In these books, it is widely spoken of government and one line that caught my attention was 12.9 when the Master says: “If the common people’s needs are satisfied, how their lord could be lacking? If the common people’s needs, are not satisfied, how can their lord be content?” This line I find very interesting because it is stating that If you put yourself after others, then you will be happy when they are, but if you put yourself before, then you will only find misery in their lacking. This, in my opinion, is fairly true. I do believe that you experience greater joy when you give than when you are given to. Sometimes witnessing joy is far better than actually living it.
Another line was 13.16, when the Master says: “(Act so that) those near to you are pleased, and those who are far from you are drawn closer.” This line I believe makes a lot of sense, for when you are good to those who are near you, your goodness will expand and those who are not so close will want to know of it and come to you.
Line 14.4 says: “Those who are good will necessarily display courage, but those who display courage are not necessarily Good.” This line speaks of how being something may require you to possess a certain quality, but possessing this, does not necessarily make you that that possesses this quality. For example, to be honorable you must be brave, but being brave doesn’t make you honorable. Some of us think that possessing one quality or characteristic automatically makes us worthy or, in this case, Good, but that is something we cannot take for granted.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Analects books 7, 8 and 11
In these books, I find that there is a spiritual pursue in which ritual plays an important part. For example in 7.12, when the Master says: “If wealth were something worth pursuing, I would pursue it…Since it is not worth pursuing, however, I prefer to follow that which I love.” I agree entirely with this line, although I contradict it continuously throughout my life, but I do wish I didn’t. Of course I am willing to recognize that if in exchange of wealth, I was offered love, then without a doubt I would take the offer. But unfortunately, not such a chance has crossed my path.
In line 8.8, the Master says: “…take your place through ritual, and achieve perfection through music.” This is indeed a very important line to me, for being a musician, I believe that music is perfection. It is an expression through which we make our feelings and emotions be known by the world; not only in a clear manner, but also hidden and discreetly. We can right songs that state and honest reflection of where our head’s at, but not many people will wonder how or why, and even of they do, they will never know the whole truth of it. That’s what makes music beautiful, the fact that its mysterious, puzzling; that one melody can be both hatred and love, it all depends on your point of view.
In line 11.4, the Master says: “Yan Hui is of no help to me-he is pleased with everything that I say.” From what I grasp of this line is that an apprentice who does not argue about anything proofs to be weak and easy to corrupt. He could believe anything that was said to him without question, and this is not what mentor wants to see in his pupil. He wants to see courage, conviction, and most of all character. I believe that without any of these, a student is not worthy of his professor.
In line 8.8, the Master says: “…take your place through ritual, and achieve perfection through music.” This is indeed a very important line to me, for being a musician, I believe that music is perfection. It is an expression through which we make our feelings and emotions be known by the world; not only in a clear manner, but also hidden and discreetly. We can right songs that state and honest reflection of where our head’s at, but not many people will wonder how or why, and even of they do, they will never know the whole truth of it. That’s what makes music beautiful, the fact that its mysterious, puzzling; that one melody can be both hatred and love, it all depends on your point of view.
In line 11.4, the Master says: “Yan Hui is of no help to me-he is pleased with everything that I say.” From what I grasp of this line is that an apprentice who does not argue about anything proofs to be weak and easy to corrupt. He could believe anything that was said to him without question, and this is not what mentor wants to see in his pupil. He wants to see courage, conviction, and most of all character. I believe that without any of these, a student is not worthy of his professor.
Analects books 4, 5 and 6
In these two books, I was surprised to find 3 passages that go exactly with my personal views of life. For example 4.17 when the master says “When you see someone who is worthy, concentrate upon becoming their equal; when you see someone who is unworthy, use this as an opportunity to look within yourself.” I am constantly worried by the fact of being seen the way I see some. I an always aware of what is going on around me, more than many, I daresay, and I am awfully tormented by this fear of rejection. I am so afraid of people not wanting to be like me, just like I don’t want to be like some people.
