By: Luis Alberto Riveros, M.Ed, M.S, LMT

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INTRODUCTION There are so many books, tales etc. out there, why should I write this? For no reason. This writing is not about reasons, it is about expression. If you would, my “reason” is my “expression.” I wanted to share what I have learned in life while walking the spiritual path. Everything written here is original material. My own experiences and understandings. No quotes, No words of wisdom. Just “life” and its understanding from just another perspective. I am not a “guru” or “expert” in spiritual matters. Just a regular person with a wondering mind, deep feelings... and care for humanity. Unlike most writings, this one has a combination of depth and simplicity. Some topics are deeply explored, perhaps a bit too deep; while others are quite simplistic; they could even be understood by children. The protagonists of this writing are real. (Mathias, Raysha and Ananda) They exist. Perhaps in my own head or maybe not, that is for the reader to judge and for me to keep the secret. Credits: I want to give multimillion “thank you's” to Nitima Sood, (India) (http://www.writingroutes.com/) for her writing and editing abilities, without her unconditional help this work wouldn't have existed. The article “The truth is for those who can perceive it” was made possible thanks to receiving corrections, feedback and suggestions of : Brigida Fries, Carolyn Good, Ajay Kumar, Juan Munguia, Sudarshan Sundar and Nitima Sood. I also appreciate the spiritual gift of my sister and friend, Patricia (Peru) to understand Nature, without that “gift,” I wouldn't be able to experience new things which have had a deep impact in my life. I would like to say “thank you” to my friends, Gayathri, (India) Jill, (USA) Paru, (USA) Lakshman, (USA) and Maria Antonieta (USA) for their trust and help, to my friend Mathias, for being there and ...to my friend “The Almighty Authority” for being patient with me... Friends are very important in my life. I cannot pick my relatives.. but I can choose my 2

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friends. Sharing is what makes a relationship worthwhile, in my view. Here is my half of that sharing. Dare not to be “normal.” Warm regards,

Luis

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Table of Contents

1. Lessons from Nature (5) 2. Science and Spirituality (9) 3. Sensibility (13) 4. The truth is only truth for those who can perceive it (15) 5. Questions and consequences of the cycle of time (21) 6. A free spirit: Beyond the stigma of a dreamer (25) 7. The right action (28) 8. What is worthwhile in life? (31) 9. The responsibility of Knowing (34) 10.Science cannot prove a spiritual truth (37) 11.Dare not to be "Normal" (43) 12.Construction through destruction (44) 13.Who is first the chicken or the egg? (47) 14.What is love? (50) 15.Considering the existence of God (52) 16.Something to think or rather to "feel"about it (54)

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1. LESSONS FROM NATURE

Nature is capable of teaching us valuable lessons only if we are willing to observe without judgment, without using our own traditions, thoughts, ideas, etc. as point of reference to understand Nature. A tree in a park can teach us so many things about life, only if we are willing to observe with a silent mind. It accepts the 4 seasons with equanimity. If trees could speak, the could tell us so many things… “Mathias” is the name of one such “wise” talking tree. One of the lessons that I learned from Mathias was to lose the fear of change. I was able to understand the value of change as well as my unreasonable attachment to the way 5

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things are “status quo.” Change implies that things will end, but at the same time; it shows that the opportunity for a new beginning is there. Everything changes in nature. After winter, spring comes. It is just a matter of time. The foliage of Mathias comes down in winter. From a human perspective it is a painful sight. A naked tree with all the leaves on the ground, however; Mathias uses those leaves to nurture itself and so it grows stronger. I hear Mathias saying “take care of the roots my friend, take care of the roots...” Often in life we experience harsh times. Our own personal growth depends on being able to see beyond the “winter time” of our existence. Spring will come. For sure, I will look stronger and more beautiful at that time. Without winter time I can't become strong, I wouldn’t be able to see my potential, and know what I am made of and my own worth, my character. Likewise, once our ego defenses, beliefs and securities in life are completely challenged, I need to “die alive” from the old me so the new me can appear. Those roots are my own spiritual nature. Without the strength and wisdom that spirituality brings, I will not be able to survive and to bypass the challenges that life brings. Sometimes we could see that one particular tree has green grass around it, while the neighbor tree is surrounded by mud, dirt and dust. Nature teaches us that there are different timings for everything to attain happiness in life. Same way, time to change is different for everyone. Today it may be all “green,” things are “good” for a particular tree, tomorrow it will be “dirt” and “problems” for the same tree. Yes, things change. Time and situations are impermanent. I think it is important to learn to use our winter times to nourish ourselves, so we can become stronger and to grow “higher” like a tree. Transforming the energy of pain is the way to grow as a human being. This is possible by “nurturing the roots,” our spiritual life. Life is change. Life is movement. For someone who lacks observation, a tree is static. The Earth moves and because of that we have day and night as well as the 4 seasons, and because the Earth moves, all things that inhabit in it also move. If you see from the 6

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eye of the intellect, 'a tree is not moving but yet it is moving.' The truth is a paradox. Likewise humans move, change. It is an eternal process. Our destiny is what we make out of that change, that movement. Here is a relevant example that comes to mind: Have you ever been in a hurricane? Things fly everywhere. Usually the strongest trees are taken out of the ground by strong winds, the forces of nature. However, the flexible trees are able to survive a hurricane because they bend themselves with the airflow. Likewise, those of us who don’t use flexibility in their approach towards work, home, relationships and life in general are more likely to give up in their efforts to achieve something. Discipline is a good quality but paradoxically flexibility is needed within discipline to be able to move and accommodate according to the circumstances. Discipline without flexibility is tyranny. Flexibility without discipline is laziness. It is not enough for a tree to be strong. It has to be flexible to survive. Many times, humans tend to separate other human beings based on religions, color, gender, and national origin. Just like a tree originates from a seed, we can see a similarity in how all human beings are related. All of them come from the same roots and those roots come from the same seed and that seed is God. Once we understand the significance of being connected to the source, we can help and benefit other leaves and branches in more than one way. The whole world is interconnected. It is a giant network of differences which, at the same time, are similarities. The beauty of that tree resides in the harmonious variety of forms and shapes. There is nothing straight in a tree. Straightness as “black or white” is just an illusion of our mind. Have you ever embraced a tree? Have you felt the regenerating energy that comes from “Mother Earth,” always ready to nourish you? In that exchange there is healing. As we live, we may encounter different challenges to overcome. Our emotions may need to be healed. A tree could be a wonderful therapist. The teaching is very subtle. What is it? It could be: To be available to anyone, to learn to listen, to be non judgmental, to embrace every human being who is looking for a helping hand. A tree does not have arms but it carries that regenerating energy from the core of the Earth. Humans carry the strength and depth of feelings to touch every human being in need. We need to learn to trust for healing to happen. Finally, a life without a purpose is a purposeless life. Mathias the tree has many purposes -depending on its relationships with nature. To the Earth, Mathias is a source 7

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of purification of the soil. To microscopic and small animals, the tree is a source of nutrients. To a dog, Mathias maybe a “pit stop” for biological needs…. Those “waste products” are transformed by the tree into nutrients. For human beings, a tree is a source of shade, freshness despite a sunny and hot day in the summer, but perhaps most important for our civilization; trees are the “lungs” of the planet. A tree has many purposes but at the same time, only one purpose which is to give. Likewise, human beings need to align with their life purpose to benefit themselves and others. Life is not lived in isolation from others, rather it is a continuous relationship. Mathias is related with different beings, just like humans are related with billions of humans. Giving is the common purpose. We all depend on each other to survive. Once we learn to open our own branches, transforming what comes in our way according to time, we will be able to give. To give shade to anyone who needs it. Then, perhaps, we will become a tree like Mathias. Thank you Mathias.

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2. SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY

Raysha was playing with her brother Ananda by the shade of a tree, they were engrossed in a chess match. Both were good thinkers and made their chess moves carefully. Mathias, the wise tree; interrupted the fiercely match: “Life is like a chess match where there are no winners or losers. We think we make our moves freely, but in reality our moves always depend on the opponent. When someone wins the game, the fun is over and life cannot be over. Have you learned these “truths” at school? Raysha replied just to be nice: “In school they value math, physics, chemistry, etc. all these subjects have enormous value. They want us to think and use our thinking to solve life problems.” Then Ananda added: “yeah, Science has all the answers, or at least scientists try to figure them out.” 9

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Mathias added “The problem of humans is that they consider everything to be a problem to be solved. Too much thinking, too little feelings. Perhaps science will realize that one day...” Many times we think that science has all the answers. We heavily rely on science and scientists. Undoubtedly, science has discovered many feats which help our living standards. Thanks to science we have more comfort; physical distances are less of a problem, we have a greater understanding on how physical things work around us. This is the realm of science… to study how to use matter and how to assure us comfort. However, science is very limited and dry. It is not in the realm of science to respond to the primal questions of: who am I? What is the purpose of life? What happen after death? What is reality? What is beauty? What is happiness, bliss, peace? Is there free will? Etc. Those questions are very meaningful. When we answer those questions, we bring meaning to our lives. Again, Science means comfort. The answer of the above mentioned questions, bring fulfillment... meaning that is Spirituality. When we use our intellect to reason about meaningful questions, we can come up with theories, beliefs, ideas, etc. However, what makes those things “real” is experience. Without experience there is no meaning. Intellectual theories are like describing a plate with spaghetti…experience is like tasting it. The description will not fulfill me when hungry. Only tasting it, eating it will accomplish that. Nowadays, we have become too caught up with science and scientists. We believe everything they say because they have produced hard evidence through their inventions, thus we have equated comfort with happiness. Our lives are just limited the pursuing comfort and pleasure. Science knows how to accomplish that. Scientists have become the priests of this century. However, Science cannot bring meaning. Pleasurable emptiness is what most feel. Paradoxically, we cannot recognize that what actually matters is what “I feel” and no “what I think.” I can convince myself otherwise, put all my reasoning, my logic into convincing my heart of something which I wholeheartedly feel is different…I can use my intelligence, my thinking.. but it will not feel right. Science cannot understand 10

