Religions > Atheism > New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering
| Topic: |
Religions > Atheism |
| User: |
"Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" |
| Date: |
28 Sep 2004 07:43:21 PM |
| Object: |
New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
"CONSERVATIVE political newcomer Family First wants an annual levy of $7 to
$10
on all internet users to fund a $45 million mandatory national internet
filtering scheme aimed at blocking pornographic and offensive content at
server
level."
http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,10900684%5E15318%5E%5Enbv%5E15306,00.html
Made the Register as well:
Oz conservatives demand porn-busting net levy
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/09/27/net_levy/
'Family First acknowledges that their plan "may have the result of putting
cost
pressures on some of the smaller ISPs" but claims that most of them are
dispensible anyway. Indeed, the party says that "adequate competition could
be
maintained with 30 ISPs rather than the hundreds in existence now". The net
tax
is essential, it insists, and the destruction of most of Oz's service
providers
"is a small price to pay to protect children".'
There is a risk that Family First could hold the balance of power in the
Senate. Don't forget: a Senate vote above the line for the Liberal party
directs preferences to Family First! As does a vote above the line for the
Democrats!
Vote below the line and put Family First last.
And they are muck rakers too.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,10910449%255E1702,00.html
Greens fight Family First ads By Mark Phillips 28sep04
THE bitter tussle for Senate positions has heated up with the Greens
today lodging an official complaint with the Australian Electoral
Commission about television advertising by the Family First Party.
Greens national campaign co-ordinator Andrew Burke wrote to electoral
commissioner Andy Becker today to demand that several ads broadcast on
regional television and in some state capitals around Australia be
immediately taken off air.
The Greens allege that Family First, which is backed by the Assemblies
of God, is in breach of section 329 (1) of the Commonwealth Electoral
Act.
The section states that a person shall not during an election print,
publish or distribute anything that is likely to mislead or deceive an
elector.
That section of the Act carries penalties of up to $1000 or six months
jail for individuals and up to $5000 for organisations.
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| User: "Phÿltêr" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
29 Sep 2004 05:53:08 AM |
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"Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" <cjfat@SPAMBLOCKphonyemail.com> astounded
us with: news:415a04d4$0$908$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au:
"CONSERVATIVE political newcomer Family First wants an annual levy of $7
to $10
on all internet users to fund a $45 million mandatory national internet
filtering scheme aimed at blocking pornographic and offensive content at
server
level."
Ahhhhh, free speech being crushed, warms your heart doesn't it........
--
Phÿltêr
AA#1938
Denizen of Darkness #44 & AFJC Antipodean Attaché
http://forums.clickhalah.com/index.php
Remove "s" to respond
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| User: "newBjorn" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
29 Sep 2004 11:43:07 PM |
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"Phÿltêr" <Phÿltêr@hsotmail.com> wrote in message news:<Xns9573C01E76DADSmeagolsbane@210.8.230.24>...
"Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" <cjfat@SPAMBLOCKphonyemail.com> astounded
us with: news:415a04d4$0$908$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au:
"CONSERVATIVE political newcomer Family First wants an annual levy of $7
to $10
on all internet users to fund a $45 million mandatory national internet
filtering scheme aimed at blocking pornographic and offensive content at
server
level."
Ahhhhh, free speech being crushed, warms your heart doesn't it........
Ask the xtian freaks why there is evil in the world and they'll tell
you its because gawd wants us to have free will.
Then the fruitcakes do everything in their power to stop you from
using it.
--
B Witbotl.
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| User: "Bob Bain" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
30 Sep 2004 01:50:07 AM |
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On 29 Sep 2004 21:43:07 -0700, (newBjorn) wrote
in message id <ddb1575a.0409292043.b2f3599@posting.google.com>:
Ask the xtian freaks why there is evil in the world and they'll tell
you its because gawd wants us to have free will.
Then the fruitcakes do everything in their power to stop you from
using it.
They even gag their own members...
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,10902379%255E2702,00.html
"The announcement came as the party gagged its 109 candidates from
speaking to the media amid growing sensitivity about its ties with the
Assemblies of God and the church's socially conservative views."
"Boothby candidate Paul Munn was threatened with disendorsement after
he confirmed party members held creationist views, opposed sex before
marriage and viewed homosexuality as unnatural. "
=============================================
Freedom of expression isn't on it's agenda....
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| User: "Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" |
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| Title: Australian "Family First" Freaks! |
02 Oct 2004 06:32:28 PM |
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The Family First party has now revealed they are against stem cell research
and homosexuality, want increased money, resources and powers for Christian
churches and want all Australian politics to be biblically based and turn
Australia into "Southern bastion of the holy spirit!".
John Howard has made a preference deal with them!
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| User: "Zephir Woodwood" |
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| Title: Re: Australian "Family First" Freaks! |
02 Oct 2004 11:40:13 PM |
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"Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" <cjfat@SPAMBLOCKphonyemail.com> wrote in
message news:415f3a5b$0$20126$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au...
The Family First party has now revealed they are against stem cell
research
and homosexuality, want increased money, resources and powers for
Christian
churches and want all Australian politics to be biblically based and turn
Australia into "Southern bastion of the holy spirit!".
John Howard has made a preference deal with them!
It looks like after David Tollner I'll be putting Mark West number two for
the seat of Solomon.
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| User: "~**Sir Mike Hunt Hertz 111ESQ**~" |
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| Title: Re: Australian "Family First" Freaks! |
02 Oct 2004 07:01:28 PM |
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"Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" <cjfat@SPAMBLOCKphonyemail.com> wrote in message
news:415f3a5b$0$20126$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au...
The Family First party has now revealed they are against stem cell research
and homosexuality, want increased money, resources and powers for Christian
churches and want all Australian politics to be biblically based and turn
Australia into "Southern bastion of the holy spirit!".
John Howard has made a preference deal with them!
Australia will have to watch these **EVIL GROUPS** Just have a look at GW BUSH a born
again Christian?????????????? how evil is that man ?? john Howard will end up like GW no
thanks keep religion out of politics
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.770 / Virus Database: 517 - Release Date: 28/09/2004
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| User: "ROUNDTABLE" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
01 Oct 2004 11:57:06 PM |
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WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY?
An Introduction
Before we can answer the question: What is spirituality?, we need to gain a
basic understanding of human nature.
The Three Realms
Each human being is composed of three basic aspects: physical, mental, and
spiritual.
The physical realm is the realm of the human body. It includes the workings
of the body as a whole, as well as the workings of the various parts of the
body, such as the brain and the motor and sensory organs.
The mental or psychic realm is the realm of thoughts and feelings, the realm
of human psychology. It includes the characteristics and faculties of the
human mind, the layers or levels of mind, and the various propensities of
the mind.
The spiritual realm is the realm beyond the mind; it is the realm of the
soul and Infinite Consciousness. The soul may be defined as the clear
reflection of Infinite Consciousness and it reflects on the mind.
In human beings, the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects are highly
developed, making us unique. We, as human beings, have the capacity to
understand ourselves and to realize our inner, spiritual nature.
