The Block

In the voice of Johnny 5 ...slack lining!!! Give room, break hold, releAse grip , retake , break of time intentionnaly!!! To re position or r asure!!!
I spent time at sea as well, I love nautical type words n terms too!
That is a great way to try! Almost forgot about that term! May the Living Force continue to find you Tim! Be well!

Every day brings new things. In my studies I find my self on a personal mission of affirarmation on a few things. During this quest I have taken on a personal challenge. The challenge was to translate my own version of the Tao. During my time at Pensacola Christian College there was a professor who said " what better way to affirm your self with your faith than to take the time to translate its text into your own words." Hmm . That stuck with me to this very day. I eventually did not finish due to monitarie demands that could not be met. Still , to this day the same holds true for any idea. So , I find my self translating the Tao Teh Ching. I find things in me as I learn and translate. I am using a very many of ,4 difrent versions but the reason for this weeks idea comes from one I had a bit of trouble with.
58
Where the ruler is mum mum
The people are simple and happy
Where the ruler is sharp sharp
The people are wily and discontented
Bad is what good fortune leans on
Good fortune is what bad fortune hides in
Who knows the ultimate end of this process?
Is there no norm of right?
Yet , what is normal soon becomes abnormal.
And what is auspicious soon turns ominous.
Long indeed have the people been in a quandry

Therefore, the sage
squares with out cutting
Carves without disfiguring
Straitens wiout straining
And lightens with out dazzeling


Tao Lao Tzu translated by john c.h.wu
Shambhala classics pocket edition!

58
Joy spreads.
Sparpness creates the wily and discontent.
Good vs bad, where is the end? Is there a standard right?
All exist in equal parts , normal abnormal, auspicious , ominous.
There exist a state of constant unceartianty and perplexity.
The idea
Remove not harm
Turn not disfigure
Lead not demand
Show not blind.

This is my version.

The last part I want to take some time on as a thought. The sage... The wise man, that guy, the one whomseeks the change and to be the change , that guy ... Can remove without harm. Carve without disfigure , show not blind , lighten without blinding.
Here I think we find a great example of what character, a created,adopted, learned character can produce. This to me sounds like a great example of a true Jedi, the goal to be the one Who can lead and not demand or light the way don't dazzel me with word or things. I give to you this , that last part... You've seen my choices in my translation
The idea...
To remove not harm
To turn not disfigure
Lead not demand
Show not blind.

What are your choices? What words would you use my Temple to discribe the " sage" here... I look forward to reading your reply! May the Living Force be with y'all. Hope you can take that with you during your week. As a fellow Jedi said to me , May the Force shine with you!

Carlos,

I have been thinking on this for quite some time since the original post above was made. i have come to this a "sage" is one who sees there is no sage only students. For one to be a sage it implies a level of learning that allows for a set standard of learning. Yet, a sage would and should always strive to learn. To remove not harm is a fine line and To turn and not disfigure is to sculpt understanding that impurity is purity. To lead and not demand is to teach and learn at the same time a skill seldom acquired, and to show but not blind is to be objective and void of emotion on said subject but to accept it for what it is, and yet to know that your emotion on it is still an important aspect however, not always the one to act on. This is my belief and feelings here. Be not a sage but a student forever. The force be with you all, always as it shall be.

Mindfulness can be a factor in a lot that we do. in study I find my attention has shifted to our family. As I learn and grow I have noticed that they do not. This may only be my own self noticing this but the more I study and grow the more they do not. Think about that for a while, let that sink in. I am no way shape or form calling any one stupid or names by any means the point is as Jedi we have a place to grow, most of our family is NOT Jedi and do not have the means as we do. Nothing right or wrong with that, just stating the obvious, as you learn to meditate and open your mind to new ideas, do not forget the family and those around you. Now , we all know Jedi ism isn't for every one and quite really its a difficult thing to explain so that being said some times we are Jedi in a world that is not. We have a place to come and learn and grow, we ourselves are learning new things and people and ideas and the truth is our parents are not in the Temple in our Journals and neither is the wife and kids. da da da dahhhhhh what now... what a point in our Jedi lifes and paths to realize this. When I came to this realization I was afraid a bit. What if I s came to mind and my amygdule went nuts..... ( I have leaned most times in life a small pause is beneficial) I paused long and hard on this one. I had never even though that idea in my mind. Im not saying that im the best ant any of this or even quite know whats all what and possible but I do know a few things like anything.....is possible at any given time, depends on the characters in the story, any how, I began including my son in my meditations, just son, ima meditate for a few wanna join, I get 50 50 so im happy with those stats! To the other heart in my life I added things I was learning to suite us as well. Included her in the learning as well. I started love books, 5 languages of love, how to speak to a king and queen. manners. ...from one lover to another, dance with your love...learn or atleast hae fun lerning togeather. I began growing not only in my self, but in my hubby spot and in my dad spot. Forgive me for not having all the right words to describe properly, im still learning too!
In life there is a balance. In everything we do I think balance can be had or maintained at least. It may take a while and some one saying something to us....(hint hint) but eventually we can find our own balance. As far as family, oh my Temple don't forget them. Don't leave them behind. To me , the more I study the better I am for myself and my family. Include them in your studies. I cant tell you how exactly cuz im not that kind of Jedi lol but I will say make a space for em, afterall, they are why our Jedi hearts know love. Right?