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feelings. The problem is that science has equipped us with so many inventions, our desires have been enhanced and fulfilled by its might, however; the big problem is MAN. Human beings have not changed psychologically even a bit. Ego, lust, greed, are all the parts of modern man. Those “features” will drive humans into ways of self destruction. It is no coincidence that every major civilization when reached its peak, had to succumb after indulging in every kind of pleasure and comfort available at its time. Modern man is no different than before, however; science now can multiply those pleasures and comforts and fulfill man’s lust for power. No wonder “reason,” “logic,” “thought” and its application through mathematics, physics, etc is praised in our society. Feelings are no longer important, but “profit” is… “Everyone is out there for themselves and for profit.” Man has specialized and thus, has lost its zest for life. Entertainment has become his distraction, which he thinks he needs to pay for it to be worthwhile. Entertainment has to be cleverly crafted. It cannot be simple like watching a little ant by a beautiful tree, engaging with someone in a meaningful conversation or just sitting outside and wondering… smelling the roses. Human activity has become dull and unbearable. There are those who despise their jobs but have no other choice, and those who “love their jobs” but have no life… no balance. Modern man believes in science. Modern, common man does not realize that scientists change theories as the wind changes directions. “Sam the hubcap man” does not realize the immense pressure that scientists have to comply with requirements to maintain the current way of thinking, otherwise; they may lose their grants, they may lose their prestige, they may lose their opportunity to survive. History is full with these kinds of examples, no wonder that many scientists have become well known only after their death. Spirituality gives meaning. The “feeling” brings fulfillment when it is aligned with a man with principles, a man who is capable of making his words into his own actions, a man who respects every living being and who feels love for all creatures… that kind of man is not the one which science can understand, because there is no way to prove their existence. Science only knows about the angry man, the lustful man, the power hungry man, the so called “normal man” that man which has ape like characteristics, that man who is an animal with a human face… that man. When “Sam the hubcap man” finally realizes that he can feel, that those feelings are very important, that life is more than watching TV, or going out shopping… at that point 11

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humans will understand spirituality… otherwise, for an ape, spirituality is just another nice and weird term which wastes time and …money…. However, as this thinking ape is thirsty and keeps filling himself with tangible and salty “pop corn,” it is just a matter of time before he quenches his own thirst or … dies from thirst. That is our own personal choice.

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3. SENSIBILITY

It was a very windy day at “Mathias' park,” that park was known by the locals as “ The witch's park” because some people have observed weird things happening there. At any rate, Ananda was absorbed looking at a bee trying to pollinate a flower, because the wind was strong, the bee was thrown away, but despite the setback; the bee wouldn't give up. Ananda started laughing and said: “ what a stubborn little bee! Can't she wait to do that? That is so silly!” Mathias, listened to that and said to Ananda: “ Friend, you are judging by just using your eyes. Use your heart. That is called sensibility. Put yourself in the bee's place, feel it; then you will know.” Human beings become sensible when there is empathy. Without this empathy, our lives become a “me, me game.” When we fail to see the connection that we have with every human being, with every living creature, then we lack sensibility. As I put myself in 13

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someone else’s shoes, I learn to feel. My head may think many things to support what I believe is right, to excuse myself for actions I have performed; however, my consciousness, that “little devil” will be there reminding me that I did not act correctly. In our society part of “our learning” deals with shutting down our consciousness, that nagging feeling…we need to turn on the TV, we need some distraction, we need to “live life…” after a couple of times, this practice of desensitizing myself, becomes a habit and I lose sensibility. Then, I can eat dinner and watch TV at the same time while experiencing the “normal” scene of a murder being broadcast by our very informative news channel, then I can kick my pet in the rear, just because “he” did something wrong, then I can physically punish my child, because “he needs to learn to respect me.” Then, I can do several things which cause suffering to others, thinking that I am right… that I am good. As I become more and more dull, shouting, screaming, using force, intimidating, becomes my normal behavior which in fact is considered to be good. “Be aggressive,” “Be ambitious,” “Don’t settle for second place.” In this realm of madness, aggressiveness is the name of the game. If you happen to be a male, then you are a “man.” If you happen to be a female, then you are a “pain in the neck.” As our intelligence becomes duller due to lack of sensitivity, we cannot perceive subtle energies, our feelings are hidden, only the front, the “aggressiveness” needs to be shown. My language then becomes vulgar, my attitude becomes intolerant, and the things I pursue are pleasure, name and fame as a way to reward my own pettiness. Sensibility brings understanding. It brings subtlety. It brings awareness. It makes me feel again. When I feel, I am alive… I can think about my behavior or how I should act or what is expected about me, with all these thoughts I am closing the opportunity for experiencing newness, spontaneity in my life. It is like the traveler who wants to have everything planned out before going for a trip: every single hour is full with places and timings… if something unforeseen happens, it usually upsets the plan…There is no preparation to deal with it. On the other hand, I can go relax and enjoy whatever life brings me, any experience is welcome.. that is the attitude of the unencumbered traveler, the one who moves lightly in life, the one who travels light. Once sensibility is added the ingredients are ready for a smile… a smiling attitude in life, the type of smile that doesn’t laugh hard, but the one that stays with you even

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without smiling, it is that peacefulness, that softness, that grace that is hard to describe but recognizable when experienced. Sensibility is an experience. It is that experience which will allow us to feel empathy… Only then I can attempt to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

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4. THE TRUTH IS ONLY TRUTH FOR THOSE WHO CAN PERCEIVE IT

Raysha and Ananda were looking at the beautiful sunset near the beach. Ananda was enjoying it, but all of the sudden his face changed to a serious look and asked: “Raysha, my senses tell me that the sun is moving towards the horizon to meet the peaceful ocean. That is my experience. Is my experience true or false?” Raysha thought about it for 3 seconds and responded: “Even though your limited senses are giving you an experience, that experience is right for you. Whether the Sun moves or the Earth moves, what matters to you, the being; is the experience of peace and beauty. That is the truth for you.” Raysha continued meditating on her answer and then added:”However, intellectual people will tell you that is the Earth moving around its axis in rotation the cause of the sunset. They are happy with words and explanations, but in reality, there is no “sunset” even though you see it. Only few bend their mind towards such thinking.” Ananda, was perplexed by that reply and added:”then what is the truth? It has to be something without change and completely reliable. Perhaps a mathematical equation, like 1+1=2… you know, numbers don’t lie…” Raysha responded: “in real life, 1+1 could be 3 as well… it happens when the male form meets the female form. Only few people can see that. The truth is living, unchanged, pervasive, good to all, it brings happiness to all…Many are happy with 16

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labels or equations, but only few have the experience and can see that the truth, the only truth, is God. When you know Him, you know the truth. That experience goes beyond proofs and explanations.” In this paper I will attempt to expose a logical and reasonable philosophy of the following question: How everything started? From the answer of that question, many other popular philosophical questions could be easily answered as a consequence of direct application of my answer. Those questions could be: “is there free will? What is the purpose of life? Where are we going? Are we bodies or something else? Is time linear? Are our historical “facts” accurate? Etc. The starting point of this philosophical system is rooted in the well known laws of thermodynamics. Why? Because many times we are so used to quote “theories” and to obscure a straight forward answer with scientific mythology. A physical Law on the other hand, has passed different tests and stays as a paramount of reality beyond opinions. Thermodynamics are important because the whole universe is about movement and conversion of energies and the interrelation of matter and energy. When I apply the laws of thermodynamics in my philosophical system, I am using a real and concrete starting point to understand matter and energy, in other words; the Universe. 1st law of thermodynamics: “Matter cannot be created nor destroyed. It can only be transformed.” It is not possible to “create” matter as in “something” from nothing.. I cannot add things to what already exists. Whatever exists will transform in due time. Once I understand this law, I can see that the “Theory of Creationism,” is illogical. A God creating stuff out of nothing is unreasonable. If nothing can be created nor destroyed; how everything came to exist? It was already there. It has been always there, but matter changes its form in time. This is logical.. Do you want further proof? Sure. Let us explore the concept of time. Time is an unavoidable property of matter. Whenever there is matter, there is time. Matter changes from form “x” to form “y” that transformation is lengthy, that is what we call “time.” Whenever we think that time is linear, we make a “big” mistake. To start, there is nothing linear in the universe. The shortest path between 2 points is not a line as we were taught but a geodesic, a curve. We live in a sphere. There are no straight lines in a sphere. Therefore, if matter changes with time, time cannot be linear but cyclical. Why? Because matter cannot be created, that means that there is neither “beginning” nor “end.” If there is neither beginning nor end that means that matter is eternal, obviously because matter exists. This is called a logical reasoning from previous premises. Eternity cannot be linear because by necessity; linear time conveys a beginning. The belief of linear time is the single most detrimental “theory” that is affecting our understanding of “how everything started.” 17