In 4.24, when the Master says: “the gentleman wishes to be slow to speak, but quick to act” says a lot to me. I see that he is saying that for someone who is worthy, speaking of worthiness is no good, whereas performing worthiness is. Unfortunately, I see very little of that in me, but I wish to see more as I grow as a human being, and move away from this world I hate.
In book 5, I noticed that the Master and I aspire as to very similar things. In 5.26: “Zilu then said, ‘I would like to hear of the Master’s aspirations.’
The Mater said, ‘To bring comfort to the aged, to inspire trust in my friends, and be cherished by the youth.’” Yes indeed I wish very much to accomplish these things, but I feel like I am lacking very much in the second one. I can hardly trust myself anymore, I have no reason to hope for my friends to trust me, but I do hope I can demonstrate both them and myself that I can pull it off.
In 4.24, when the Master says: “the gentleman wishes to be slow to speak, but quick to act” says a lot to me. I see that he is saying that for someone who is worthy, speaking of worthiness is no good, whereas performing worthiness is. Unfortunately, I see very little of that in me, but I wish to see more as I grow as a human being, and move away from this world I hate.
In book 5, I noticed that the Master and I aspire as to very similar things. In 5.26: “Zilu then said, ‘I would like to hear of the Master’s aspirations.’
The Mater said, ‘To bring comfort to the aged, to inspire trust in my friends, and be cherished by the youth.’” Yes indeed I wish very much to accomplish these things, but I feel like I am lacking very much in the second one. I can hardly trust myself anymore, I have no reason to hope for my friends to trust me, but I do hope I can demonstrate both them and myself that I can pull it off.
Exodus 1-12
I do not understand why in an occasion, God means to harden Pharaoh’s heart as in chapter 7; verse 3: “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.” For why would God wish to harden Pharaoh’s heart, if he wanted most of all to free the children of Israel form Pharaoh? I suspect that he did this to starch out his hand, and smite Egypt with all his wonders and make Pharaoh suffer. But why would the Lord wish evil upon Pharaoh, if he is supposed to be holy and flawless and without ill wish for anyone?
Monday, November 19, 2007
Job
the book of Job is one that has greatly captured my attention. It is a book that speaks of a different kind of God, than the one we have seen in the previous books. He is a God that has no faith upon his peolpe, why would he bet with Satan if he trusted in our loyalty? He questions our devotion to him, and so decides to take the perfect and upright man, as he is mentioned to be in 2:3, and expose him to extreme suffering, to see if he would then curse God and hate him. But despite these escrutiating acts, that God smote Job with, he never spoke evil of God. The worst he ever did, was wish death upon himself, as it happens in 3:3 and chapter 5. But he offends God in no further way. It is God who is being unfair and cruel, for he tells Satan in 2:6, saying that he will smite Job with suffering, but not kill him, and in life, dying is not the worst that can happen, at least not in my opinion.
We also see Satan as manipulative and envious (2:4-5), for he knows no follower of his could ever dedicate his fidelity to him in the way that Job devotes himself to God. I believe Job is a metaphor for all those peolpe who lead a life of honesty, and fidelity towards God, and although there are also followers of Satan, I doubt them to be nearly as good and loyal as the ones that God has at his beck and call.
We also see Satan as manipulative and envious (2:4-5), for he knows no follower of his could ever dedicate his fidelity to him in the way that Job devotes himself to God. I believe Job is a metaphor for all those peolpe who lead a life of honesty, and fidelity towards God, and although there are also followers of Satan, I doubt them to be nearly as good and loyal as the ones that God has at his beck and call.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Exodus 13-40
In these chapters, I found a common expression that is used now days, but here it has a different meaning whatsoever. "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot."(21:24)
This passage shows merely enough for an interpretation, but as it goes on, it explains that one should only bne vengeful when that who has hurt one is one's equal, and not when its is one's "superior" or one's "inferior". This shows me how the bible is a suporter and follower of inequality, for vengance is not the right thing to do, but to restrict it only among equals is even worse.
This passage shows merely enough for an interpretation, but as it goes on, it explains that one should only bne vengeful when that who has hurt one is one's equal, and not when its is one's "superior" or one's "inferior". This shows me how the bible is a suporter and follower of inequality, for vengance is not the right thing to do, but to restrict it only among equals is even worse.
