holy shit, today was very self-realization and very enlightening day.
i attended a spirituality panel, that the great Piale reminded me of that my old Anthro. teacher hosts.
they pretty much have hardcores from a certain religion, introduce themselves and debate.
this semester they had
- a "Good" Christian,
- a Soka Gakkai Buddhist (haha that brenda had a crush on),
- a AWESOME Athiest,
- and a Modern Day Satanist.
it was heated as hell and there was a mass of people, i didn't expect this many people.
Well they each took turns explaining themselves and their respected beliefs. and then opened up for questions.
the ones that stood out to me the most were the atheist and satanist. i've never really looked in to La Vey's teachings. but they really got to me. these two men were so logical, i was so bought in. the Christian well, honestly it was nothing i never heard before. and the Buddhist, even though i've never been familiar with Soka Gakkai, still the same concepts i've been raised on. i mean i respect Buddhist ways and i still incorporate some of their values in my life, i just can't see myself as a Buddhist.
ok
now the athiest, was sooooooooooo cool, and he was very logical and scientific. yet he was understanding and respectful. and he was an artist!
here's a poem he wrote and read to us:
"I believe most enthusiastically - in human potential
for our species survival, your cooperation is essential.
I believe in seeing the best in you, until shown otherwise
I'll try not to judge based upon color, sex or size.
I believe in being optimistic, I see the glass as half full
Those who preach doom and gloom - are just plain of bull!
I believe in charity, in helping empower others
The bottom line is - we are all sisters and brothers
I believe in teaching children respect and responsibilities
It's our duty to help them make the most in their abilities
I believe that real love is like a fine jewel
It must be honed and polished - caring is the tool
I believe in striving to be the best
It's not all about winning, but in living life with zest
I believe in doing good; it gives me so much pleasure
It's not because of fear of hell, nor promises of heavenly treasure
I believe in following the evidence, no matter where it leads
Even if it does not suit my fancy, or fulfill my emotional needs
I believe in science, reason, and the power of the human mind
To nurture curiosity, to seek and to find
I believe in the pursuit of happiness, joy and mirth
Let us all strive together to heaven here on Earth
I don't believe in gods - be they Christian, Muslim or Jew
Instead, I truly do believe in YOU!"
-Robert A. Richert ....Athiest :)
damn man i could've burst into tears if i wanted to. this man speaks the truth and i love him for it. (by the way he's a super joyful and full of spirit kinda guy)
now to push my awe further.....
The Modern Day Satanist spoke up. To be honest, i really though he was just gonna be full of it.
but i was wrong
DEAD wrong
he has very self - empowering and very positive way of life.
here's some excerpts from a handout
"Modern Satanism is a belief system that empowers the individual to be their own god, to be their own caretaker."
"You thank yourself for the hard work, you are the one who has done the hard labor and become what you are, not some man made god. You do not want to thank any higher power for these skills. You would want to thank family, friends, and coworkers for their support and comfort they have provided along the way."
"Pure Individualism"
"Mod. Satanism is not full of hate and racism. Satanism by some, has been considered an Elitist Belief System. This is simply because as a Satanist you always strive to better yourself."
"They are challenged to think for themselves and use their mind. to question everthing. do not follow the crowd."
"to avoid confusion, you must question everything!"
"The search for truth is unholy, anti-establishment, irreligious, and above all Satanic"
"Satan is Doubt"
these guys don't believe in any deities or practice rituals, they use "Satan" as a representation of questioning life and human potential. not at all evil or has horns or some shit.
yeahhh
im pretty much bought.
if you probably might not known i was a practicing Wiccan, im actually not fully into it. i bearly started and haven't done much. my appeal to it was the nature part. and this guy Mod. Sata. (his name was Joseph) was so into nature! he's an activist in saving the rainforest and he's studying in the medical field. anyways. what turned me off in Wiccan is the rituals and constant prayers, that have to be done and practiced. i can't connect that way and i have done some, and believe me, they got to me....and i believe them! but i haven't felt the need to continue. and i really think thats important in a belief. im spiritual as hell. but just not in that way.
i feel deeply about these values that Joseph presented and i feel like i have been practicing that even though i had no idea is was a religion.
I Love Wiccan and it has now become a part of my life im ready to let go.
i know being called Satanism is very frightening, but i believe their values.
besides
if we are so guided by other people's opinions whats the point in having our own?
anywhosssssss
ya know?! im not a dark, depressed bitch. mmkay?
im actually quite a freakin happy as hell person that laughs at really retarded things, and admire will ferrell, and love color and prefer the sun to rain (yes really!!) i may be down in the dumps (usually when im alone) but thats when im most artistic and creative, i need those moments (art inspiration lecture for another time.)
my style, the music i listen, things i prefer over other things does not mean im dark and obssess over death and shit. i am just overly fascinated by these things and its my personal style!!
in other words.
here are links that are def. worth visiting:
haha to keep the "DARKNESS" going....http://www.fmylife.com/
Fuck My Life rants from real people about really sucky situations.
ever wondered what a TRILLION dollars look like? here kids! :...........http://www.pagetutor.com/trillion/index.html
i know its fuckin ridiculous.