The Nature of the Self
To understand how we can go about doing this, we need to know about the
self. By self, we do not mean the physical self, or the physical body, nor
do we mean the mental self; we mean the spiritual self, or the soul.
What is the difference between the mental self and the soul? Western
psychologists advance various ideas to explain the nature of the self, but
most of these ideas are at best vague and incomplete, and at worst, totally
incorrect. The mental self is our feeling of I-ness, our I-feeling. Our
I-feeling has various stages of subtlety which give us our sense of doing
and knowing. The difference between our mental self, or the various stages
of our I-feeling, and our spiritual self, or our soul, is that the former is
mental in nature while the latter is consciousness itself.
The Purpose of Human Life
The purpose of human life is to merge our mental self, or our I-feeling,
into our spiritual self, or our soul, and then merge our soul into Infinite
Consciousness. In other words, the purpose of human life is to merge our
mind and soul into Infinite Consciousness, and thereby realize our true
spiritual nature. This process is often referred to as self-realization.
As we endeavour to merge our self into Infinite Consciousness, we also
should try to perform as much selfless service as we can. Spiritual
advancement and selfless service go together. Thus, the purpose of human
life can be characterized as self-realization and service to humanity (or,
more broadly, the entire universe). Self-realization and Service to Humanity
is the motto of Ananda Marga (the Path of Bliss).
The Essence of Spirituality
Spirituality means that which concerns Infinite Consciousness. When we
direct our I-feeling towards Infinite Consciousness in a conscious,
systematic way, we make spiritual progress. Conversely, when we direct our
I-feeling towards the mental or physical realms without making any effort to
adjust it with Infinite Consciousness, we do not make any spiritual
progress.
Spirituality is about 'oneness'. By 'oneness', we do not mean oneness is the
physical or mental realms, we mean oneness in the spiritual realm. The
essence of spirituality is to become one with Infinite Consciousness.
The Spiritual Path
A time comes in the life of a person when they are given the opportunity to
decide whether or not they want to direct their I-feeling towards Infinite
Consciousness. If they decide they do, they get the opportunity to progress
spiritually this lifetime; if they decide they don't, the opportunity to
progress spiritually this lifetime wanes, becomes unimportant, or is lost.
Those who make the conscious decision to direct their I-feeling towards
Infinite Consciousness, set out on the spiritual path. In one sense, the
spiritual path is the same for all of us: all spiritual aspirants are
endeavouring to merge their I-feeling into Infinite Consciousness. In
another sense, the spiritual path is unique for each of us: each individual
has to undergo their own distinct set of experiences in order to reach the
goal.
Gaining an understanding of the purpose of human life is the first step on
the spiritual path. Making the decision to direct our I-feeling towards
Infinite Consciousness is the next step. When a person makes this decision,
they become ready to learn spiritual meditation.
Spiritual Meditation
Performing spiritual meditation regularly is how we merge our I-feeling into
Infinite Consciousness. Learning spiritual meditation from a qualified
teacher is called initiation.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of meditation taught today: spiritual
meditation and non-spiritual meditation. In spiritual meditation, the mind
is directed towards Infinite Consciousness; in non-spiritual meditation, the
mind is directed towards the psychic and physical realms. This is strictly
speaking not meditation - it is a form of concentration. Many of the
concentration techniques involve focusing the mind on various mental or
physical phenomena, such as a candle flame, blank space, a particular
thought, money, power, etc. Such techniques are non-spiritual in nature.
Spiritual meditation always directs the mind towards Infinite
Consciousness - the Supreme Soul.
The right to learn spiritual meditation is the birthright of each
individual, and learning spiritual meditation must be free of cost. The
simplest way to determine whether or not a particular meditation technique
is spiritual or non-spiritual is to find out if it directs the mind towards
Infinite Consciousness and is free of cost. Qualified spiritual teachers,
called acaryas, teach spiritual meditation free of cost.
For most of the last 2,000 years, spiritual meditation was virtually unknown
in the West, and western philosophy said little, if anything, about the
purpose of human life. But that was not always the case. Although spiritual
meditation originated in India, several famous Greek philosophers taught
people about the purpose of human life, practised spiritual meditation
themselves, and initiated their disciples. Members of other civilizations
also practised spiritual meditation. But with the decline of the Greek
civilization and the rise of organized religion, the practice of spiritual
meditation all but died out in the West. Over the last 100 years, however,
this situation has gradually changed. Spiritual meditation has again spread
from India to the West, and today it is practised throughout the world.
Spiritual Methodology
As we make spiritual progress, we constantly need to adjust our I-feeling so
that we can function effectively in the world. That is, as we direct our
I-feeling towards Infinite Consciousness, we constantly need to adjust our
I-feeling so that we can function effectively in the mental and physical
realms.
This approach to life is called 'subjective approach and objective
adjustment'. It is the spiritual approach to life, and may be characterized
as spiritual methodology. The opposite approach is objective approach and
subjective adjustment; is the materialistic approach to life. In the former
spiritual approach, one's I-feeling progresses towards Infinite
Consciousness; in the latter approach, one's I-feeling moves towards matter.
That is why it is said the opportunity for spiritual progress is lost.
By following spiritual methodology, we learn how to direct our I-feeling
towards Infinite Consciousness as we simultaneously function in the mental
and physical realms.
Spiritual Morality
Spiritual morality is the foundation stone of spiritual progress. Unless we
follow principles of spiritual morality, we will not be able to meditate
properly and progress spiritually.
There are two types of morality: simple morality and spiritual morality.
Simple morality includes secular morality and religious morality, while
spiritual morality includes cardinal human values (ie the cardinal
principles of human morality, or the yogic code of Yama and Niyama, and
Neo-ethics). To make spiritual progress, we have to follow the principles of
spiritual morality. Thus, spiritual morality and spiritual progress go
together.
Following spiritual morality is so important on the spiritual path that it
has been said: 'Spiritual morality is the base, spiritual meditation is the
means, and life divine is the goal'. Spiritual morality consists of:
* External moral discipline: ie not intentionally causing harm by thought,
word or action; proper action of mind and right use of words; nonstealing;
to see the Infinite Consciousness or Cosmic essence in all things;
non-indulgence in superfluous things or greedlessness;
* Internal moral strength: ie cleanliness both external and internal; mental
ease or contentment; going out of one's way to help others or selflessness;
proper understanding of spiritual subjects; devotion to a higher principle
of life or love for the Infinite Consciousness (God).
What Spirituality Is Not
Many people today are confused about spirituality. They often think that
spirituality is something it is not. Now that we know what spirituality is,
let us look at what spirituality is not.
Spirituality is not following numerology, astrology, the I-Ching, etc,
merely to gain insight into one's life. Insight comes through developing the
higher faculties of the mind - which is also vital for an elevated mind.
However, spirituality is more than this - it has to do with merger of unit
self with Cosmic Self (Infinite Consciousness). Understanding one's higher
self is part of spirituality. Merger of unit self with Cosmic Self is the
goal of spirituality.