Extra Samuel chapters 1-5 Piece
This is a piece that we weren't supposed to write, but I found among these chapters a very deep significance and so though I should write it down.
chapter 2, verse 9: "He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall de silent in darkness, for by strength shall no man prevail." I believe this to be a very interesting passage. I think what is meant by it is that God will not make his favor too obvious, but will keep those who are good safe in the end. And by what is said of no man prevailing due to his strength I believe means that whoever pretends to be stronger than God, shall fail in his eyes.
chapter 2, verse 25: "If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him; but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him?" In this passage, it is said that when a man has done wrong towards another, then God will be there to decide his fate. But when he has done evil towards God, then there is no one to stand on his behalf, he is alone. And so God is the only unconventinal friend man will ever have and the only one he can't afford to betray.
chapter 2, verse 9: "He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall de silent in darkness, for by strength shall no man prevail." I believe this to be a very interesting passage. I think what is meant by it is that God will not make his favor too obvious, but will keep those who are good safe in the end. And by what is said of no man prevailing due to his strength I believe means that whoever pretends to be stronger than God, shall fail in his eyes.
chapter 2, verse 25: "If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him; but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him?" In this passage, it is said that when a man has done wrong towards another, then God will be there to decide his fate. But when he has done evil towards God, then there is no one to stand on his behalf, he is alone. And so God is the only unconventinal friend man will ever have and the only one he can't afford to betray.
Second book of Samuel verses 1-12
In these verses, David is informed of the death of Saul and Jhonathan, and as it is shown on verse 12, he mourns for both Johnathan and Saul, who was so many times evil to him. Through this, i can derive that there is a contradiction. For, back in Exodus, it is said that there is to be an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, meaning that if something is done to you, you should do exactly the same to he who has done that to you. But here, David is mourning, and fasting for Saul, after he so poorly treated David.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
"The Antarctic is the vast source of cold on our planet, just as the sun is the source of our heat, and it exerts tremendous control on our climate," [Jacques] Cousteau told the camera. "The cold ocean water around Antarctica flows north to mix with warmer water from the tropics, and its upwellings help to cool both the surface water and our atmosphere. Yet the fragility of this regulating system is now threatened by human activity." From "Captain Cousteau," Audubon (May 1990):17.
The region of Antarctica is an enormous foundation of icy water on planet earth, and our climate relies greatly on it. The currents that flow from Antarctica north towards the tropics, carry cold water, and when reaching their destination, blend with the warmer waters and the gushing contributes to the cooling of both our enviornment and the shallow waters. But thanks to human commotion, this vulnerable, modifiable system is now found threatened.
The twenties were the years when drinking was against the law, and the law was a bad joke because everyone knew of a local bar where liquor could be had. They were the years when organized crime ruled the cities, and the police seemed powerless to do anything against it. Classical music was forgotten while jazz spread throughout the land, and men like Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie became the heroes of the young. The flapper was born in the twenties, and with her bobbed hair and short skirts, she symbolized, perhaps more than anyone or anything else, America's break with the past. From Kathleen Yancey, English 102 Supplemental Guide (1989): 25.
During the 1920´s drinking was considered ilegal, but at that time, the law was just a gag, for it was quite evident to everyone that there was a local pub, where alcahol was cosumed. These were the years in which the cities were under the domain of delinquency, and the authorities were helpless and ineffective. new genres of music such as jazz expanded all over the land, whilke classical music was slowly erased, and people such as Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Bix Beiderbecke became the idols of our youths. A feminine movement emerged during this time, and with her mini skirt and bobbed haircut, she came to represent more than anything, maybe, America´s parting with history.
Of the more than 1000 bicycling deaths each year, three-fourths are caused by head injuries. Half of those killed are school-age children. One study concluded that wearing a bike helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent. In an accident, a bike helmet absorbs the shock and cushions the head. From "Bike Helmets: Unused Lifesavers," Consumer Reports (May 1990): 348.