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Linear time fails logic and reason consistently. There are 3 aspects of time: past, present and future. If the “beginning” was the present, then what was the past of that present? It is non-existent. Also the principle of “cause and effect” fails in linear time. The “Big bang” theory believes in a great explosion which created everything. OK; but, what was the cause of those agents that collided in an explosion? In other words, those atoms of hydrogen and helium needed to come from somewhere before they existed. Linear time means that there is a need of a beginning which could never be explained if we use the principle of cause and effect or the 3 aspects of time. See that? Therefore, in this brief explanation I have logically and reasonably demonstrated that Creationism and the “big bang” theory are illogical answers of the beginning of the Universe. Perhaps a scientist can come up with lots of proofs to defend their theories, or a holy priest can defend their dogma, but logic and reason tells me otherwise. Perhaps science and dogma are not reasonable after all. There is no need to be a rocket scientist to see this. If linear time fails the test of logic, what is the “reasonable” answer? Time is a cycle. A circle. The rest of this writing will go into this. 2nd law of thermodynamics: Entropy and the problem of the “arrow of time.” This unresolved problem in physics states that time seems to have an arrow or direction, in other words; it seems to go from present to future, in one temporal sequence. Scientists attempted to explain the direction of the arrow of time by using the second law of thermodynamics also known as the concept of entropy. Entropy loosely could be explained as the passage between 2 stages: from many to few, from “order” to “disorder” from new to old, etc. High entropy means “many ways or lots of something” and low entropy means “few or less than something.” It is dualism manifested in the states of “ascending” or “descending.” Entropy could be seen as “quality” of something diminishing as time progresses. Accordingly, physical systems tend to evolve towards states of higher entropy. However, Newton’s laws (classical physics) have no built in mechanism for temporal orientation, in other words; systems not only can evolve from high to low entropy but they can do it from low to high (going to the past). Thus, the same amount of entropy which exists in the future should exist in the past since the laws of physics are time reversal symmetric. This contradiction cannot be explained in a linear vision of time without having a “double headed” arrow of time (one pointing towards the past and the other towards the future.) This “double headed “approach is not consistent with our own experience. There is just “one arrow.” Time goes in one direction. The universe is alike a “self existing machine endowed with perpetual motion.”According to Lord Kelvin: “Although mechanical energy is indestructible, there is a universal tendency to its dissipation, which produces throughout the system a 18

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gradual augmentation and diffusion of heat, cessation of motion and exhaustion of the potential energy of the material Universe" (Lectures, vol. II, p. 356). Lord Kelvin is referring here to entropy. Apparently a “self existing machine endowed with perpetual motion,” such as the Universe, cannot persist in “linear time” but in “cyclical time” as entropy takes over; thus, entropy becomes the reason why a self existing machine with motion will continue forever. Low entropy gives rise to high entropy and high entropy to low. It is the “yin and yang” principle which can only be fully observed in motion in a cyclical view of time. “The Fabric of the Cosmos, Space, Time and the Texture of Reality.” by Brian Greene, PhD. in Physics, Columbia University; 2004, ISBN: 0-375-72720- 5.mentions in page 164 “You should never be surprised or feel the need to explain why any physical system is in a high-entropy state. Such states are the norm. On the contrary, what does need explaining is why any given physical system is in a state of order, a state of low entropy.” This statement by Greene is utterly convenient for his explanations. I think there is a need to explain why physical systems are in low entropy as well as high entropy. The belief of “linear time” has no chance of explaining low entropy. However, as expressed before, the cycle of time and the understanding of eternity, fully explain the need of low and high entropy as the means to construct this “self existing machine endowed with perpetual motion..” Everything in the Universe is cyclical, why not time? Time is not separated from the material Universe after all. This concept of cyclical time is not new. It has existed for many centuries before “linear time” appeared in the Western world. Cyclical time is easily observable in nature. Cyclical time is the view of time for Hindus, Buddhists, Jainism and perhaps other religions in the Indian sub continent. The same holds true in the Americas. The Mayan calendar as well as other Mesoamerican societies used a cyclical calendar which allowed them to foretell the future by means of astrology and divination rituals. The Aztecs made use of a calendar carved in a huge circular stone, the Sun stone, which nowadays is one of the main attractions of the Anthropological Museum in Mexico City. The knowledge of repetition of time, which is a natural consequence of the cyclical view of time; permits divination. Of course more specifically Christianity forbade divination in western societies, even though it shows that practice in an ambivalent manner throughout the Bible. (Exodus 28 is an example.) The Koran also forbids divination. The ancient Greeks practiced divination by means of the oracles. Greeks believed in 19

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time being cyclical. One of the greatest lines (in my view) by Plato was “We don’t learn but we remember.” This statement makes no sense in linear time. It only makes perfect sense in cyclical time. In Scandinavian mythology the Ragnarok (Norse Mythology) relates a foretold great battle which results in the death of many gods, natural disasters and the subsequent submersion of the world in water. The idea of “seeing beyond the present and into the future” is held by many cultures throughout history. My claim is that when we view time as cyclical, it is possible to foresee the future. In a cyclical view of time, time repeats identically. Nietzsche (German philosopher) called it “Eternal recurrence.”

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5. QUESTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE CYCLE OF TIME

How do we explain “eternal recurrence” through the first and second law of thermodynamics? It is quite easy. Matter cannot be destroyed. It transforms. Therefore, “I” will exist forever in my current form. It is just a matter of time until my form appears again. Even though we observe that a person “dies” matter and energy transforms into something else and after “x” number of transformations it must go back to its current form. (Poincare expressed this concept) Because there is a second law of thermodynamics, my body in this birth will degenerate, it will “get old” as time goes by. In Matter there are 3 processes that we can observe, there is “creation” in which the old transforms into something new. This is not “creation out of nothing,” which as we know is illogical. Once creation takes place, there is “maintenance” while entropy takes its toll and finally, there is “destruction.” I was born. That is creation. I wasn’t born out of nothing, but the union of my parent’s sperm and ovum formed my body. Then as I began to grow up, entropy made my body 21

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old until my body meets death. Those 3 processes apply to everything existing. However, after “destruction” there is “creation” again. It is a never-ending process; a cycle. Someone who has the mental capacity to follow this so far, may be asking themselves: “When I die, I will be gone. This explanation is saying that there is creation again, so what happens with me, how is that possible? “ The body changes into a newborn again. Welcome to the concept of “reincarnation.” However, the body is not the same; it is definitely a new body from the old one I used to have. The question is: Where is me? Definitely, you are not the body because you have a new body. That “you” is what is known by many “circles” as the “soul.” The first and second law of thermodynamics applies to energy as well. The soul, “you” is energy. You will go into a new body. But I don’t remember anything of my previous body? Of course, most will not be able to remember, due to entropy. However, your tendencies, character and learned behaviors will be with you the soul, but in a different body and under different circumstances and in a “lesser quality” manner due to entropy. Matter is eternal but changes. Because time is a cycle, a soul can only take a predetermined amount of births in that cycle of time, before repetition kicks in. Our intellectual ability, consciousness, thoughts and behavioral patterns are all contained in the soul. Thoughts are non-material. It is illogical to think that thoughts are material or caused by the body or the physical brain. So far, I am logically proving (showing/presenting/highlighting) that time is cyclical. Scientifically there are problems when using “linear time.” The most prevalent problems are the understanding of how systems start in low entropy and the problem of the arrow of time, and last but not least, the popular philosophical question, “who is first, the chicken or the egg?” cannot be answered in a logical, reasonable way by any western scientist defending time as being linear. I have written an article about that topic here: http://www.helium.com/items/487172-philosophy-which-came-first-the-chicken-or-theegg . This article has been consistently the number 1 article out of 67 articles for many weeks already. It is interesting to note that current western traditions are unwilling to accept something which is quite obvious. Scientists are paid to defend whatever the source of income for their research dictates. Their science many times is not for the sake of finding the truth but rather to defend a particular system. To accept cyclical time means to demolish traditional beliefs, even to challenge religious dogmas which are currently sustaining societies. That is a lot to ask a scientist to go against. Many individuals will not bother about the significance of finding the logical answer of 22