Spirituality is not New Age metaphysics. Aspects of subtle energies and the
like may, however, be useful to society. But this is really about
utilization of subtle and metaphysical resources. Spirituality is not going
back to a pre-industrial, pre-modern lifestyle where one can commune with
nature and just be one with the forests; that is, spirituality is not back
to nature or down to earth. A spiritualist will, however, recognise the
importance of ecological balance and harmony in their life. But ecology is
understood not just at the physical level - there is also mental ecology and
this assists in elevation of the mind. Still, the goal of spirituality must
be sought which is beyond the relativities of the physical and mental
worlds.
Spirituality is not contacting ghosts, spirits or dead relatives to find the
answers to life's problems; that is, spirituality is not spiritualism.
Spirituality is not taking drugs to alter one's awareness or giving up
everything to visit holy places; that is, spirituality is not escaping from
or renouncing the world. Spirituality is not sexual union to gain intimacy
in sexual practice; that is, spirituality is not sexuality. The senses only
pick up relative vibrations, which come and go. They are not permanent and
cannot give lasting happiness. Physical and mental (including emotional)
propensities exist, but the goal of spirituality is beyond these
relativities or stimuli.
Nor is spirituality entering into a narrow relationship with God, following
a set of dogmatic beliefs, and hoping to go to heaven after one dies; that
is, spirituality is not religion.
Is spirituality yoga? Yoga does not mean exercises or yoga postures. Yoga
means union with Infinite Consciousness. Mere performance of yoga postures
or any other technique associated with so-called yoga is not spirituality.
Unless and until a person has the inclination to become one with Infinite
Consciousness or God and directs their I-feeling towards That, only then
will yoga assist in spirituality. Otherwise, the so-called yoga is merely a
subtle form of exercise.
As we have seen, spirituality is none of these things. All of the above are
based on some kind of relativity; be it opting out of the world, physical,
sensual, seeking mental stimulation, intellectual - they come and go.
Attachment to or desire or addiction towards the relative defeats the
purpose of obtaining the Infinite Consciousness or the Absolute. The
relative world is a relative truth and can be useful in establishing a
congenial environment (ecological harmony - socially, economically,
physically and mentally) for spirituality. The person who directs their
I-feeling to the Infinite Consciousness will at the same time see the
expression of the Infinite Consciousness in all things relative.
Spirituality and Religion
Perhaps the greatest mistake that people make when they set out to learn
about spirituality is to confuse it with religion. Spirituality and religion
are not the same thing.
The most fundamental difference between spirituality and religion is that
spirituality teaches people to become one with God, or Infinite
Consciousness. Religion, on the other hand, teaches people that they will
always remain separate from God. What is the basis of the distinction? In
philosophical terms, the fundamental difference is that spirituality is
non-dualistic, while religion is dualistic. In dualism, the inner feeling
and general tendency is to take it for granted that there are two entities,
the unit being and the Supreme Being. In non-dualism the Supreme Being
contains everything and there is complete merger of unit consciousness with
Infinite Consciousness; the sense of I-ness is completely absorbed.
According to the cosmology of the main religions, it goes generally along
these lines: after we have lived out our life, we die and our soul goes to
purgatory, where it stays until the Day of Judgment. Upon judgment, the
'saved' go to heaven and the 'sinners' go to hell. The 'saved' sit beside
God in heaven for the rest of eternity, and the poor 'sinners' sit beside
the devil in hell for the same duration. According to spirituality, on the
other hand, once we have learned spiritual practices, we have the
opportunity to complete our spiritual journey and become one with Infinite
Consciousness in this very life.
There are many differences between spirituality and religion, but the most
fundamental difference is that spirituality involves becoming one with
Infinite Consciousness - one with God - while religion involves remaining
separate from Infinite Consciousness (eg being 'beside' God). Consequently
religions will always mean separation of unit consciousness from Infinite
Consciousness - separation of unit soul from the Supreme Soul. However, in
spirituality, the unit soul is the same as the Supreme Soul, but for the
sense of I-ness and this sense of I-ness is dissolved through spiritual
practices. It is part of the Cosmic dance that this Cosmic drama unfolds
itself for each individual.
The so-called rewards of religions will also always be relative. Everything
relative is subject to birth, sustainability and decay or generation,
operation and destruction (GOD - the Cosmic drama). The notion of a self or
soul in heaven or hell is also a falsity and is relative because where there
is separation of self from Infinite Consciousness there is the inevitable
process of generation, operation and decay. This is simply the application
of the theory of relativity. So, only by proceeding towards the Absolute is
there spiritual liberation or permanent spiritual salvation.
The Science of Spirituality
Spirituality is a science. The science of spirituality, or the science of
spiritual practices, is called Tantra. Tantra has existed for thousands of
years. It sets out in very clear terms the various stages that spiritual
aspirants need to pass through as they progress along the spiritual path.
The practice of Tantra enables spiritual aspirants to move along the
spiritual path in a smooth, natural way.
In some parts of the world, there is confusion about the true meaning of
Tantra. People who have no understanding of spirituality and no genuine
desire to progress spiritually popularize incorrect ideas about Tantra. They
teach that Tantra is concerned with acquiring power (eg occultism) or
enjoying life in various types of ways (eg sexual practices). Such people do
not understand that Tantra is the science of merging our I-feeling into
Infinite Consciousness by performing spiritual practices.
Devotion
The practice of Tantra, and thus spiritual meditation, is designed to
develop devotion. This is the purpose of spiritual practices. Once the
feeling of devotion is developed, it becomes possible for the spiritual
aspirant to merge their I-feeling into Infinite Consciousness.
Love and devotion are not the same thing. Love is a propensity situated near
the mid-point of the chest. When the feeling of love is awaken and
channelled towards Infinite Consciousness, devotion develops. Spiritual
aspirants endeavour to awaken the feeling of devotion so that they can
concentrate their mind at the point of the pineal gland, psychically advance
in their spiritual outlook, and merge into Infinite Consciousness. This is
the inner secret of spirituality.
Human life is very short, hence we should try to make as much spiritual
progress as we can by cultivating the feeling of devotion.
The Preceptor
Some people believe that they can make spiritual progress by relying
exclusively on their own efforts. That is, they believe that they do not
need the help or guidance of a spiritual preceptor. But this is a mistaken
belief. Just as the effort to be successful in any aspect of worldly life
requires the assistance of suitable teachers or mentors, the effort to
progress spiritually depends upon the guidance of a genuine spiritual
preceptor.
The guidance of a spiritual preceptor is so important on the spiritual path
that it is impossible for a spiritual aspirant to make any spiritual
progress without the Preceptor's help. The personal guidance of the
Preceptor is what enables the spiritual aspirant to make spiritual progress.
Such personal guidance is known as the grace of the Preceptor. In yoga, it
is the grace of the Guru. Only God alone is the Guru and teachings are
expressed through physical mediums who are Preceptors (but as the
consciousness of the Preceptor is the same as Infinite Consciousness the
Preceptor can also be called the guru).