A Knght is always a bit lonely

On a personal level i can share that i have been feeling lonely for a while now , i shared this with my daughter and she shares this feeling , i like that i can talk about that with her because i choose this path , not taking anyone elses feelings in consideration, She says i am more awake now , not distant as i sometimes could be. I am not alone , though i seek Solitude , i am not lonely in my heart , but sometimes it would be cool to have another Jedi here to spar with...i lost one of my best friends , he was confronting , harsh , and selfish , but i miss him , because i felt his love for me. Yes i am a bit lonely , but not alone and i am a bit alone but never lonely :lol:

Confusing ? Yes , thank G'd we have this place to learn and study

Thank you for reminding me Master !

Any time ! Including family is a big step toward from fan fare to study ups, to a simple cup of hot steaming coco! We are as alone as we want to be some times . you are strong Lima no doubt about that. Take a few family members with you on your trip! Lol be well and keep growing! Keep seeking keep finding,and share! Force be,still with you and yours

Syncritism

For those who may not know it your in the clergy section or you have ben invited to the spiritual side of the Temple, feel free to look around and see what the clergy has to offer.
The active difference between Syncritism and tolerance is so far from each other yet they are always mistaken for the other.
this WAS taken from seminary training when I took it lol
Syncretism
We often speak of a syncretic religion as a meeting space wherein everyone can enjoy the religion of their choosing and everyone just gets on well. That isn’t precisely it. That, different religious beliefs and practices cohabitating is simply religious toleration, as that which was first advocated by John Locke in the 17th century. This was further put forth by Roger Williams who was steadfastly opposed to the systematic ‘conversion’ of Native Americans to Christianity (or something that resembled it).

Religious toleration (or tolerance) is a very, very good start, but it certainly doesn’t stop there. We must be tolerant, then accepting of others’ beliefs and convictions. Divergent perspectives are good ; they would best never be the basis for conflict. But this is not the same as syncretism.

In my studys I have found so much more benefit from a real syncretic idea rather than co existing.
EXAMPLE.
I tend to rely on my Buddhism teachings and my Jedi teachings as well as my study on the Tao and the bible.
many different ideas can and do live in me. My ideas of father and lover have come from others I have seen. Hey they hold hands and actively search for eachother when they are separated to long, when I saw a couple do that in my home church, I noticed they were way closer and different in a relationship than that which I had know or had been believed had existed. I found a different example of love. I found it! I adapted it, turns out Mr Jimmy "prays" for his wife every morning and , and the contents of this mans words, holly molley he loved that woman, he only shared it once with me after church in a mc donalds but I never forgot thsat hat, THAT love exist so I now lay in meditation , every night and morning and think on my wife and son. Daily, this creates a fondness you can only get from frequency. Did u catch that?
This is syncretism at its finest. I Love with a love that is not my own, I leanred it. and gained , adapted, took, acted to give that type of love.
Syncritism says you can do this for any idea from any where. Think about that, this one idea gives the Jedi their freedom of individuality, true individuality ,in my opinion. The ability to be lover, fighter, teacher , brother, Knight, Priest and, any combination there in all in you, right there for you to enjoy.