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the “chicken and egg” problem; their minds are lost in earning an income and spending that in material goods. That is the “normal” individual, the majority, the mass, etc. Most are unaware of the logical consequences of accepting cyclical time. What are the logical consequences of accepting cyclical time? 1) There is predestination. Paradoxically, “free will” only exists while we are not aware of predestination. We have not chosen our parents, body, situation, etc. Our thoughts come and go, we ‘think’ that we make a choice out of our own volition when in reality it is depending on the circumstances which we have not chosen. 2) Everything that exists is eternal. There is recurrence. Things repeat exactly the same at a fixed time. Astrology and astronomy have a reason to exist in predicting the future, because it has been the past at one point in time. 3) Fortune telling is a reality. It is like “fast forwarding” a movie which has already been playing for eternity. Likewise it is possible to go to the past. (Regressions.) The “arrow of time” is time reversal symmetric; it can go to the past as well as the future only in a cyclical view of time. 4) Human beings are eternal as well. We will come back again and again to represent the same acts, the same story for eternity. However, that which survives when the corporeal body transforms (i.e. death,) is what is commonly known as the soul. 5) There is no such a thing as dualism between soul/body. They are not opposites but complement each other. Existence in the physical world is possible because of the body; there is time at every step. However, for a soul time does not exist. Therefore, time is paradoxical. It is one of those “truths” which depend on our state of consciousness to be able to “see it.” 6) Since things are predestined. We don’t learn anything. The soul has a particular story to express and experience. We remember at every step. Physical life is about expressing and experiencing. That is the “purpose of life” when time is cyclical. 7) Entropy makes possible what we know as “opposites.” New and old are opposites, but at the same time they are complementary, because one cannot exist without the other. This is “Yin/yang.” Creation and destruction are complementary and opposites, entropy manifests in between. There is creation because destruction has happened. This dualism allows a human being to experience the two opposite spectrum of experience, “good and evil,” which in reality do not exist as separate, but are necessary for the “self propellant machine of the universe” to move towards higher entropy. This story of necessary occurrences is enacted by all human and living beings. Every action has a consequence. It is a world of cause and effect. There is no randomness, casualty, probability, chance, luck, etc. Everything is “cause and effect.” 8) As explained, a complete picture of the “truth of life” cannot be painted just by going into the material world. Souls exist by necessity in this predestined model. There is no need to hope for the “after life,” when logically and reasonably I know that I will 23

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be that who I am right now. It is just a matter of time. The understanding of souls which is known as spirituality is well beyond the understanding of science, logic and reason. There is no human being who can teach that. There is a different quality that a person must possess to understand and experience spirituality. This topic is beyond the scope of this writing, however. 9) The cycle of time expresses that there cannot be destruction of the world; however entropy dictates that as time goes by destruction must happen for “new” low entropy things to appear again. 10) A practical and useful example of entropy applied into our world is our population. Low entropy means lower population because resources are plentiful. As population increases, so entropy increases. Once a point of “saturation” is reached, a lower number of population will exist again and the cycle will repeat. Reality depends on consciousness. That consciousness is predestined according to the capacity of every soul. The term “equality” is non-existent, because no soul can ever experience exactly the same thing, because their consciousness is different. Reality cannot be explained by any human being. A fish cannot explain about the whole ocean unless the fish is out by the shore, experiencing the ocean, seeing it from a detached point of view. Here is where the concept of God is necessary to comprehend, as the source of “bona fide” knowledge for spiritual matters (soul,) but that is out of the scope of this writing. Nothing expressed here is ”new.” These ideas have existed for many centuries in one way or another. I have not created this philosophy of cyclical time, but I have put the ideas together. If anyone would like to read this concept with further logical and scientific depth, you can find additional information here: http://www.abia29.hemscott.net/riveros_time.htm If you are looking for something a lot simpler than this, there is an organization which is currently teaching these ideas, it is called “Brahma Kumaris.” (http://www.bkwsu.org) As a matter of fact, it is here where I obtained the basic ideas exposed in this brief essay. They consider themselves to be a “spiritual university” even though it could be viewed by others as a religious group.. There is an Indian cultural background in this organization. They offer this philosophy with a simpler language mixed with some Indian devotional elements as it came about 75 years ago. There is a wealth of knowledge and depth that could be obtained here to understand the “Truth.”

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6. A FREE SPIRIT: BEYOND THE STIGMA OF A DREAMER

Raysha had many thoughts in her mind. She wanted to share those thoughts with Mathias. She wanted to know the truth about freedom. “Mathias” Raysha said, “ I feel completely blocked. It is as if I depend on everyone all the time. Even though relationships are needed, they create a web of dependencies which cut off my freedom to be me... Do you understand what I am trying to say? I want to be free, but I don't want to be alone; I want to be a free spirit again...” Mathias listened to Raysha and deeply understood her feelings. Raysha felt as if society and all its rules, regulations and dogmas were constricting her to the point of feeling trapped. With that understanding Mathias replied: “Freedom means the courage to be. A free spirit has the spiritual drive to become the highest, to pursue the path less traveled with the confidence that it is her call in life. In the path of becoming the “best” there is no such a thing as “the same old thing.” 25

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Change is pervasive, second by second leaving behind the old “me” and moving into the newer and improved “me” but knowing that it is not the last “version.” In this continuous change, old habits, old ways, old thoughts are left behind. I have to be willing to die from my old self. I have to willing to try, to take a chance, to taste something different, to trust…. to surrender. What I thought before is worthless. Life is a song without lyrics. We make up our own. Once the tune starts playing, I cannot hold on to the sound of the drums or the synthesizer , I must be willing to let it flow to enjoy the soothing sound, even knowing that the longer the melody plays the shorter it will last. The enjoyment of the song does not appear at the end but rather, while it plays. A free spirit is intimately aware of her own song. A free spirit dances in harmony with the tune being played at that time. Her movements (actions) are in synchronization with time. Just like dancing is an art, to live in tune with my own song and to embrace it, is the highest art of all. This is not bodily art, this is not about placing a mark on my skin to remember something or someone, or to decorate myself; this is about freedom, about unleashing my potential, my way of driving my own self… my purpose. As the dancer loves to dance, a free spirit loves to love. This is not the physical so called love which looks for satisfaction of the senses. This is love from the heart, selfless love, the one that brings smiles, the one that brings closeness without dependency. The one which gives a space to move, to dance… after all, everyone has a different song to play. Thus in this life while we are listening to our own tunes, we are still dancing… but a different dance, nevertheless. Once the heart is open to love and you have God inside it, the doors of your heart can be wide open ready to love… no one could take that place… if the heart is empty on the other hand, ... then anyone with a “key” could enter; the heart is at someone’s mercy. A free spirit goes through life without the nagging thought of “I should/shouldn't have done this.” When feelings are pure, there is no need for reassurance. Was this right? My intention is its own judge. Pure feelings… mean to be real, to be honest, to be …. who you are, without the mask, without the perceived protections, without the walls around us... just to be naked, without the clothes of preconceptions, like a little baby without feeling shame of it. Pure, confident, trustful. Innocence is beautiful, it is our protection. A free spirit knows that. Innocence is the aroma of a fragrant flower; it is that sound which gives my own song a happy tune. A free spirit is in tune with nature, her own body and the elements; just like the sunset irradiates a mysterious beauty which cannot be understood by the logical mind, a free spirit will not be understood by logical, thoughtful individuals; however, the soothing light which is brought about by a free spirit is unforgettable, it leaves a lasting impression, the impression of freedom. 26

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A free spirit has the courage to fly…to fly high, not as she is expected to fly but as the power of her own mighty wings are capable of. A free spirit is her own measure. A free spirit searches for the sun’s light even knowing that in her flight, different clouds in countless shapes will be there as obstacles to be surpassed… every cloud is a challenge, an opportunity to strengthen the wings which will need superb power to reach the sun. Looking down to the past is out of the question when only looking up at the sky is all that matters. Thus a free spirit knows that there are no two obstacles alike once you have fully passed one. This in itself gives the opportunity to learn to trust. A dog could bite me once, but no twice when I fully passed the cloud of that experience. A free spirit knows that her path is unique, because her song is unique. Thus, a free spirit is at peace with solitude. Sometimes the saxophone plays by itself in a jazzy tune, it is all part of the song. The instruments play together at one time and completely separate at others. A free spirit is at peace with both states, knowing that experiencing one state guarantees that very soon in the song, the other state will appear; it will be experienced… knowing that at the end of the song when the sound is fading away, all instruments will finally play at once...together. A free spirit has her own time and respects that. Never too early nor too late. Knowing that the gentle splash of the water in the ocean is capable of disintegrating even big rocks with insurmountable patience. A free spirit knows that her power is to know that there are no limits, nothing to conquer but her own mind and therefore, remembers to go through life with lightness and gentleness when relating with others. Finally, A free spirit is able to go away, not leaving a trace, not leaving a physical mark of her presence… as if she was never there. However, even though no one may talk about her or even remember her, a free spirit applies her own subtle “branding,” it is the branding of a grateful heart. This is the meaning of touching someone life’s. “ Then Mathias concluded: “Raysha, do you still want to be a free spirit?” Raysha responded: “ Maybe tomorrow...”

