Man and God

[Sriram]

Hi everyone,

People usually think of God as someone external, supernatural and far away. But spiritual teachings (particularly in Hinduism) teach that God is an extension of man and that man is meant to develop into a God. Once we focus on our higher faculties we ourselves become divine and godlike.

In this connection, the example of Lord Shiva is important.  Lord Shiva is the oldest and most ancient 'God' in Hindu mythology. Stories about him have evolved over the centuries borrowing from different legends, texts and myths and it is still evolving.

Shiva is not really a God who lives in some celestial abode. He is believed to live in the Himalayas in Mt.Kailas and is said  to be the Adiyogi or the First Yogi. The science of Yoga is believed to have originated from him.  There are many stories of him doing penance and meditations. His power and knowledge emanates from his self discipline and penance.

In other words, Shiva was once a man who developed his inner consciousness and became a God!

It is possible for others also to similarly develop their inner consciousness and grow into wise, knowledgeable, strong and universal beings.

God is within and we only need to realize this fact and allow 'him' to grow inside us by moving away from our inborn lower tendencies.

Just some thoughts.

Cheers.

Sriram

PS: This is not really about Hinduism, so I have posted it here.

[floo]

I am of the opinion humans are the only 'gods' in our bit of the universe.

[SweetPea]

Steady there, floo..... "we are all gods" is new age speak and a deception. But I know what you mean, we are capable of so much.

[SweetPea]

Sriram

Yes, God lives within us.... "Be still and know that I am God". It's true, a calming of the torment of the mind brings us to that place, and it is always there.... something that no-one can take from you. It seems it gains a sort-of strength if you can practice this calming whenever possible which ain't easy in today's world and the lives we lead.

[Rhiannon]

Floo is many things. New Age she is not.

[Sriram]

Sriram

Yes, God lives within us.... "Be still and know that I am God". It's true, a calming of the torment of the mind brings us to that place, and it is always there.... something that no-one can take from you. It seems it gains a sort-of strength if you can practice this calming whenever possible which ain't easy in today's world and the lives we lead.

Yeah....I find that we can use all opportunities to calm our mind and connect with our Inner Self. While playing with a child, putting a baby to sleep, driving, listening to music, even while watching TV.  Its a technique that we can cultivate.

[floo]

Floo is many things. New Age she is not.

And what things are those?

[Walter]

Floo is a chimney stack.

[Rhiannon]

And what things are those?

Generally I'd say you were a brick, in the Enid Blyton sense of the word.

Definitely not a new age fluffy bunny.

[Robbie]

I'm of the opinion that we have God within us. It isn't exactly what Siriam has said but there are points of comparison.

[Sriram]

I'm of the opinion that we have God within us. It isn't exactly what Siriam has said but there are points of comparison.

Hi Robbie,

How do you conceptualize or even relate to God within if not as a Higher Consciousness or a Higher Self? 

[Robbie]

Morning Sriam, i do relate to God as higher being/consciousness. God is within all of us & is what makes our consciences. To find God and be in communion isn't stragihtforward for all. If life is chaotic it means finding time to be still. (Not very clear, sorry just woken up.)

[floo]

Morning Sriam, i do relate to God as higher being/consciousness. God is within all of us & is what makes our consciences. To find God and be in communion isn't stragihtforward for all. If life is chaotic it means finding time to be still. (Not very clear, sorry just woken up.)

The god of the Bible was very nasty indeed, if it exists; it would not be a good idea to let it influence our consciences!

[Robbie]

Not relevant as no-one was talking about "the God of the Bible". It was mroe general than that.
Robbie

[floo]

Not relevant as no-one was talking about "the God of the Bible". It was mroe general than that.
Robbie

I thought you were!

[Robbie]

O.K. no worries.

[Sriram]

O.K. no worries.

Hi Robbie,

People do think of the 'conscience' as God's voice. But I am not so sure. Our conscience is usually built over our life time and is based on our upbringing, value system and culture.  For example, for me to kill a goat or chicken would be impossible. But for a butcher or even a hardcore non vegetarian, it wouldn't be.

From my experience, I think God's presence is felt usually as more of a support, a hand on the shoulder, a sudden moment of peace and faith.....and so on.

[Walter]

Hi Robbie,

People do think of the 'conscience' as God's voice. But I am not so sure. Our conscience is usually built over our life time and is based on our upbringing, value system and culture.  For example, for me to kill a goat or chicken would be impossible. But for a butcher or even a hardcore non vegetarian, it wouldn't be.

From my experience, I think God's presence is felt usually as more of a support, a hand on the shoulder, a sudden moment of peace and faith.....and so on.

WHAT?
That's just creepy , man!

stop with the bad vibes

[SweetPea]

Floo is many things. New Age she is not.

I know floo is not a new-ager, Rhi.... I didn't say she was.... read my post again.

[Robbie]

An i'nformed conscience', siriam?  Yes I would agree but i'm talking about mature conscience, when we leave behind those things it is a different ball game.

That's where christianity comes into it for me. 

◄ 1 Corinthians 13:11 ►

(New International Version)
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

[floo]

I am just me, the mould was broken when I emerged into this world.

[SweetPea]

Hi Robbie,

People do think of the 'conscience' as God's voice. But I am not so sure. Our conscience is usually built over our life time and is based on our upbringing, value system and culture.  For example, for me to kill a goat or chicken would be impossible. But for a butcher or even a hardcore non vegetarian, it wouldn't be.

From my experience, I think God's presence is felt usually as more of a support, a hand on the shoulder, a sudden moment of peace and faith.....and so on.

I'm sure Robbie will reply to your comment. Just wanted to say.... God for me is partly the inner-voice we call intuition which reaches us through the Holy Spirit.

[SweetPea]

I am just me, the mould was broken when I emerged into this world.

It's good floo.... not to have any 'attachments'.

[Robbie]

I'm sure Robbie will reply to your comment. Just wanted to say.... God for me is partly the inner-voice we call intuition which reaches us through the Holy Spirit.

I already did at 4.56pm