last example
Some of us are martial art savy , at least some of us are, There is a idea , style of thinking called JEET KUNE DO
We all know thisas Master Lees efforts to bring all arts to their finest in this one idea. Fencing, grappling, striking, boxing, this dude has got it all and speed.... ive never been kicked quite as accurate as my own Master K used to teach the blocks to me first hand. Been stomped and tossed, thrown and beaten with bats n sticks but never did he have such accuracy as to take my wind and my muscle ability's in one invisible kick. Great stuff
its this, we often quote "be like water" the ability to be anything at any time.
Some of us are like a good old fashion swiss army knife. Some of us are like a great beautiful library needing tapestry's and rugs and a cup of coffee, or tea. How ever the analogy we have this gift of Syncretism, not tolerance. My hope is thru examples we can see more examples of real life syncretism not well...tolerance, nothing wrong with tolerance, trust me but there IS a difference friends, a very active difference. Long live the Gray Jedi who actively search out new ideas every day. ONE of many gifts this syncretism has is I get to keep my "gray" status lol
SEEK TO FIND

Our syncretism allows it, isn't that nice?
PS if u need more please don't hesitate to pm me my box is always open friend and Jedi
May the living Force be with yall and may we be about the build up, not the tare down.
Carlos

A bump.. Has appeared...

To those who are fans, I say enjoy. To those like me and wish to take a bit more from the Temple, to you...you friends I call to. I am thankful for a place like this. Truly, we here, have many opportunities on line as well as off line to practice what is inside us and it is on that idea I ask for your attention this week. How, the practical how. I, myself would love to read the how's of how we as Jedi ...actually use our Syncretism and lessons and wisdom are used. I think that's one of many great ideas of the Temple. As I study and learn I notice my own path before me. I notice. I see, now what happens when we finally identify things. With me, it was at a time when I noticed I could...cognitively change things....my mind was blown. In my life I have know people who had a better...character than me. Truth be told, I know I was born on the streets to a life style much NOT what I knew nor taught. Hence the bad grammar but im learning! So I came to a point where I saw others acting in ways, well frankly I wanted to act. Hold on Jedi don't loose me , lol So, I simply did a bit of studying, asked a few questions and this is what I got.
without labels....Eddie Keller had a wife. He claimed to love her. He woke up every morning and wiped the dew from his car with a rag. Started the coffee for his love and met her every morning before she started her day. At church or at the stores they were like homming pigeons...in no time flat they would search for each other and move towards one another just to stand next to one another.
FREQUENCY DAILY QUALITY AUDIO DEVOTION AND PLEDGE
Till her last breath he was in arms shot of her. He told her good bye with a cup of coffee.
Monte , my man Monte sang in church his whole life. Wasn't the ideal idea of Christianity, had a few beers and a baseball game. Lovely voice and an old time picker of guitars and stringed things. singings was his thing!
Monte had been going thru health problems, we all knew. So did Monte. At the hospital, there was a singing...his entire clan as we call em sang him away. He had taught them how to sing and now at the end, wow.....'
Both People are real and have passed from this life and from my path. This very month. My heart go to the Kellers from San Antonio TX and the Doty's from Spring Bay Illinois.
These two examples are mine and like so many of you you have your own I hope as well. If you do not I encourage you to find them. Look at your own life and find the wisdom and gifts that are there already, lol smiley face (build you)
Now that moment when you find yourself in need of a example, insert what you think you would like to act like...in other words, if Eddie were given one more day, how woud he wake up tomoow? How did he build that end? How did he do it? How do these examples do it.? That my friend is the moment we insert a difrent action, insert character, and the best part is it doesn't even have to be our own. (...mind Blown...) Do you have examples? what are those moments Jedi? I would love to read a few. Honestly, of things of the heart I could listen all night, lol I have. May the Force be with yall Jedi every where.
when those moment come and we have the opportunity , I would hope we choose a bit of what we choose, not what's just automatic.
The things we could build!!!!