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7. THE “RIGHT” ACTION

(Or applying what we know in theory into practice.) Raysha had been playing the “game” of “business deals” with her younger brother Ananda. Raysha and Ananda teamed up as partners in this game and made secret deals with each other to “beat the competition” and win this game. Ananda promised to do “1,2 and 3” in exchange for Raysha’s “4,5 and 6” activities. What a deal! Things looked great. Once the moment to deliver those promises arrived to win the game; Ananda couldn’t deliver. He felt unable to do it at that point. Ananda said: “Raysha, I understand that I should deliver my promise now, but I cannot. I do not feel good right now. The rest of the players in this game are waiting for us to make a move but let me ask them to wait longer for us, only a few days until I feel better.” Raysha listened. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing, but understanding the importance of good timing, replied: “Ananda, if you do not feel good; I understand. Let me deliver 1,2 and 3. After all we worked together on this and I know that I can do it. You will receive the fruits of that exactly as we agreed, nevertheless.” Ananda listened and changed the tone of his voice to a more demanding one: “why can’t you wait? After all “I” was the one with the idea to do this together. I put so much more than you into this… I am sure, things will work out anyway. Wait for me!” 28

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Raysha replied:” We need to act like “professionals” in this game of life; Ananda. We cannot let the others down just because you don’t feel good. Let me take care of this for you. You will receive what we agreed. You will not lose anything…” This time Ananda became emotional and realizing that he didn’t have any other choice, he said:” I didn’t know you were that selfish Raysha. You just want all the praise for yourself. Go and do what you want. “ Raysha went ahead and delivered all the steps on time and won the “game.” Raysha was satisfied. Raysha shared the news with her brother. Ananda listened while Raysha was speaking then he took a long breath and then said: “This will be the last time we work together in a team. I am hurt by your lack of sensibility and by the way, I put so much more in our partnership. I feel that I deserve more than what we originally accorded. You got your way last time, so I hope this time, you will see that I am right and deserve what I ask.” Raysha didn’t respond this time. She just nodded her head like saying: “I understand” and left the scene. Ananda knew that they will see each other the following day so he will get an answer at that time. Ananda felt that he was savoring the pleasure of getting even in a way. Since he was denied to perform steps “1,2,3” which he knew so well how to do. Ananda thought that requesting more of the proceeds of the deal was right. That was “justice” under his eyes. Raysha took a walk along a nice path surrounded by trees, many singing birds and a blue spotless sky. She was feeling the warmth caress of the sun rays on her back. Then, she meditated on this “deal” episode:”We agreed about something beforehand. Now, Ananda wants to change the rules even though he did not perform as stipulated. Ananda does not realize that he needs to be reliable and professional in a business deal …” As Raysha was walking, she heard the voice of Mathias the “wise golden aged talking tree.” Mathias interrupted Raysha’s thoughts: “Raysha. I can feel that you are not very happy today. Do you want to share your thoughts?” “Sure Mathias.” “It is about this business deal with Ananda. What do you think, my right course of action should be? What is the “right” action?” Mathias replied right away: “what do you have in mind, Raysha?” Raysha replied: “well, I thought about taking everything as a business deal. Just the way it was meant to be. He gets half and I get half of the proceeds. There are no allowances because he changed the rules at the end. This is the right way to respond.” Mathias listened and said:”You are right; but by doing so, you will not have Ananda’s friendship anymore. Can you make a decision where you keep his friendship as well?” Raysha couldn’t wait to say something and interrupted Mathias:”That is no fair Mathias.. I did everything I was supposed to do. Ananda is unreliable for business…” Mathias waited for Raysha to express herself and added:” You have learned a valuable 29

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lesson then. Minimize your loses. Is Ananda’s friendship valuable to you or do the fruits of the deal have a better appeal? The decision you make will be a good one after all. But you know that your degree of wisdom and understanding is greater than Ananda’s. That is your advantage. Just remember that and make your decision accordingly… whatever decision you make is right but among the “right ones,” there is a better one.”

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8. WHAT IS WORTHWHILE IN LIFE?

Ananda said to Mathias: “ Mathias, when I become older, I want to get a good job and make lots of money in that way I can help all the people who come my way. All I need to do is to hang on to that job and I can build my future. It will be bright. I can see that I will have enough wealth to buy many things and to help people. To have a good job is so important in this life. I feel sorry for those who cannot enjoy the benefits of having a nice job...” Mathias then replied: “Friend, your desire to help people is commendable. I just hope that you have the time....” Many times small things, small episodes in our life become big things. The realization that nothing “lasts for ever” and that everything is changing should give us this sense of being a spectator of life. Life sometimes could be like water, the more I try to hold on to it, the more a try to grab a piece of it, water will run away from my grip and go on and leave me with an empty hand… trying to grab a piece of life is the surest way to end up with nothing. 31

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On the other hand, if rather than my silly grip on things, I open my hands, peacefully, without force, then I always will have water in my hands…that which is peaceful endures and is able to “conquer” that which is much stronger, much powerful. It requires lots of guts to have patience. To maintain the unmovable attitude that “water must flow” without trying to stop it, without trying to possess it. This awareness can help us in life tremendously, from the episode of a loved one departing our side for whatever reason to understanding someone else’s behavior and even our own, to accepting things as they are, rather than what they should be. What is worthwhile to do in this life? To get a job, to have 2.5 kids, to have a house, a car, to go to Europe, to have many relationships, to distract and entertain myself with every possible and thinkable way…Is that all? Is there any fulfillment in any of those activities? I mean, have you ever felt content? Have you ever felt happy? Have you ever felt peaceful? All of these feelings we are searching for. It is a matter of “being.” However, we think on terms of “having” in terms of “doing.” Happiness is a feeling. Nothing complex about it. We have that feeling. Why we don’t feel happy then? For once, because we have forgotten that we can feel… and we have forgotten that we can feel whether it is daylight or night time, whether the sun is out there or not, in other words; we can feel regardless of what is going on around us. Once we understand that death is just ahead, and we look back and see how incredible my life was by sitting in a cubicle for 30 years or more, chatting meaningless things with people, engaged in meaningless relationships and wasting away every second while searching for meaning. I have never met a kid who wanted to become a CPA accountant when he grew up, or a marketing guru or a malpractice lawyer or a car salesman….however, I frequently find kids who want to become a teacher, a firefighter, a police officer, a doctor… helping people, dealing with people is meaningful for them…but we have forgotten that. How fragile our own mind is, I wonder how all of the sudden those dreams changed into a burger flipper or a sales clerk or a janitor. What happened in between? It truly amazes me when I see a person slaving himself to a job which is just as meaningless to them and will bring monotony to his life, however; a job which he has to do in order to support his family… and I wonder; why do that? What is the need of putting yourself in this purgatory for the rest of your life? The usual answer is: to provide for my kids. Isn’t this perhaps a way of wiping yourself out, your dreams, your thoughts, and your aspirations? 32

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Is this a requirement to have a kid? Obviously, this is a search for meaning. It hasn’t been found, so now the next step is to live through others…”my kid.” There has to be something that it is not right here. Watching TV after work is not living life.

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9. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF KNOWING

Ananda was admiring the beauty of Nature: The sky was blue mixed with a current of bright and warm yellow reaching out to every living being, roses were blossoming, birds singing and dancing as if there was no tomorrow..ants were crawling around Mathias, who just seemed like he didn't care... Ananda took a little walk around that park to stretch out and admire other things around him. As Ananda approached a house near the park, two dogs came running after him. Both of them looked like pit bulls mixed with some other breed. They were ferocious mutts trying to defend their territory. Ananda looked at them and he didn't feel afraid, but he tried to stop them from barking: “Calm down little doggies.. it is just me.. come and smell me..” The dogs were insensitive and when Ananda showed them his hands to be smelled, one of the dogs jumped and bit Ananda's hand lightly. These dogs continued barking and threatened Ananda's safety. Ananda decided to “freeze” himself and wait for the dogs to leave. After a few minutes which seemed like one hour, the dogs left. Ananda was free! Ananda couldn't believe that experience. He didn't mean to do anything to those dogs! Why did they attacked him? Ananda went back to Mathias to relate his experience. “Mathias, those dogs nearby attacked me. I don't think that I need to see a doctor about this nip in my hand... what do you think? “ Mathias asked Ananda to place his wounded hand by Mathias' trunk and said “You are right. However, if this is going to create waste thoughts in you, that is no good. Friend, perhaps you will need to go through some unexpected and bothersome experiences now... Just show your greatness by being patient and by having a smile on your face” Ananda didn't understand what Mathias 34

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meant, but thank him for his time and left. Ananda went home and Raysha was there. “Raysha, look at my hand. Some dogs got me.” Raysha replied “ Ananda, you need to see a doctor. Rabies is not something to play with. Your life may be at stake, did you see a collar on those dogs necks ?(meaning that they were vaccinated against rabies)” “No,” replied Ananda. This time Ananda was worried. He inquired around the house were the dogs were seen and neighbors told him that those dogs have no owner. They just take food from people. Also, he found out that those dogs have bitten other people already, but no one would bother in doing anything with the authorities because it took time and money to get things moving. Even though Ananda knew that he was alright, other people will not believe him and friends asked him to go and see a doctor and to seek out local help so the dogs were picked up and observed if they had a disease. Moreover, Ananda found out that he needed to take14 shots against rabies in his stomach as a preventive step. Ananda understood that he needed to go through this experience even though he felt that he was fine. Ananda spent money and time contacting the police and getting official documents to get the dogs picked up. He also had to deal with a central hospital who were in charge of observing the dogs. Ananda was ready to go on a trip overseas in a few days, but he had to take care of all of these things. It seemed pointless. Ananda spent many hours trying to get this problem solved. He understood that this experience wasn't about him anymore. It was about others as well. Ananda left for his trip. Last thing he knew about the dogs, is that they were gone. Many times we have to go through experiences in our life which seems pointless. It is a waste of time, we may think. However, as we understand predestination, we can see that every action has a consequence. We are all connected. With the knowledge that the cycle of time gives us, we are better suited to confront any problem. For instance, once we understand predestination as something natural, we can accept situations and people in our life. Without that understanding, we may become upset and react to the situation. Ananda had to perform actions even though, he knew that they weren't necessary for him. A practical example is when we need to go through a situation for the sake of others. A friend of mine accepted one day a job knowing that it was a bit fraudulent. He was asked to sign papers for work that he hadn't performed. Even though he knew about that 35