When a person becomes ready to learn spiritual meditation, they find a
spiritual preceptor according to the strength of their spiritual longing. If
their spiritual longing is extremely strong, they will find a highly
accomplished Preceptor, one who is well-versed in all aspects of Tantra and
all branches of knowledge. Such a spiritual preceptor will be able to guide
them successfully through all the stages on the spiritual path so that they
can reach their ultimate goal. The guidance is in all realms of existence:
physical, mental and spiritual. The Preceptor is merely the expression of
the Infinite Consciousness through the form an enlightened being and is one
with the Infinite Consciousness.
Ultimately spirituality means oneness or union with Infinite Consciousness.
The essence of spirituality is to become one with Infinite Consciousness.
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| User: "Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
02 Oct 2004 02:00:44 AM |
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"ROUNDTABLE" <ROUND@Table.net> wrote in message
news:415e3521@news.comindico.com.au...
WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY?
Oh I see...you're a drooling theist troll!
Well thanks for clearing that up.
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| User: "Phÿltêr" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
02 Oct 2004 03:46:34 AM |
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"Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" <cjfat@SPAMBLOCKphonyemail.com> astounded us
with: news:415e51f6$0$20130$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au:
"ROUNDTABLE" <ROUND@Table.net> wrote in message
news:415e3521@news.comindico.com.au...
WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY?
Oh I see...you're a drooling theist troll!
Well thanks for clearing that up.
Yeah, but look, he missed spot, over there............
--
Phÿltêr
AA#1938
Denizen of Darkness #44 & AFJC Antipodean Attaché
http://forums.clickhalah.com/index.php
Remove "s" to respond
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| User: "Jez" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants MandatoryInternet Filtering |
02 Oct 2004 09:54:23 AM |
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ROUNDTABLE wrote:
WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY?
Aw *****.......same ***** again.......
Can't you even find some other crap to cut and paste ?
--
Jez
'Realism is seductive because once you have accepted the reasonable
notion that you should base your actions on reality, you are too often
led to accept, without much questioning, someone else's version of what
that reality is. It is a crucial act of independent thinking to be
skeptical of someone else's description of reality.'-
Howard Zinn
Skype callto://hellward
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| User: "Brock Ulfsen" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants MandatoryInternet Filtering |
01 Oct 2004 07:45:11 PM |
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newBjorn wrote:
Ask the xtian freaks why there is evil in the world and they'll tell
you its because gawd wants us to have free will.
Then the fruitcakes do everything in their power to stop you from
using it.
Because JeBus tells them to love you.
....Brock.
(Hated by fundies everywhere...)
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| User: "turk" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
29 Sep 2004 12:23:16 AM |
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"Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" <cjfat@SPAMBLOCKphonyemail.com> wrote in
message news:415a04d4$0$908$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au...
"CONSERVATIVE political newcomer Family First wants an annual levy of $7
to
$10
on all internet users to fund a $45 million mandatory national internet
filtering scheme aimed at blocking pornographic and offensive content at
server
level."
http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,10900684%5E15318%5E%5Enbv%5E15306,00.html
Made the Register as well:
Oz conservatives demand porn-busting net levy
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/09/27/net_levy/
'Family First acknowledges that their plan "may have the result of putting
cost
pressures on some of the smaller ISPs" but claims that most of them are
dispensible anyway. Indeed, the party says that "adequate competition
could
be
maintained with 30 ISPs rather than the hundreds in existence now". The
net
tax
is essential, it insists, and the destruction of most of Oz's service
providers
"is a small price to pay to protect children".'
There is a risk that Family First could hold the balance of power in the
Senate. Don't forget: a Senate vote above the line for the Liberal party
directs preferences to Family First! As does a vote above the line for the
Democrats!
Vote below the line and put Family First last.
And they are muck rakers too.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,10910449%255E1702,00.html
Greens fight Family First ads By Mark Phillips 28sep04
THE bitter tussle for Senate positions has heated up with the Greens
today lodging an official complaint with the Australian Electoral
Commission about television advertising by the Family First Party.
Greens national campaign co-ordinator Andrew Burke wrote to electoral
commissioner Andy Becker today to demand that several ads broadcast on
regional television and in some state capitals around Australia be
immediately taken off air.
The Greens allege that Family First, which is backed by the Assemblies
of God, is in breach of section 329 (1) of the Commonwealth Electoral
Act.
The section states that a person shall not during an election print,
publish or distribute anything that is likely to mislead or deceive an
elector.
That section of the Act carries penalties of up to $1000 or six months
jail for individuals and up to $5000 for organisations.
Fundies don't need porn on the internet. There's plenty of it in the Bible.
turk
--
A stupid man's report of what a clever man says is never accurate because he
unconsciously translates what he hears into something he can understand.
-- Bertrand Russell
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| User: "Ike" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
28 Sep 2004 08:54:50 PM |
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"Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" <cjfat@SPAMBLOCKphonyemail.com> wrote in
message news:415a04d4$0$908$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au...
"CONSERVATIVE political newcomer Family First wants an annual levy of $7
to
$10
on all internet users to fund a $45 million mandatory national internet
filtering scheme aimed at blocking pornographic and offensive content at
server
level."
http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,10900684%5E15318%5E%5Enbv%5E15306,00.html
Made the Register as well:
Oz conservatives demand porn-busting net levy
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/09/27/net_levy/
FF is making a big-assed mistake. Pornography is holy.
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| User: "damnfine" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
28 Sep 2004 09:34:15 PM |
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"Ike" wrote:
FF is making a big-assed mistake.
Not from their point of view. They're a bunch of religous freaks as are
their supporters.
--
damnfine
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| User: "~**Sir Mike Hunt Hertz 111ESQ**~" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
28 Sep 2004 09:14:49 PM |
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"Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" <cjfat@SPAMBLOCKphonyemail.com> wrote in message
news:415a04d4$0$908$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au...
"CONSERVATIVE political newcomer Family First wants an annual levy of $7 to
$10
on all internet users to fund a $45 million mandatory national internet
filtering scheme aimed at blocking pornographic and offensive content at
server
level."
http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,10900684%5E15318%5E%5Enbv%5E15306,00.html
Made the Register as well:
Oz conservatives demand porn-busting net levy
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/09/27/net_levy/
'Family First acknowledges that their plan "may have the result of putting
cost
pressures on some of the smaller ISPs" but claims that most of them are
dispensible anyway. Indeed, the party says that "adequate competition could
be
maintained with 30 ISPs rather than the hundreds in existence now". The net
tax
is essential, it insists, and the destruction of most of Oz's service
providers
"is a small price to pay to protect children".'
There is a risk that Family First could hold the balance of power in the
Senate. Don't forget: a Senate vote above the line for the Liberal party
directs preferences to Family First! As does a vote above the line for the
Democrats!
Vote below the line and put Family First last.
And they are muck rakers too.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,10910449%255E1702,00.html
Greens fight Family First ads By Mark Phillips 28sep04
THE bitter tussle for Senate positions has heated up with the Greens
today lodging an official complaint with the Australian Electoral
Commission about television advertising by the Family First Party.
Greens national campaign co-ordinator Andrew Burke wrote to electoral
commissioner Andy Becker today to demand that several ads broadcast on
regional television and in some state capitals around Australia be
immediately taken off air.