The Jedi way
As I study and grow I notice to many labels to many lines and a lot of ... groups fro my liking. im not speaking against groups or collectiveness, no we are a collection of great things here friends what im saying is after some time there can come time when you erase a few lines. I am a Knight here and a Minister and a Jedi so I will NEVER tell you what to do or how the "best" will we for you. Now that being said in the spirit of actual UNITY join me as we practice this one.
Something to think of for the week!
We by our word have said we believe"... In the Force, and in the inherent worth of all life within it."
This means to a Jedi and those who claim it, life Has worth. now...
Do you believe in it? Do you believe in all life as valuable? not saying animals and so forth just the tip basic... do you believe every heart every life matters? For some of us like me I had to break the chains that held my ideas captive. It is possible Jedi, to be something you were not raised even stronger than you were tough or even to those who have had the assistance needed to achieve what it is we believe in and to accomplish anything. All life , human life you me them us we her him them it is my choice stance. My enemies as well. To most that will take a bit of time and effort in that direction, nothing happens over night friends, so as Jedi do you stand with me? Do you hold life sacred? Special? dear?
the inherent worth...hmm you mean we are all ...worth yes you are as much worth as me and him, who ever him may be! lol
Join me Jedi in taking this simple stand, we all agree on im sure but have never said it. Stand for life. Like that when some one asks you hey so and what do you think about the shootings and the killings....see past the names and labels and see Jedi, without reserve ...see whats there then , make your mark. I hope im not the only Jedi who understands these simple truths here is your faithful in the little things, the big things are easy. Life, make a choice. Take a stand and join. Do it. then, see what else you can stand on! Some call this making character some call it cheating lol I call it good form. Take a stand before its needed and you wont worry about your answer when it called on.
All my heart Jedi !
Carlos JK LM

So thing to ponder...
My past year was full of a lot of things I placed and came to light. I planted and reaped and lost and won. In was thinking I'm ... 30 plus...lol at any given time in my life between here till birth if I would have had a Jedi example how different would things be? At any given time I might have grasped it and changed everything. Mostly me... In would have made fun of it but.... That one chance... Now , in would take it. I know for a fact if I knew then what I know now and accepted it at any given time sooner....boom!!! So I said to myself , why not be that lighfornsome one else? Our example of Jedi is quite litterally all some will ever know and see. So, this year shine for the new, the now the constant the future and the nots.... It may, you may be that small light they need or, like me have been waiting for. Shine friends and Jedi.... you are!!!! I see you!!!Let's build up ,never tare down.

If i have learned anything from you Master , it is that i now take my heart with me wherever i go , no hiding , no destroying , no neglegting , here i am , whole again I notice that when you do that , you are vulnarable and invincible at the same time , its a good feeling. Off course it feels off when someone tries to hurt you out of their own confusion , but they are not insulting you , they are insulting themselves

We are not what they accuse us of ...they are

And as for taking chances , you may say now that you would grab that chance , but chances are you did not see it as a chance then ...years ago

I've been on my path since birth. Its taken all that to get this. One of the great things Jedi ism can bring is that mind set. There are many but this one seems to me to be the... Better to defend. My own choice now.! So possible. I am in your glow Lina ! You in mine we shine bright. Let's not blind... Smiley face!

Focus Knowledge Wisdom
When used correctly... These can help us overcome obstacles.
Our three Tenets
How? Something for thought...
Focus is present, now.
Knowledge is yesterday , what we know.
Wisdom is future what to do with now and yesterday.
A simple yet complex formula for the helping any time.
Are we using it to help us overcome obstacles?

This begins a path of mindfulness some of us can use.
I have and it works and... Its contagious.
Be well Temple and keep seeking to find!
Carlos Jk Minister

my path before this ... Before here i was more introduced to Jedi ism I was pretty much out of control, get mad and i would lash out , lose it , never was able to keep focus and not realizing that i would zone out drift off not pay attention when spoken to .. unable to stay on task ., forgetting to do things , someone can tell me something psh wont remember half the time what they just said but yet i can remember my lock number back when i was in the 9th grade go figure .. life and the struggles u have with having adhd yeah ok so those are some of the bad , there are good things that go along with Adhd but the good u obviously dont need to work on .. before i was on here i was introduced to meditation , learning self control, patience, and trying to put these into practice , i needed and wanted to learn more bout , amazingly i found jedi ism , now i have more of a understanding not just bout self but other stuff that nothing is coming to mind right now to give an example and putting it into practice .My Path Now I see me as jedi and thats how i carry myself more now. in the light of having the focus wisdom and knowledge and still learning which is a good thing in my good My Future Path knowing i will be learning from u ..

Ke JinnDakken wrote: my path before this ... Before here i was more introduced to Jedi ism I was pretty much out of control, get mad and i would lash out , lose it , never was able to keep focus and not realizing that i would zone out drift off not pay attention when spoken to .. unable to stay on task ., forgetting to do things , someone can tell me something psh wont remember half the time what they just said but yet i can remember my lock number back when i was in the 9th grade go figure .. life and the struggles u have with having adhd yeah ok so those are some of the bad , there are good things that go along with Adhd but the good u obviously dont need to work on .. before i was on here i was introduced to meditation , learning self control, patience, and trying to put these into practice , i needed and wanted to learn more bout , amazingly i found jedi ism , now i have more of a understanding not just bout self but other stuff that nothing is coming to mind right now to give an example and putting it into practice .My Path Now I see me as jedi and thats how i carry myself more now. in the light of having the focus wisdom and knowledge and still learning which is a good thing in my good My Future Path knowing i will be learning from u ..