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from the beginning, something inside him told him that he needed to go through it. He experienced signing those papers and felt that it wasn't right. He spoke with his boss about it and told his boss that he wouldn't take any payment for those 3 days that he worked. He just wanted to be out. It was the first time that his boss understood that for some people, money wasn't all what matters. The boss was able to see something different which otherwise, he wouldn't have had the chance to learn. There are some people that are used to visit “fortune tellers,” whether they realize that life is predestined or not, these people are fascinated by knowing about their future. They want a “fortune teller” capable of telling them exactly what is going to happen in their life. These individuals do not realize that if they knew exactly what was going to happen, they could try to avoid an experience that is necessary for their own growth. They may experience suffering from knowing something about their future. This is a risky business for a “fortune teller.” That is why a good fortune teller, will never say exactly what will happen. There is something sacred about the future, about waiting for the right door to open when we are ready to face it. Mathias didn't give a lot of information to Ananda' s questions. Ananda was able to understand as he experienced life. The knowledge of the cycle of time has to be used in a practical way to clearly grasp its profound meaning. It cannot be understood in isolation as mere theory. Ananda was selected to experience the dog's bite so he could move life to get rid of those dogs. This can only be seen when we experience life as unity, when we see “togetherness.” The meaning of “karma” then has a different spin. Actions will happen around us. We cannot know about their reason, but our only job is to remain true to ourselves and values, and many times.. to be willing to experience the experience, even though we know about the outcome.

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10. SCIENCE CANNOT PROVE A SPIRITUAL TRUTH

Ananda had a question for Mathias, the wise tree; it was something which Ananda had experienced and that bothered him, but he didn't quite know how to put it in words...until the time came. “Mathias,” Ananda said. “I have this deep feeling of anguish in my heart. It feels as if I am incomplete, as if I need fulfillment, it is like emptiness inside that moves me and does not allow me to feel complete...” Ananda evidently didn't feel good. His words were full of emotion. Mathias sensed that and responded: “ Friend, that feeling of anguish, of lack of fulfillment is felt when we don't understand time. The only separation between you and someone else is what humans call, time. When you feel that separation from everyone or someone, anguish appears. The need for fulfillment means separation. Separation means time.” Ananda heard the reply but it didn't make complete sense to him. “What “time” has to do with anything?” he thought... Mathias added more “If there wasn't time, there wouldn't be separation.” Ananda heard that reply and still had a big question mark in his face. “Mathias, you will not be here 100 years from now. You weren't here 300 years ago. There will be a separation between us in the future, no doubt about it. To know that without being capable to change, it makes my heart full of anguish. Everyone whom I have met in my 37

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life will be gone, even me. There is no way to stop that.” Mathias stayed there in silence to allow Ananda to compose himself and to let Ananda's emotions to settle down. “Friend,” he added ; “ Do you know that everything is cyclical in life. After winter, spring will come, and the 4 seasons will play a symphony that will give rise to a year and years will pass in the form of a journey which we call life. Mathias always will be here. Mathias has been always here and always will be here.” Ananda didn't understand that at all. Mathias continued; “Do you think that time exists?” Ananda didn't think twice and replied “of course, time exists.” Mathias paused and then added “Mathias says that time does not exist. Time is a human creation.” “Time only exists when you are not aware of your eternity. When you are not aware that even though the tree changes every season, it is still the same tree. The surroundings may be different but at the same time, they are the same surroundings, for the seasons will come back again. A cycle means eternity but also repetition.” Ananda interrupted and said “well, science says that time exists, they call it past, present and future...” Mathias added” time exists for them because they are not aware of their own immortality. Death is not understood as a change in season but as the end of life.” Ananda then said “what you just mentioned, Mathias; makes sense but how can I prove that so others know that what you are saying is true? Mathias waited a bit and replied “ Can you prove immortality to humans that are convinced of their own mortality? Only those who are aware of their own self, you may call it: soul, spirit, atma, psyche, consciousness, life, vitality, etc.. only those can know. Science deals with matter. Proofs are part of that world. In the spiritual realm it is all about awareness. That is the meaning of being “awake” in this life. Your awareness dictates your experiences......” One of the greatest paradox of life is to understand that even though we are taught to see and analyze things as separate “objects” or things; in reality everything is “one.” We see separation. “ I am different than you” but we cannot see that our lives are mutually necessary. The experiences that “you” bring to me will become “my” experience and that is how we “learn.” While it is true that different relationships have different depths, everyone lives in association with nature, other beings and this Universe as a whole. Some see “many 38

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things and separation” others see “one thing and unity” who is right or who is wrong? It all depends on our awareness. Science will teach us to take one side and “prove” the existence of it. Science cannot understand paradoxes. Does free will exists or predestination? No scientist will be able to respond this with proof. Only a spiritual, aware person can be conscious of the truth. That realm of spirituality, is the realm of acceptance, of letting others be as they are, it is the realm when control is nonexistent, when you can see the unity of everything, when you don't need to think anymore... It is the world of wonders, in that world you cannot hold on to nothing, for the “moment” will disappear. Is this scientific? No. We cannot attempt to control spirituality to fit into the suitable “boxes” of analysis and synthesis, of theories and laws, black or white...dualism. Spirituality cannot fit into the box of duality. We are more than our bodies. We know that but we cannot prove it. We are consciousness without the thinking, the words that we have memorized and the ideas that we have been made believe that are true and necessary. Consciousness resides in stillness and bliss. It is only when consciousness expresses in the physical realm when “learning” appears as well as its consequences. Learning means to forget something that we knew. Just as someone can only search for something that he knows has lost; similarly we can only learn whatever we have forgotten. One of the main aspects of understanding the cycle of time is that things occur in the physical realm because of “cause and effect” only. Since the physical realm is predestined to occur, every point of time, every second in this circle is fixed to appear again and again for eternity and that point of time, that second; had a cause as well as an effect. Therefore I am writing this due to a “cause” which could be known to me or not, but I am capable of writing this because I have done something in the past which allows me to do this now as an effect. Likewise, this writing will have a predestined effect on others. There is unity. However, there is entropy in the physical realm. For that reason, the principle of cause and effect even though constant, lacks the same quality as time goes by. Every second entropy decreases the quality of matter (something new becomes old.) How is this? The cycle of time “moves” (that movement is what we call time) from lower entropy to higher entropy to lower entropy , etc.“ad infinitum.” That means that the quality of matter decreases as time goes by. For instance, when the cycle is in lower entropy, the Earth's population is considerably less than what it is nowadays. That means that nature is plentiful, less exploited and for that reason there is a better quality of life. The single 39

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element which marks an increased amount of entropy in this world is our population. Because we are so many, the world resources are becoming scarce. Because of different ideas and ideals, there are quarrels and disagreements, etc. It is important to note that the single most important problem which humanity is facing at this time is the increase of population. According to the U.S census Bureau as quoted by Wikipedia: “The population of the world reached 1 billion in 1804, 2 billion in 1927, 3 billion in 1960, 4 billion in 1974, 5 billion in 1987, and 6 billion in 1999. The population of the world is projected to reach 7 billion in 2012, 8 billion in 2025, and 9 billion in 2040.” These numbers means that we are capable to populate the Earth by 1 billion in the next 13 years. Obviously the resources will be decreasing. Fresh water availability will be the main problem in the upcoming years. This illustrates high entropy. Therefore, to go back to low entropy, means to go back to a lesser number of individuals which will allow our natural resources to “heal” and grow again. The above mentioned statistics are not completely reliable. It is an estimate of the population at best. Unless someone counts every individual, there is nothing reliable but an approximation. However, those numbers are giving us a logical premise: If those numbers are taken, it is impossible for the human race to have existed 160,000 to 250,000 years or even 500,000 years. Wikipedia mentions that “anatomically modern humans first appeared in Africa 195,000 years ago.” According to the rate of growth mentioned in the statistics, that is impossible. The population growth went from 1 billion to 6 billion in just 200 years. If man existed 200,000 years ago, statistically ( even considering natural disasters, wars and diseases,) our population should be way higher than what it is right now. It is not for me to do the math but to see how logical a premise is. Therefore, since every spiritual being, a human being ( I will choose the term “soul”) is eternal and the population increases with time, that means that the current population of souls had to exist someplace, because of the premise of being eternal. Where do they existed, then? Science will not be able to respond to this, because they cannot prove our own eternity. The physical realm is integrated with the spiritual realm. From that spiritual realm souls arrive to the physical realm in a predestined fashion according to time . Time is nonexistent in the spiritual realm, but only exists in the physical realm. There are many souls that stay in the spiritual realm “longer” from the perspective of someone aware of time, someone whose consciousness is in the physical world only. However, for a soul in the spiritual realm, there is no awareness of time. This is a great paradox. We can see that this predestined, eternal cycle is perfect. 40