The Greens allege that Family First, which is backed by the Assemblies
of God, is in breach of section 329 (1) of the Commonwealth Electoral
Act.
The section states that a person shall not during an election print,
publish or distribute anything that is likely to mislead or deceive an
elector.
That section of the Act carries penalties of up to $1000 or six months
jail for individuals and up to $5000 for organisations.
If they don't want pornography all they have to do is not click on to there sites
**VOTE 1 MORE PORNOGRAPHY** ***** these right wing religious money hungery church group
there's some good sites on the net
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.770 / Virus Database: 517 - Release Date: 27/09/2004
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| User: "Eunometic" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
29 Sep 2004 02:39:04 AM |
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"Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" <cjfat@SPAMBLOCKphonyemail.com> wrote in message news:<415a04d4$0$908$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au>...
"CONSERVATIVE political newcomer Family First wants an annual levy of $7 to
$10
on all internet users to fund a $45 million mandatory national internet
filtering scheme aimed at blocking pornographic and offensive content at
server
level."
They've just lost my vote and I was sympathetic: the same technology
can and will be used to completely censor dissenting views. If you
are worried by porno getting to your children then you can install net
nanny.
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| User: "Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
29 Sep 2004 04:22:03 AM |
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"Eunometic" <eunometic@yahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:e935396a.0409282339.573e3906@posting.google.com...
"Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" <cjfat@SPAMBLOCKphonyemail.com> wrote in
message news:<415a04d4$0$908$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au>...
"CONSERVATIVE political newcomer Family First wants an annual levy of $7
to
$10
on all internet users to fund a $45 million mandatory national internet
filtering scheme aimed at blocking pornographic and offensive content at
server
level."
They've just lost my vote and I was sympathetic: the same technology
can and will be used to completely censor dissenting views. If you
are worried by porno getting to your children then you can install net
nanny.
Family First is a pack of fundamentalist religious nuts who only count
"families" as long as they fit into their narrow ultra-conservative
definition of what constitutes a family...basically "Leave It To Beaver".
Any civil or human right that doesn't fit with their biblical view must be
destroyed. They sit some where in between One Nation and Fred Nile's
Festival of Light.
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| User: "damnfine" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
29 Sep 2004 02:40:08 AM |
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"Eunometic" wrote:
They've just lost my vote and I was sympathetic: the same technology
can and will be used to completely censor dissenting views. If you
are worried by porno getting to your children then you can install net
nanny.
Of course, but it's not the motivation of Family First to protect children,
that's merely their excuse. Of course they want to censor dissenting views,
one of which is pornography, and they want to censor it from everyone, not
just children.
--
damnfine
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| User: "Bob Bain" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
29 Sep 2004 05:03:27 AM |
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Quite how and under what conditions the number of ISP's in this
country will be reduced to a mere 30 is somewhat hard to imagine.
Does this Family based party believe that it can somehow force ISP's
out of business or do they intend to regulate who can or cannot be an
ISP.
As for the cost of filtering this is an extract of Liberal Party
thinking on the costs vs the benefits of even attempting it when it
was suggested to/by the ALP (a "would be policy" that appears to be on
hold or dropped).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.minister.dcita.gov.au/media/media133.html
Sheer Hypocrisy from Labor on Internet Pornography
135/04 16 August 2004
Senator The Hon Helen Coonan
Minister for Communications, Technology and the Arts
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
'Labor has continually tried to thwart the Government's attempts to
appropriately regulate the Internet including amendments to close a
loophole that potentially allowed people access to the most offensive
content, including child pornography.
'This is content that has been deemed by the Australian Broadcasting
Authority to be too offensive to classify and too offensive to be
available to anyone, let alone children.
'All of these moves have been met with cries of 'heavy-handed
censorship' from Labor. Now Labor realises that they are out of step
with the Government and with community thinking on this important
issue.
'The Government cares about protecting families and ensuring that
minimum community standards are upheld on the Internet and in new
emerging media.
'The Government bans all X-rated and Restricted Classification (RC)
material from being hosted in Australia and requires age verification
controls on R-rated material.
'We have also established NetAlert - a $7 million initiative to help
educate Australians about safe Internet surfing.
'Controlling and banning offensive content that originates from
overseas is more difficult so the Government requires all Internet
Service Providers to supply filtering technology at or below cost to
consumers.
'At the Government's behest the Australian Broadcasting Authority has
written to more than 650 Internet Service Providers to reiterate their
obligations and to encourage them to actively promote filters to their
customers.
-------------------------------------------------------------
I realise they are proposing a levy on Internet users while at the
same time suggesting that the number of ISPs be reduced from 650 to a
mere 30. This would reduce competion, be against the general thrust
of Liberal economic policy and be totally counterproductive.
It's possible to try. It isn't possible to stem the flow of
pornographic spam let alone filter sites. Do they intend to block
sites where adults pay for access ?
If they wish to do this I would suggest they establish or fund their
own ISP and show the world how it can be done....
How the Liberals can suggest that some things are so terrible that
nobody can watch them while the OFLC this week sent me videotapes of
explicit rape via registered mail after officers of the OFLC had
declared them to be "not a sufficient breach of the law to report the
matters to the local police" (to the Federal Ombudsman's Office)
baffles my imagination.
The OFLC doesn't appear to agree with the ABA or they wouldn't have
send me a parcel of (unwanted and unasked for) tapes of explicit rape
scenes lodged with them in late 2002 on the advice of the State
Attorney General the Hon Bob Debus.
..
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| User: "Meteorite Debris" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
30 Sep 2004 12:39:18 AM |
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On Wed, 29 Sep 2004 17:10:08 +0930 the ET form known as
damnfine<damnfine@ihug.com.au> sent a radio signal across the vast
expanse of deep space -._.--._.--._.--._.--._.--._.
"Eunometic" wrote:
They've just lost my vote and I was sympathetic: the same technology
can and will be used to completely censor dissenting views. If you
are worried by porno getting to your children then you can install net
nanny.
Of course, but it's not the motivation of Family First to protect children,
that's merely their excuse. Of course they want to censor dissenting views,
one of which is pornography, and they want to censor it from everyone, not
just children.
I'm angry that someone is telling me I can't be trusted. I don't have
any children but I will be inconvenienced by compulsory filtering,
will have to choose from a smaller number of ISPs, and have to pay for
the inconvenience as well. How dare they pretend to know what is and
is not suitable for me to browse.
I'm disappointed that the Dems have preferenced them and dread what
the quid pro quo must be. The worse case scenario is a return of the
Lib with FF holding the balance in the senate. The Lyons Forum plus
the Assembly of God Church. Can we look forward to such senators
talking in tongues during senate sessions?
--
epicurus1*at*optusnet*dot*com*dot*au
apatriot #1, atheist #1417,
Chief EAC prophet
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~pk1956/
Apatriotism Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/apatriotism
"Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever
conceived." - Isaac Asimov
.
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| User: "Brock Ulfsen" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants MandatoryInternet Filtering |
01 Oct 2004 07:46:22 PM |
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Meteorite Debris wrote:
I'm disappointed that the Dems have preferenced them and dread what
the quid pro quo must be. The worse case scenario is a return of the
Lib with FF holding the balance in the senate. The Lyons Forum plus
the Assembly of God Church. Can we look forward to such senators
talking in tongues during senate sessions?
