the Dalai Lama is posted here. However, due to the new release of the second edition of my novel Notes from Nadir, I've decided to include a somewhat relevant excerpt from it. The chapter has also been edited to keep it under 1,200 words.





Chapter 40 ~ Dr. Rinpoche

At the Buddhist center, a Tibetan doctor was doing a lecture on Tibetan medicine and offering consultations to anyone who called in advance and made an appointment. I'd attended a two-day seminar in Santa Monica a few years ago and found it highly educational. I learned it was a based on Ayurvedic medicine, along with Greek, Chinese and even Persian systems. It was all about balance—if one aspect of the body was off kilter, it affected everything else. My Mom was clearly off balance and she wouldn't deny that fact and agreed to see the doctor. I'd pay for her to see the Tibetan doctor as the fee of $25 was far less expensive than even a Medicare office visit.
I saw the young monk who was wearing his burgundy and gold robes and he smiled when he saw me and especially when he saw Mom. He first bowed to her and then reached over and shook her hand, the kindness emanating from his whole being. Tibetans, especially Tibetan Buddhist monks, highly revered mothers and older people and Mom was in both categories. "Hello, Hello!" he said, and I watched Mom beam at the monk.
After he was out of earshot, Mom asked, "Is that the doctor?"
I nodded. "I think so. I haven't met him before. I know the translator is over there," I pointed to a chubby older man wearing jeans and a burgundy T-shirt with a "Free Tibet" logo on it. Mom smiled and then noticed a couple of white guys entering the room, both with long hair and beards. They were brothers whose names I didn't remember but I knew they'd been to India for a month and did a slide show presentation on it. Both men came over to Mom and greeted her.
We went into the shrine room, a small-carpeted room with a large brass statue of Buddha. The plywood walls were covered with colorful tapestries of various Buddhas, some male, and some female. There were bookshelves filled with holy texts and candle and water bowl offerings on a ledge beneath the fabric-wrapped texts. The energy emanating from the room was intense and usually people spoke in lower voices when they were in the room. But a few times some Nadirian would pipe up in above normal tones and once I heard someone loudly telling a bawdy story using words that weren't allowed on most commercial TV stations. But, the Buddhas understood people and their weaknesses and strengths.
There was a medley of colored and patterned cushions arranged in rows on the floor for the regular students who preferred to sit either cross-legged or kneel on them. For the older people or newcomers, folding chairs lined two walls. The Doctor would be doing his seminar like the one in Santa Monica, and that began with about two minutes of chanting in Tibetan, which puzzled Mom, and she stared at the handout for a minute and then looked around at the chanters.
The Doctor spoke about the three humors: phlegm, bile and wind and about five minutes into the lecture Mom fell asleep. Her interest in medicine went as far as mine did in sewing: that bored me as much. It also required more patience as the Doctor's English was fairly good but sometimes he'd lapse into Tibetan and the translator would interpret for us.
When she woke up about an hour later, better rested, she decided to go outside and sit down in order to get some fresh air. I understood that the incense might be affecting her as it wasn't a smell she was accustomed to – it was rather heavy on sandalwood, juniper and other Himalayan herbs.
Mom had the first appointment after the lecture according to a piece of paper with all four appointments listed by time and the patient's name and phone number. The smiling Doctor Rinpoche invited both of us back into his office. It was so unlike anything Mom had ever been in, no examining table, and no white coated doctor wearing a name badge. In fact, the bedroom was just that and it was decorated in Tibetan Buddhist Motif. Doctor Rinpoche was wearing his standard robes and genially indicated that my mother should sit on the wooden chair in front of the twin-sized mattress on the floor. Doctor Rinpoche would examine Mom right in front of me. "I hope my hands aren't cold!" he laughed, rubbing them together to make sure they weren't. He reached over and gently touched Mom's left wrist.
So I sat there on the bed next to the doc and watched. It felt peculiar, so after a minute I got up and sat on the floor leaning against the other bed.
"Can you please tell me what is wrong?" Doctor Rinpoche asked, looking directly at Mom.
She mentioned being tired and dizzy. He nodded. I could see the connection between them—he was entirely focused on her.
"I do not get anything…" the doctor said, frowning slightly. He let go of her left wrist and reached for her right one. There was a smile as though a musician had found an instrument that was more finely tuned.
Mom rattled off her list of illnesses and surgeries, and as she said, "gallbladder operation, and I only have one kidney" the look of concern and distress on the monk-doctor's face was the essence of a caring and compassionate doctor. With each disease mentioned, he flinched.
He looked into her eyes, and checked her tongue. After that, he had his diagnosis; he didn't say what was wrong in western terms. During the time she was either sleeping or outdoors admiring the tomato bushes and flowers, he had talked about imbalances of the system. He told her she had lung, a severe wind imbalance. She would need some pills, but he was out of medicine until next month when it would be mailed from India.
Doctor Rinpoche smiled at Mom and held both of her hands for a minute as he comforted her. He was so radiant looking and Mom seemed happier in his care. The term doctor's care meant so much by looking at that tableau.
"We will call you when the medicine comes in," Doctor Rinpoche said. And I knew he meant it.
We all shook hands and I gave him the cash. No insurance forms to fill out, no credit cards, no fuss.
When we were in the car, Mom told me that he didn't tell her very much.
"That's not how they do it." I told her. "Just hope the medicine gets here soon."
"You believe in this stuff I don't, Lisa." She paused as I made a left turn onto a busier street. "But he has the best bedside manner of any doctor I've ever met."
"Yeah, especially since he was on it!" I couldn't help commenting.
We both laughed.

Notes from Nadir is available online in both eBook and paperback formats. Here's a brief description: A Los Angeles-based writer returns to her Midwestern home due to financial difficulties. Moving back in with Mom, she is confronted with long forgotten memories, finding it difficult to adjust to life in Nadir.
Paperback edition

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