I am so proud of you Sis , we all have come a long way , and even though it seems that for some it comes naturally , it does not , you are brave to embark on this mission dont forget that , you have a family here

Thank u sis!! I love my family! you guys are amazing!!

Monday though...
I meetvalot of people who have similar ideas. The most common is this.... Will it all end, in reference to the struggles and hardships in life. Sadly , life will happen. All extreams are always present and the " struggle" sometimes we feel is in our own minds cuz its all confusing.
It is. Who do you belive? Who do you trust.
In moments like these it comforting to know the constant " fight " and " drama" eventually stops. I will say that again, the longer you study the more you hone your self and you do..you do , YOU WILL figure things out for yourserlfs. I promise, know how I can stand on that?
I did. Its possible.
So, be aware that this path leads to more questions , many more but eventually friends, you will be the light u want to be. You will reach the goal. And... You can go on! Pass it teach it, ohhh Jedi the day will come when the tears stop the pain turns to give instead of take, if that's the goal!.
Keep on !!!! Seek! You WILL find. Eventually you will , there is...light...

As Jedi we find ourselfs re writing things as far as definitions and things are. Natural . Some get caught up on the labels a bit to much and become what can be when one allows their focus to be only selected things. I want to talk on love. This is the spiritual side of the Temple so here we go.

Love . What is your love u give? Where did U get your idea of love? What are your examples? And what is now what you have now, what u want . Seems easy but it isn't.
The ability to remove attachment and hurt is the key to this exsersise. To make the mindfulness... applicable . So once we find these answers with no blame no attachment ... Hard yes! Where my definition came from was examples I had growing up. Parents loved ones movies music books. These were my spread. I found them lacking and wanting very much , so now what? At this point many Jedi get lost in the identification process and stay mad or angry at the label person or thing. That's natural but the ability to say ... Hey , maybe I need a ...different example. The seek kicks in here. Now we have the choice to find a better example. Not to stay mad at what we found but to remember we are re defining a lot of things.. Our actions as well. So as Jedi we seek and in this case love....
No one has the text book definition of love. If you do count it fortunate for those who don't ... My self I had to re learn love. This changes things. The ability to watch others and listen to others examples and ... And adapt immilate use as example , what ever u wanna call it , to apply the change. The way unloved now is not how I was thought. "Jedi are encouraged to love"so....
What's your definition? What are you giving ? Getting ? Teaching passing ? Can you change your idea of love ... I have , you can . I hope my example of the ability to change my own definition of love can be some example for those who think... They are alone in love and love is hurt. It doesn't have to be , we can change how we do things , we can build what we want, especially here in our love. There are so many examples love I see some I want some I don't. I choose what to do what my examples are and I act.
The ability to be.... Anything is still valid friends . The ability to change your stars is very much a fact as the ability to change the color of a shirt. Here one way how. There are many . This is not the only. The idea is to seek , and keep seeking !!!! Keep seeking Jedi and I hope you find BETTER examples . They are out there AND it's OK to add and adjust your current love definition even if they are from those we love and admire. Just think if we could change our definition of love like this ... We could do... ANYTHING !!! We could change our idea of fear ... Happiness sadness....(boom!) head explodes!
May the Living , loving Force be with you all who read this today , right where your at !

I wanted to think deeply about that this reply but would lose meaning within my own thought. Love is not to be only defined by the interaction of humans. Gotta say that first. Love in my experience lives as we do changes as. It flows and changes form as it must with the world itself. I at one time associated love with labor but it is not that. Though it may be a truth that true love of any form may take labor to maintain to not separate it from that labor blinds you to the beauty with which it contains. It is no bed of roses yet it is no crown of thorns. The best part is that it is ever-present on must just drop the wall and look for it. It may not be obvious where it is at first though; more than not we all have a primary source. Yet, I assure you if you look at it you will see it. It is a perspective, existence and action all in one, taking efforts to see this is a very valuable pursuit and to hear others definitions is certifiably eye opening. Thank you Carlos and I look forward to others replies.