Would that be less informative than many government answers during
question time have been in recent years?
....Brock.
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| User: "Brock Ulfsen" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants MandatoryInternet Filtering |
01 Oct 2004 07:43:01 PM |
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Eunometic wrote:
They've just lost my vote and I was sympathetic: the same technology
can and will be used to completely censor dissenting views. If you
are worried by porno getting to your children then you can install net
nanny.
Which will completely coincidentally stop them learning about other
religions...
....Brock.
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| User: "ROUNDTABLE" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
01 Oct 2004 11:48:17 PM |
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WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY?
An Introduction
Before we can answer the question: What is spirituality?, we need to gain a
basic understanding of human nature.
The Three Realms
Each human being is composed of three basic aspects: physical, mental, and
spiritual.
The physical realm is the realm of the human body. It includes the workings
of the body as a whole, as well as the workings of the various parts of the
body, such as the brain and the motor and sensory organs.
The mental or psychic realm is the realm of thoughts and feelings, the realm
of human psychology. It includes the characteristics and faculties of the
human mind, the layers or levels of mind, and the various propensities of
the mind.
The spiritual realm is the realm beyond the mind; it is the realm of the
soul and Infinite Consciousness. The soul may be defined as the clear
reflection of Infinite Consciousness and it reflects on the mind.
In human beings, the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects are highly
developed, making us unique. We, as human beings, have the capacity to
understand ourselves and to realize our inner, spiritual nature.
The Nature of the Self
To understand how we can go about doing this, we need to know about the
self. By self, we do not mean the physical self, or the physical body, nor
do we mean the mental self; we mean the spiritual self, or the soul.
What is the difference between the mental self and the soul? Western
psychologists advance various ideas to explain the nature of the self, but
most of these ideas are at best vague and incomplete, and at worst, totally
incorrect. The mental self is our feeling of I-ness, our I-feeling. Our
I-feeling has various stages of subtlety which give us our sense of doing
and knowing. The difference between our mental self, or the various stages
of our I-feeling, and our spiritual self, or our soul, is that the former is
mental in nature while the latter is consciousness itself.
The Purpose of Human Life
The purpose of human life is to merge our mental self, or our I-feeling,
into our spiritual self, or our soul, and then merge our soul into Infinite
Consciousness. In other words, the purpose of human life is to merge our
mind and soul into Infinite Consciousness, and thereby realize our true
spiritual nature. This process is often referred to as self-realization.
As we endeavour to merge our self into Infinite Consciousness, we also
should try to perform as much selfless service as we can. Spiritual
advancement and selfless service go together. Thus, the purpose of human
life can be characterized as self-realization and service to humanity (or,
more broadly, the entire universe). Self-realization and Service to Humanity
is the motto of Ananda Marga (the Path of Bliss).
The Essence of Spirituality
Spirituality means that which concerns Infinite Consciousness. When we
direct our I-feeling towards Infinite Consciousness in a conscious,
systematic way, we make spiritual progress. Conversely, when we direct our
I-feeling towards the mental or physical realms without making any effort to
adjust it with Infinite Consciousness, we do not make any spiritual
progress.
Spirituality is about 'oneness'. By 'oneness', we do not mean oneness is the
physical or mental realms, we mean oneness in the spiritual realm. The
essence of spirituality is to become one with Infinite Consciousness.
The Spiritual Path
A time comes in the life of a person when they are given the opportunity to
decide whether or not they want to direct their I-feeling towards Infinite
Consciousness. If they decide they do, they get the opportunity to progress
spiritually this lifetime; if they decide they don't, the opportunity to
progress spiritually this lifetime wanes, becomes unimportant, or is lost.
Those who make the conscious decision to direct their I-feeling towards
Infinite Consciousness, set out on the spiritual path. In one sense, the
spiritual path is the same for all of us: all spiritual aspirants are
endeavouring to merge their I-feeling into Infinite Consciousness. In
another sense, the spiritual path is unique for each of us: each individual
has to undergo their own distinct set of experiences in order to reach the
goal.
Gaining an understanding of the purpose of human life is the first step on
the spiritual path. Making the decision to direct our I-feeling towards
Infinite Consciousness is the next step. When a person makes this decision,
they become ready to learn spiritual meditation.
Spiritual Meditation
Performing spiritual meditation regularly is how we merge our I-feeling into
Infinite Consciousness. Learning spiritual meditation from a qualified
teacher is called initiation.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of meditation taught today: spiritual
meditation and non-spiritual meditation. In spiritual meditation, the mind
is directed towards Infinite Consciousness; in non-spiritual meditation, the
mind is directed towards the psychic and physical realms. This is strictly
speaking not meditation - it is a form of concentration. Many of the
concentration techniques involve focusing the mind on various mental or
physical phenomena, such as a candle flame, blank space, a particular
thought, money, power, etc. Such techniques are non-spiritual in nature.
Spiritual meditation always directs the mind towards Infinite
Consciousness - the Supreme Soul.
The right to learn spiritual meditation is the birthright of each
individual, and learning spiritual meditation must be free of cost. The
simplest way to determine whether or not a particular meditation technique
is spiritual or non-spiritual is to find out if it directs the mind towards
Infinite Consciousness and is free of cost. Qualified spiritual teachers,
called acaryas, teach spiritual meditation free of cost.
For most of the last 2,000 years, spiritual meditation was virtually unknown
in the West, and western philosophy said little, if anything, about the
purpose of human life. But that was not always the case. Although spiritual
meditation originated in India, several famous Greek philosophers taught
people about the purpose of human life, practised spiritual meditation
themselves, and initiated their disciples. Members of other civilizations
also practised spiritual meditation. But with the decline of the Greek
civilization and the rise of organized religion, the practice of spiritual
meditation all but died out in the West. Over the last 100 years, however,
this situation has gradually changed. Spiritual meditation has again spread
from India to the West, and today it is practised throughout the world.
Spiritual Methodology
As we make spiritual progress, we constantly need to adjust our I-feeling so
that we can function effectively in the world. That is, as we direct our
I-feeling towards Infinite Consciousness, we constantly need to adjust our
I-feeling so that we can function effectively in the mental and physical
realms.
This approach to life is called 'subjective approach and objective
adjustment'. It is the spiritual approach to life, and may be characterized
as spiritual methodology. The opposite approach is objective approach and
subjective adjustment; is the materialistic approach to life. In the former
spiritual approach, one's I-feeling progresses towards Infinite
Consciousness; in the latter approach, one's I-feeling moves towards matter.
That is why it is said the opportunity for spiritual progress is lost.
By following spiritual methodology, we learn how to direct our I-feeling
towards Infinite Consciousness as we simultaneously function in the mental
and physical realms.
Spiritual Morality
Spiritual morality is the foundation stone of spiritual progress. Unless we
follow principles of spiritual morality, we will not be able to meditate
properly and progress spiritually.
There are two types of morality: simple morality and spiritual morality.