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One of the main concerns of individuals who understand this is: Am I a puppet of destiny? The answer is: NO. Free will resides in being able to express who you are. The soul can only express that in a physical body. That expression is subject to entropy as well. That expression is our “free will.” However, as truth is a paradox; our free will is predestined as well; meaning that it will repeat. Souls express their beings in a particular body, then through the law of “cause and effect,” souls will continue in another bodies their expression and experience but with the experience of higher entropy comparatively to the previous life or “birth.” Without entropy our universe wouldn't be able to recycle and start afresh again. Thus, any form of dualism means entropy. Nothing in this physical world ever stays the same, but paradoxically it will arrive to be the same at one point in time, once the cycle of time repeats. The philosopher Heraclitus mentioned: “You cannot step in the same river twice.” That is true, but once we understand the unlimited view of time, then we can step on the same exact river twice. We will do it eternally, but.. we will not be aware of it. Forgetting is an effect of entropy. Learning is an effect of entropy. As such there is never separation among anyone. Time is the only boundary and to go beyond time means to understand the experience of a soul. Being timeless means beyond dualism. This is the ultimate freedom. The spiritual realm is the basis to understand our own immortality. That is the basis to understand “reality.” Science cannot grasp this aspect because the soul is non material. Let me review this concept one more time. The spiritual realm is a necessity for the complete understanding of time being cyclical in the physical realm. Even, we can go deeper in this concept and say that the physical realm is timeless since everything is repetitive. From the view point of the one who experiences there is time, but the realization of repetition, makes my understanding completely unlimited, beyond the “cage” of time. There is one more issue to discuss regarding souls and cyclical time. That is: How the change occurs between high entropy and low entropy again? Physically it is through destruction. However destruction is not annihilation. The world must reconstruct itself but those agents who are the source of depletion must be gone to let the Earth blossom again, so the cycle will re-occur. Spiritually speaking there must be 41

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a change in the consciousness of those human beings who will populate the “new” Earth again from the beginning. That is where the concept of God is needed. Spiritual teachings are there to switch the consciousness of individuals who will experience the Earth in a state of low entropy again. To summarize, human beings are souls or spiritual entities having an experience in a body. Their experience in the physical world is related with the expression of themselves which qualitatively changes in time through higher entropy. A soul reincarnate into another human body to continue with that expression which becomes the cause of experiencing a new reality. For that reason, even when in fact there is repetition, the experience is always new. The range of such encounters that a human being is able to experience is enormous. It is the whole range of “low entropy into high entropy.” Then necessarily the consciousness of souls will change into lower entropy through the experience of the soul world. Then, according to their predestined time, those souls will reincarnate and express their selves and experience the physical world one more time. When I refer to “predestined” time, I am referring to a particular capacity of a soul to experience and express their being according to entropy. All souls are different according to their ability to express themselves in the physical world. That difference makes up the time of their arrival into the physical world. Deeper into the concept of predestination, we can see that predestination is related with the soul capacity. That soul capacity is what in reality is predestined. The role, the actions that a soul plays in the physical world is in reality a consequence of that soul's capacity. What is “soul capacity”? It is the capability of a soul to withstand duality, the extremes of it and the duration of those experiences and their ability to go beyond duality. The soul capacity is predestined, accordingly; a soul will perform actions in the physical world which will assure that entropy advances (higher entropy) Those activities of the soul are influential in the physical world through the law of “cause and effect,” all souls are related and their participation in the physical world assures that higher entropy will continually augment. In fact, when the soul performs activities through a body, those activities have the common denominator of increasing entropy in the world. Thus, the need to recycle the physical world back to a lower entropy state. No one is bound to this “movie” on low/high entropy. This “movie” which we call life, is the full expression of us, when we think “unity” or of “me” when we think separation. As a matter of fact, it never feels like bondage until we find out the “truth.” Then we need to understand that everyone depends on each other to make this movie of life a unique one... worth while to watch again and again...for eternity.

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Dare not to be “Normal..” Dare not to be “Normal..” Dare not to be “Normal..” Dare not to be “Normal..” Dare not to be “Normal..” Dare not to be “Normal..” Do you dare?

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11. CONSTRUCTION THROUGH DESTRUCTION

Raysha was told that her aunt Zelmi passed away. Raysha went to the funeral. It was a very sad and moving experience. In Raysha's country the corpse is placed into a coffin for “viewing.” Loved ones can go through the coffin to “see” the face of the loved one for the last time before the coffin is closed and placed underground, usually a day after the viewing. The closest relatives of Raysha's aunt were there giving little speeches as to how good Zelmi was and to remember different incidents in their life related with her. Most were weeping. She was very dear to many. Ananda didn't go. He was away on a trip. Ananda asked about her aunt when he returned and once he knew the news, he was surprised but he wasn't sad. Ananda didn't have a close relationship with Zelmi. The next day, Raysha and Ananda went to see Mathias, the wise tree. Mathias asked “ Raysha and “friend,” (That is how Mathias addressed Ananda) what did you learn form that experience?” Ananda responded first“ Well, it wasn't that meaningful for me. It is a matter of fact that everyone will die at one point in time. Unfortunately those people are not aware of the 44

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cycle of time, and for that reason they suffer so much. They think that their beloved Zelmi is gone for ever. They do not know about rebirth either. What I learned is that knowledge saves you from suffering.” Raysha, heard that and pointed out “ The reason Ananda speaks like that is because he didn't have a close relationship with Zelmi. Perhaps the meaning is that we shouldn't have a close relationship with anyone so we do not suffer when it is the time for them to depart. However, I do not think so. In that relationship with Zelmi, I have learned a lot. Our relationship resides now with me, I am who I am now, because of mingling with her among others. My personality is made of my relationships, in a way. I feel that suffering is part of that. It is unavoidable if we are to relate with others.” Mathias listened to both answers and said “Both of you are right. It is true that knowledge keeps you from suffering, but knowledge it is not enough unless there is deep understanding and experience. Our “friend” there, does not suffer not because of knowledge, which he knows very well, but because of lacking a relationship. Raysha has knowledge and a relationship as well, but she had a little suffering there.” Is there any way to avoid suffering, Mathias,? interrupted Ananda. Mathias replied “ There is suffering when the mind does not let things go. See the sky. Isn't that nice?” It was another sunny day with clear skies, nice temperature with a mild breeze. Mathias continued “ the minute I mentioned that this is nice, I am comparing with something else because something that it is not nice was experienced. At that moment I am opening myself for suffering, because something not as nice will happen. It may be a rainy afternoon with dark skies and clouds everywhere. If the mind holds on to the sunny day even though is gone, I will suffer. If the mind does not compare but experience the differents shades of afternoon without a label, the experience will be different but there will not be suffering because there is nothing to compare it to.” Raysha said “ But how do we apply that explanation into experiencing when someone who we love dies?” “Ahh!” Mathias said “ It is the value that we put into our relationships what makes suffering appear. All relationships have value, but when we choose a particular one with greater value and no the other, we will suffer. Suffering is related with value. Today is a beautiful day. I am enjoying it, I am no thinking more about it. Once the sun sets, I will not think about how beautiful the afternoon was, because I know that I will experience other afternoons. My mind has no value for them. I enjoy the time and then my mind moves on with whatever is next. We need to move with Nature and time...” Similarly, destruction is part of a new beginning. Once we recognize the aspect of time 45

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being cyclical, we will know that anything that exists needs to perish, but that “death” is never complete destruction but transformation. We cannot create matter nor destroy it. The world as it is now is increasing its entropy. There will definitely be destruction of what we know. The signs are there: Climate is changing, the natural resources are depleting, competition and willingness to survive in the monopoly of “business” is thriving, and weapons of mass destruction are being created with unparalleled wit. It is just a matter of time. Destruction of this world as we know it will happen. It has to happen for something “new,” low entropy to arrive again. The understanding of the cycle of time help us to realize that nothing last forever, things are continually changing. We have experienced many “destructions” and we are still here. We have survived and we will do it again. Spirituality is the key element to comprehend our own eternity. A soul, that is what we are; is imperishable. The cycle of time allows that soul to experience. There is construction and destruction which gives birth to a new construction... for eternity.

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12. WHO IS FIRST THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?

Ananda heard in class a discussion about the origin of the universe. The teacher said, “ To find the answer of the origin of the universe is like finding out the answer of the popular question: who is first, the chicken or the egg? Students, do you have an answer? There is no western scientist who have been able to find the answer to this riddle, perhaps someday, when you become educated professionals, you will be able to come up with an original answer...” Ananda couldn't wait to ask his friend, Mathias this question of the chicken and egg. Then as soon as he reached the park, Ananda said: “ Mathias, I bet you don't know the answer of this question: Who is first, the chicken or the egg?” Ananda finished his question and his face had the look of “victory,” he was sure that his wise friend wouldn't

