Suffering Is Natural, Fortunately It Is Also Optional

When I started this blog, I had no idea what direction it would go, but here it is.  It started as a place where I was examining my beliefs, and looking for something.  I was stuck spiritually.  I let the corrosion of the rat race and day to day life get in the way of practice.  That has changed recently.

I wanted to share that change with you now.  I am ordained through the Universal Life Church.  I was ordained in 1996 while I was incarcerated.  I recently came across The Universal Life Church Ministers Network.  It is an open place to share and discuss anything spiritual or religious.  It is a place where folks of many diverse traditions can come together and find and share common ground.  I have met several Heathens and Asatruar in the network, as well as Druids, Wiccans, Christians and many others.  There is a requirement of being ordained, but it does not have to be ULC. The ULC is also a liberal ordination church.

  We will Ordain anyone for life, without question of your faith

  We believe only in that which is right and everyone has the right to determine what is right          

  for themselves.

Towards the end of my period of incarceration just over ten years ago, I spent my time living a semi monastic lifestyle, with daily exercises in meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga, working, and working out.  After I got out, life happened and I have walked other paths.  As such these practices had pretty much stopped.  I have recently rededicated myself to the seekers path.  I have also taken up the study and practice of Buddhism.  I wanted to share a great  forum called Zen Sukoyaka Buddhist Forum/E-Sangha.  The Dharma of the Buddhas has given me insight into the other traditions from which I have incorporated many principles into my spiritual belief structure.

I have studied and practiced several varieties of Christianity, Wicca, Buddhism, and a whole host of other things.  My main faith lies in Asatru, the gods of northern Europe, the faith of my ancient ancestors.  I am finding new insights into all of these things in both of these forums.

For those who are unfamiliar with Buddhism, it is less a religion, and more of a path of transformation that shows us how to end our suffering.  Buddhism teaches Four Noble Truths.

1.  There is suffering.

2.  There is a cause for suffering.  It is our attachment to our desires, our emotions, and our negative habits.

3.  There is a way to end suffering.

4.  The way to end suffering is known as the Eightfold Noble Path.

1.  Right Understanding

2.  Right Thought

3.  Right Speech

4.  Right Action

5.  Right Livelihood

6.  Right Effort

7.  Right Mindfulness

8.  Right Concentration

The Eightfold Noble Path leads us toward developing three things in ourselves

1.  Moral sensitivity:  We learn to overcome ego, we become more sensitive to others needs and become more compassionate towards our fellow man.

2.  Meditation:  We learn to focus our mind with concentration on mind, body, and breathing.

3.  Wisdom:  Wisdom is developed when the mind becomes more resilient with practice of moral sensitivity and meditation.

If you are interested in learning more please visit the links I have provided above, or visit my profile pages at:

Universal Life Church Ministers Network:  My Profile 

Zen Sukoyaka Buddhist Forum/E-Sangha: My Profile

On Twitter:  @Ravenlaughing

--
Rev. Jeremy Cook