Simple morality includes secular morality and religious morality, while
spiritual morality includes cardinal human values (ie the cardinal
principles of human morality, or the yogic code of Yama and Niyama, and
Neo-ethics). To make spiritual progress, we have to follow the principles of
spiritual morality. Thus, spiritual morality and spiritual progress go
together.
Following spiritual morality is so important on the spiritual path that it
has been said: 'Spiritual morality is the base, spiritual meditation is the
means, and life divine is the goal'. Spiritual morality consists of:
* External moral discipline: ie not intentionally causing harm by thought,
word or action; proper action of mind and right use of words; nonstealing;
to see the Infinite Consciousness or Cosmic essence in all things;
non-indulgence in superfluous things or greedlessness;
* Internal moral strength: ie cleanliness both external and internal; mental
ease or contentment; going out of one's way to help others or selflessness;
proper understanding of spiritual subjects; devotion to a higher principle
of life or love for the Infinite Consciousness (God).
What Spirituality Is Not
Many people today are confused about spirituality. They often think that
spirituality is something it is not. Now that we know what spirituality is,
let us look at what spirituality is not.
Spirituality is not following numerology, astrology, the I-Ching, etc,
merely to gain insight into one's life. Insight comes through developing the
higher faculties of the mind - which is also vital for an elevated mind.
However, spirituality is more than this - it has to do with merger of unit
self with Cosmic Self (Infinite Consciousness). Understanding one's higher
self is part of spirituality. Merger of unit self with Cosmic Self is the
goal of spirituality.
Spirituality is not New Age metaphysics. Aspects of subtle energies and the
like may, however, be useful to society. But this is really about
utilization of subtle and metaphysical resources. Spirituality is not going
back to a pre-industrial, pre-modern lifestyle where one can commune with
nature and just be one with the forests; that is, spirituality is not back
to nature or down to earth. A spiritualist will, however, recognise the
importance of ecological balance and harmony in their life. But ecology is
understood not just at the physical level - there is also mental ecology and
this assists in elevation of the mind. Still, the goal of spirituality must
be sought which is beyond the relativities of the physical and mental
worlds.
Spirituality is not contacting ghosts, spirits or dead relatives to find the
answers to life's problems; that is, spirituality is not spiritualism.
Spirituality is not taking drugs to alter one's awareness or giving up
everything to visit holy places; that is, spirituality is not escaping from
or renouncing the world. Spirituality is not sexual union to gain intimacy
in sexual practice; that is, spirituality is not sexuality. The senses only
pick up relative vibrations, which come and go. They are not permanent and
cannot give lasting happiness. Physical and mental (including emotional)
propensities exist, but the goal of spirituality is beyond these
relativities or stimuli.
Nor is spirituality entering into a narrow relationship with God, following
a set of dogmatic beliefs, and hoping to go to heaven after one dies; that
is, spirituality is not religion.
Is spirituality yoga? Yoga does not mean exercises or yoga postures. Yoga
means union with Infinite Consciousness. Mere performance of yoga postures
or any other technique associated with so-called yoga is not spirituality.
Unless and until a person has the inclination to become one with Infinite
Consciousness or God and directs their I-feeling towards That, only then
will yoga assist in spirituality. Otherwise, the so-called yoga is merely a
subtle form of exercise.
As we have seen, spirituality is none of these things. All of the above are
based on some kind of relativity; be it opting out of the world, physical,
sensual, seeking mental stimulation, intellectual - they come and go.
Attachment to or desire or addiction towards the relative defeats the
purpose of obtaining the Infinite Consciousness or the Absolute. The
relative world is a relative truth and can be useful in establishing a
congenial environment (ecological harmony - socially, economically,
physically and mentally) for spirituality. The person who directs their
I-feeling to the Infinite Consciousness will at the same time see the
expression of the Infinite Consciousness in all things relative.
Spirituality and Religion
Perhaps the greatest mistake that people make when they set out to learn
about spirituality is to confuse it with religion. Spirituality and religion
are not the same thing.
The most fundamental difference between spirituality and religion is that
spirituality teaches people to become one with God, or Infinite
Consciousness. Religion, on the other hand, teaches people that they will
always remain separate from God. What is the basis of the distinction? In
philosophical terms, the fundamental difference is that spirituality is
non-dualistic, while religion is dualistic. In dualism, the inner feeling
and general tendency is to take it for granted that there are two entities,
the unit being and the Supreme Being. In non-dualism the Supreme Being
contains everything and there is complete merger of unit consciousness with
Infinite Consciousness; the sense of I-ness is completely absorbed.
According to the cosmology of the main religions, it goes generally along
these lines: after we have lived out our life, we die and our soul goes to
purgatory, where it stays until the Day of Judgment. Upon judgment, the
'saved' go to heaven and the 'sinners' go to hell. The 'saved' sit beside
God in heaven for the rest of eternity, and the poor 'sinners' sit beside
the devil in hell for the same duration. According to spirituality, on the
other hand, once we have learned spiritual practices, we have the
opportunity to complete our spiritual journey and become one with Infinite
Consciousness in this very life.
There are many differences between spirituality and religion, but the most
fundamental difference is that spirituality involves becoming one with
Infinite Consciousness - one with God - while religion involves remaining
separate from Infinite Consciousness (eg being 'beside' God). Consequently
religions will always mean separation of unit consciousness from Infinite
Consciousness - separation of unit soul from the Supreme Soul. However, in
spirituality, the unit soul is the same as the Supreme Soul, but for the
sense of I-ness and this sense of I-ness is dissolved through spiritual
practices. It is part of the Cosmic dance that this Cosmic drama unfolds
itself for each individual.
The so-called rewards of religions will also always be relative. Everything
relative is subject to birth, sustainability and decay or generation,
operation and destruction (GOD - the Cosmic drama). The notion of a self or
soul in heaven or hell is also a falsity and is relative because where there
is separation of self from Infinite Consciousness there is the inevitable
process of generation, operation and decay. This is simply the application
of the theory of relativity. So, only by proceeding towards the Absolute is
there spiritual liberation or permanent spiritual salvation.
The Science of Spirituality
Spirituality is a science. The science of spirituality, or the science of
spiritual practices, is called Tantra. Tantra has existed for thousands of
years. It sets out in very clear terms the various stages that spiritual
aspirants need to pass through as they progress along the spiritual path.
The practice of Tantra enables spiritual aspirants to move along the
spiritual path in a smooth, natural way.
In some parts of the world, there is confusion about the true meaning of
Tantra. People who have no understanding of spirituality and no genuine
desire to progress spiritually popularize incorrect ideas about Tantra. They
teach that Tantra is concerned with acquiring power (eg occultism) or
enjoying life in various types of ways (eg sexual practices). Such people do
not understand that Tantra is the science of merging our I-feeling into
Infinite Consciousness by performing spiritual practices.
Devotion
The practice of Tantra, and thus spiritual meditation, is designed to
develop devotion. This is the purpose of spiritual practices. Once the
feeling of devotion is developed, it becomes possible for the spiritual
aspirant to merge their I-feeling into Infinite Consciousness.