From over the 1000 lives that were caused by bycicling accidents every year, 75% were due to injuries to the head. 50% of those who have been killed, are school-aged kids. Through studies, professionals came to the conclusion that the use of a helmet, even a bike one, can decrease the threat of grave head damage by up to 85%; for in a bike misfortune, the helmet takes in the shock and protects the head by padding it.
The region of Antarctica is an enormous foundation of icy water on planet earth, and our climate relies greatly on it. The currents that flow from Antarctica north towards the tropics, carry cold water, and when reaching their destination, blend with the warmer waters and the gushing contributes to the cooling of both our enviornment and the shallow waters. But thanks to human commotion, this vulnerable, modifiable system is now found threatened.
The twenties were the years when drinking was against the law, and the law was a bad joke because everyone knew of a local bar where liquor could be had. They were the years when organized crime ruled the cities, and the police seemed powerless to do anything against it. Classical music was forgotten while jazz spread throughout the land, and men like Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie became the heroes of the young. The flapper was born in the twenties, and with her bobbed hair and short skirts, she symbolized, perhaps more than anyone or anything else, America's break with the past. From Kathleen Yancey, English 102 Supplemental Guide (1989): 25.
During the 1920´s drinking was considered ilegal, but at that time, the law was just a gag, for it was quite evident to everyone that there was a local pub, where alcahol was cosumed. These were the years in which the cities were under the domain of delinquency, and the authorities were helpless and ineffective. new genres of music such as jazz expanded all over the land, whilke classical music was slowly erased, and people such as Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Bix Beiderbecke became the idols of our youths. A feminine movement emerged during this time, and with her mini skirt and bobbed haircut, she came to represent more than anything, maybe, America´s parting with history.
Of the more than 1000 bicycling deaths each year, three-fourths are caused by head injuries. Half of those killed are school-age children. One study concluded that wearing a bike helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent. In an accident, a bike helmet absorbs the shock and cushions the head. From "Bike Helmets: Unused Lifesavers," Consumer Reports (May 1990): 348.
From over the 1000 lives that were caused by bycicling accidents every year, 75% were due to injuries to the head. 50% of those who have been killed, are school-aged kids. Through studies, professionals came to the conclusion that the use of a helmet, even a bike one, can decrease the threat of grave head damage by up to 85%; for in a bike misfortune, the helmet takes in the shock and protects the head by padding it.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
genesis 11-28
In these chapters f Genesis, it is spoken of Abram and his wife Sarai, and how they resproduce and become the kings of nations. Their names change, and they become Abraham and Sarah, and when Sarah can no longer bare children, Abraham lies with her made Hagar, and so Ishmael is born. Yet this is something I don't quite understand, how is it that Sarah tells Abraham that now that she cannot bare children, he should lay with her made, and when she finds out Hagar is pregnant, she send her away?
In chapter 19, two angels come and visit Lot, and the townspeople wnat to know them, but Lot refuses to let them be known. And so the men broke into his house. I believe this to mean that when one receives good, and does not want anyone else to know of this good, it somes to pass that the others come and take good away and then its as if you would have never known it, that is why good is supposed to be shared and the Lord's blessing must be known to all.
Yet I do not understan what is meant by this: chapter 18, verse 26: And the Lord said, if I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, I will spare all th place for their sakes. and for the rest of the chapter, Abraham tells God that there will be 45 righteus,. and then 40, and then 30, and the 20, and finally 10, and the Lord says he will not destroy the city for those ten peolpe's sake.
In chapter 19, two angels come and visit Lot, and the townspeople wnat to know them, but Lot refuses to let them be known. And so the men broke into his house. I believe this to mean that when one receives good, and does not want anyone else to know of this good, it somes to pass that the others come and take good away and then its as if you would have never known it, that is why good is supposed to be shared and the Lord's blessing must be known to all.
Yet I do not understan what is meant by this: chapter 18, verse 26: And the Lord said, if I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, I will spare all th place for their sakes. and for the rest of the chapter, Abraham tells God that there will be 45 righteus,. and then 40, and then 30, and the 20, and finally 10, and the Lord says he will not destroy the city for those ten peolpe's sake.
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