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be able to answer that question, after all even the smart western scientists are unable to do it, and Mathias is just a tree, anyway...he thought. Mathias understood the test, his friend was giving him and after thinking for a few seconds, replied: “Friend, I will answer and explain you my answer, so please bear with me...” and he added: “Here is the answer you were looking for: NONE is first. Time is eternal, therefore there is no "first" in eternity. Matter is eternal because as the law of conservation of matter states, "Matter cannot be created neither destroyed, it only transforms." If you choose the chicken is first then you know that a chicken comes from an egg. If you choose the egg is first then you know that an egg comes from a chicken. We could go back in time trying to find the beginning of time. Surprisingly, it is impossible to find it. There is always a chicken before an egg and an egg before a chicken ad infinitum. With this kind of thinking, there is no answer, we are bound by linear time. It does not matter if we apply the theory of evolution or creationism, because both theories are against the LAW of physics which states that matter cannot be created. I hope we are looking for a rational answer and no a belief system therefore, Laws are valid. To see this picture which lacks a 'first' individual, imagine a circle. In that circle put alternatively a chicken followed by an egg then a chicken then an egg, etc. until the circle is completed. In other words, time is a circle with chickens and eggs placed in an alternate fashion. If you can picture that, then try to find who the first one is. Some will say, Well, is the person who draws the circle and then either the chicken or the egg. That is wrong! You see, we must follow the first LAW of thermodynamics or LAW of conservation of matter. Matter cannot be created neither destroyed. In the universe, things have existed for ever. The universe was always there. It just changes in time. In other words to fully agree with this law, because I cannot create or draw a circle with chickens and eggs, I must admit that the circle with the chickens and eggs are already there. I cannot create neither destroy anything. What are the consequences of this? Here a few. The universe was always there. There is neither 'big bang' nor creation. The universe was there but matter transforms into other forms of matter. Now, amazingly enough, this finding is not my own. It has been in existence for many centuries in Hinduism and Buddhism (Dharmic religions) and this concept became popular in the West with Nietzsche (German Philosopher.) Ready for more? There is a lot of value in answering the chicken or egg question. Time is predestined. Free will is just an illusion because time is repetitive, cyclical. The 48

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saying: history repeats itself is true in its literal form. Other corollaries of the previous statements are: There is no creation in physical matter. Things always existed; as the law of conservation of energy says: matter can only be transformed. In a circle there is no way of knowing the present, past or future unless there is a point of reference (relativity of time as Einstein pointed out) that point of reference will determine the past, present or future. Because time is predestined, there is no "chance", randomness, "luck" etc. It is an eternal recurrent Drama as Nietzsche pointed out, "eternal recurrence". Science has been working with the concept of the problem of the "arrow of time" thanks to the work of Poincare, Loschmidt and Boltzmann based upon the second law of thermodynamics (entropy). Even though, some progress has been made in the understanding of time, problems have been encountered due to the prevalent thought of linear time. These problems disappear as soon as a circle, a cycle is used instead. For some the answer is, "the chicken was first" and for others "the egg" was first, here you find that none of them were first, because there was no beginning. Things are eternal, there is no beginning nor end, they keep changing and "recycling" for eternity. ETERNITY means there is no beginning. The western world has chosen to ignore this view and rather follow contradictory beliefs. I wonder why? What is the problem about not considering eastern thought? After all eastern thought has existed for several thousands of years before the West came up with philosophers. Are we afraid of understanding concepts such as: cyclical time, repetition, eternity, predestination, soul and re-incarnation? or perhaps deep inside we know that all our comfortable beliefs and dogmas will perish as soon as we know the truth? It is quite impressive that in this age of technology and knowledge of how matter operates, we still believe in traditions and contradictory ideas which logic and reasoning can solve. God exists but creation of matter is not his task. Creation of matter is irrational and illogical. It is a wonder how we aren't open minded to different ideas but instead choose the more convenient and traditional ideas even though irrational... only rational beings can do that.” Mathias then added: “Friend, do you have any other questions?” Ananda was astonished and with his mouth half open, he replied: “How do you know that?” Mathias replied: “ Perhaps because I didn't go to school? ”

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13. WHAT IS LOVE?

Raysha had a deep question. She was afraid to ask that question to Mathias, until one good day, she had the courage to ask. “Mathias,” she said: “what is love?” Mathias then replied: “It is just a feeling. The most powerful feeling. That feeling which make life worthwhile. Without it life is dry, meaningless, and tasteless. You can only give love. Giving is its own fulfillment. The opposite of love is fear. That feeling of love is not related with genders. It is not related with relationships, it is not related with likes or preferences. Love is universal. To give, to be a channel of it, you need to learn to feel it. You feel love when you are in harmony with your own self. An honest heart can feel love. Expectation of obtaining something back from giving destroys love. It becomes a "transaction", it becomes an "investment" with expectations of full return. Expectation and love do not mix together. Acceptance is love. You feel love, you give love regardless. Again, giving is its own fulfillment. A true heart with pure feelings can send this feeling and transmit this feeling through the eyes. The eyes have their own language.” Raysha then thanked Mathias and left thinking about that answer. Another important ingredient for those who have felt is love to God. Love to God transforms. It makes us like "Him." Love to beings, regenerates us. There is no "chemistry" in love. You will feel that this pure feeling comes literally from your heart. The heart needs nourishment. It is the soul looking for fulfillment, for the opportunity to be, to feel, to live. Once you feel true love, you cannot be the same. Whatever we have learned all these years, the systems, the procedures, the mass media teachings; all of those do not know 50

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what is love simply because you cannot "sell" love as when you buy a ring, a necklace, flowers, chocolates, etc. Love is not an investment or an exchange. If there is any fear of loving because of a broken heart, a wall will be built around you which will not let you breathe, because love like oxygen.. is needed to live. We need to feel love again. An honest heart is needed, and that is all; a fearless and courageous heart.

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14. CONTEMPLATING THE EXISTANCE OF GOD

I wonder why people who do not know who God is - write or talk about God? What has science to do about the existence of God? Isn't science in business to deal with physical matter? Does science believe that God is a material entity? Senseless. God is there when we experience His presence. Our spiritual “senses” need to be awake for this through the experience of silence of the mind, a peaceful mind. You know God, you feel God when you have a relationship with Him based on accurate knowledge. Knowledge of what? Knowledge of “who I am?” Knowledge of “Where do I come from?” and Knowledge of “where am I going?” My relationship with God is based on self knowledge first. For instance, if I "believe" that God is a material, physical being just like the “big old guy with a long white beard” depicted by painters, automatically my knowledge and relationship will be based on my body and my senses. "Seeing is believing" and if science cannot prove what you are “seeing” God then you may have a problem. Once we understand that God is in the realm of spirituality alone, we will stop trying to prove things that are well beyond the scope of science. Spirituality means the experience and knowledge of the self as a non material being, a soul. It is not that this body has a soul, but quite the opposite, the soul possesses a body. Otherwise, our existence is meaningless. The body "dies" then there is no more existence. Whether you believe in "heaven" or not, that does not give any explanation of our stance in this world. The soul is imperishable, so we are imperishable. God is a soul. That is the meaning of being children of God. We are like Him. As souls there is 52

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equality, as bodies there is inequality, injustice and problems. If God is a soul without a body, how can I see it? How can I prove His existence? God is a personal experience. Since God is a soul and I am a soul, the way I can forge a communication is through my feelings. Feelings are the language of souls. Feelings cannot be proved. They are not provoked by substances or chemicals inside the body, feelings are not thoughts either; feelings are the manifestation of being alive. Praying is not about repeating mantras or saying things out loud. The magic of praying resides in the strength of our feelings, the strength of our heart. Through feelings I can communicate with other human beings as well. Notice a little baby. I cannot speak with him but he will perceive my "vibes" and be either close or distant accordingly. We have lost the art of being in touch with our feelings and our heart. Through meditation, silence there is a soul to soul experience. A soul forging a connection a relationship with the supreme soul, with God. There is "listening and talking" through those feelings. Words are not needed. As a matter of fact; words are ambiguous and incomplete. Feelings are complete. They are a complete expression of the self. The experience with God is inner transformation, because when you relate with something which you love, that something colors you, it will change you; it will transform you into a new "you." When you have the experience of God in your heart, His qualities will merge within you. This is not about theory only and this is not for everyone either. You can only experience God when you really want it, not in your head but in your heart. That love for God is what makes the connection. Then there are no more doubts. Love to attain God is what makes the difference, that experience requires no further “proofs.” Some feel comfortable giving their opinions about God. Today, He is "omnipresent," tomorrow He is in you and me and the day after tomorrow, He does not exist. Lots of talks but there is no experience. Just opinions. God does not belong to a particular religion. His religion is peace and bliss. This is the objective or any religious path. The more we experience our own self as souls, the greater will be the experience of God as a separate entity from us. This is not mathematics nor physics. God is about feeling love. Love is not scientific. Thank God for that.

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15. SOMETHING TO “THINK” OR RATHER “FEEL” ABOUT IT • The reality is that we don't know what reality is. • You are not the problem. I am not the problem either. There is just a problem. If there is a solution, there is no problem. If there is no solution....that is not a problem either... • You can choose to be old or young. If you choose one, you would like to be the other. • Life is a circle without edges. Our minds have learned about angles and therefore, make life a square. • The minute that I am aware of me, that is the minute that I need to forget me. To just “be” requires not to “be” there. • If the truth could be grasped intellectually, then I could have been a scientist. If the truth could be grasped with our feelings, then I would have been an artist. If the truth could have been grasped through a scripture, then I could have been a priest or a lawyer... A philosopher loves the truth, but funny...it hasn't be presented to them yet. So, I decided not to “be” anything and let the truth “be.” • As I think about the past, I feel that I am not living the present. • So you think you are right? Would that make me 'wrong'? • You can think what you want... finally.... I am thinking....! • If I could change anything in the world, what could that be? …. Me. • What is like to be “normal”? To be part of the mass, the herd, the “market segment...” it takes courage to say “meow” if you feel it, when all you hear are barking dogs around you. That is not “normal.” • Isn't death something to be afraid of? Not while you live. • So where is God? If you don't find it in your heart, let me give you the address. •

What is the purpose of life? ...This is very deep. “To live.”

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