Love and devotion are not the same thing. Love is a propensity situated near
the mid-point of the chest. When the feeling of love is awaken and
channelled towards Infinite Consciousness, devotion develops. Spiritual
aspirants endeavour to awaken the feeling of devotion so that they can
concentrate their mind at the point of the pineal gland, psychically advance
in their spiritual outlook, and merge into Infinite Consciousness. This is
the inner secret of spirituality.
Human life is very short, hence we should try to make as much spiritual
progress as we can by cultivating the feeling of devotion.
The Preceptor
Some people believe that they can make spiritual progress by relying
exclusively on their own efforts. That is, they believe that they do not
need the help or guidance of a spiritual preceptor. But this is a mistaken
belief. Just as the effort to be successful in any aspect of worldly life
requires the assistance of suitable teachers or mentors, the effort to
progress spiritually depends upon the guidance of a genuine spiritual
preceptor.
The guidance of a spiritual preceptor is so important on the spiritual path
that it is impossible for a spiritual aspirant to make any spiritual
progress without the Preceptor's help. The personal guidance of the
Preceptor is what enables the spiritual aspirant to make spiritual progress.
Such personal guidance is known as the grace of the Preceptor. In yoga, it
is the grace of the Guru. Only God alone is the Guru and teachings are
expressed through physical mediums who are Preceptors (but as the
consciousness of the Preceptor is the same as Infinite Consciousness the
Preceptor can also be called the guru).
When a person becomes ready to learn spiritual meditation, they find a
spiritual preceptor according to the strength of their spiritual longing. If
their spiritual longing is extremely strong, they will find a highly
accomplished Preceptor, one who is well-versed in all aspects of Tantra and
all branches of knowledge. Such a spiritual preceptor will be able to guide
them successfully through all the stages on the spiritual path so that they
can reach their ultimate goal. The guidance is in all realms of existence:
physical, mental and spiritual. The Preceptor is merely the expression of
the Infinite Consciousness through the form an enlightened being and is one
with the Infinite Consciousness.
Ultimately spirituality means oneness or union with Infinite Consciousness.
The essence of spirituality is to become one with Infinite Consciousness.
.
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| User: "Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
02 Oct 2004 01:59:31 AM |
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"ROUNDTABLE" <ROUND@Table.net> wrote in message
news:415e330a@news.comindico.com.au...
WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY?
<snip>
The spiritual realm is the realm beyond the mind; it is the realm of the
soul and Infinite Consciousness. The soul may be defined as the clear
reflection of Infinite Consciousness and it reflects on the mind.
You wanna supply a bit of evidence for that, sparky?
.
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| User: "ROUNDTABLE" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
04 Oct 2004 06:54:31 AM |
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All you need do is spiritual practices and your intuition will reveal and
give the evidence you require.
Clayton Ce Merde Fantastique wrote:
: "ROUNDTABLE" <ROUND@Table.net> wrote in message
: news:415e330a@news.comindico.com.au...
:: WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY?
:
: <snip>
:
::
:: The spiritual realm is the realm beyond the mind; it is the realm of
:: the soul and Infinite Consciousness. The soul may be defined as the
:: clear reflection of Infinite Consciousness and it reflects on the
:: mind.
:
: You wanna supply a bit of evidence for that, sparky?
.
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| User: "Jez" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants MandatoryInternet Filtering |
02 Oct 2004 09:53:28 AM |
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ROUNDTABLE wrote:
WHAT IS SPIRITUALITY?
An Introduction
Snippage.......
The Preceptor
Some people believe that they can make spiritual progress by relying
exclusively on their own efforts. That is, they believe that they do not
need the help or guidance of a spiritual preceptor. But this is a mistaken
belief. Just as the effort to be successful in any aspect of worldly life
requires the assistance of suitable teachers or mentors, the effort to
progress spiritually depends upon the guidance of a genuine spiritual
preceptor.
The guidance of a spiritual preceptor is so important on the spiritual path
that it is impossible for a spiritual aspirant to make any spiritual
progress without the Preceptor's help.
*****.....
The personal guidance of the
Preceptor is what enables the spiritual aspirant to make spiritual progress.
Such personal guidance is known as the grace of the Preceptor. In yoga, it
is the grace of the Guru. Only God alone is the Guru and teachings are
expressed through physical mediums who are Preceptors (but as the
consciousness of the Preceptor is the same as Infinite Consciousness the
Preceptor can also be called the guru).
Hehe, gurus eh ? Why learn from some deluded ***** his delusions ?
Doesn't make sense........but then nothing about religion does!
--
Jez
'Realism is seductive because once you have accepted the reasonable
notion that you should base your actions on reality, you are too often
led to accept, without much questioning, someone else's version of what
that reality is. It is a crucial act of independent thinking to be
skeptical of someone else's description of reality.'-
Howard Zinn
Skype callto://hellward
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| User: "ROUNDTABLE" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
04 Oct 2004 06:55:31 AM |
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That's because you confuse religions with spiruality.
Jez wrote:
::
: Doesn't make sense........but then nothing about religion does!
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| User: "Jez" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants MandatoryInternet Filtering |
04 Oct 2004 12:25:15 PM |
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ROUNDTABLE wrote:
That's because you confuse religions with spiruality.
'spirituality' is just another bit of *****.
There is no 'God' creature...get over it.
Jez wrote:
::
: Doesn't make sense........but then nothing about religion does!
--
Jez
'Realism is seductive because once you have accepted the reasonable
notion that you should base your actions on reality, you are too often
led to accept, without much questioning, someone else's version of what
that reality is. It is a crucial act of independent thinking to be
skeptical of someone else's description of reality.'-
Howard Zinn
Skype callto://hellward
.
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| User: "Lord Calvert" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
28 Sep 2004 09:26:35 PM |
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"CONSERVATIVE political newcomer Family First wants an annual levy of $7 to
$10
on all internet users to fund a $45 million mandatory national internet
filtering scheme aimed at blocking pornographic and offensive content at
server
level."
So, so-called "conservatives" are demanding government censorship and extorting
the public to pay for it.
When did communists start calling themselves conservatives?
Rich Goranson, Amherst, NY, USA (aa#MCMXCIX, a-vet#1)
EAC Department of Applied Rattan Use
"Without faith we might relapse into scientific or rational thinking, which
leads by a slippery slope toward constitutional democracy." - Robert Anton
Wilson
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| User: "kathryn" |
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| Title: Re: New Religious Based Australian Political Party Wants Mandatory Internet Filtering |
29 Sep 2004 12:43:52 PM |
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"Lord Calvert" <forlornh@aol.complicated> wrote in message
news:20040928222635.05810.00003553@mb-m27.aol.com...
"CONSERVATIVE political newcomer Family First wants an annual levy of $7
to
$10
on all internet users to fund a $45 million mandatory national internet
filtering scheme aimed at blocking pornographic and offensive content at
server
level."
So, so-called "conservatives" are demanding government censorship and
extorting
the public to pay for it.
When did communists start calling themselves conservatives?
Rich Goranson,
Um....you don't have any idea of what a communist is do you?
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