When the first translations of the Bhagavad Gita into English arrived on the shores of America in the early 19th century, visionaries such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau pounced upon its timely and timeless message.
Thus began what historian Arnold Toynbee described as the reverse "conquest of the West" by the East. The teachings of Vedanta (and Shankhya and Yoga) began to seep into western culture and have been steadily and increasingly transforming the consciousness of millions. Words such as karma and guru and, of course, yoga are now commonplace as are concepts such as reincarnation and practices like meditation.
Swami Kriyananda, founder of Ananda and direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda (author of the now-famous Autobiography of a Yogi), points out that for a book to be considered a true scripture it must address the core issues facing humanity: how and why was the creation brought into being? What is the purpose of life, and especially human life? What is the cause and purpose of suffering? How can suffering be transcended and happiness be found?
He brings up other points, as well, as to what constitutes a scripture: are its precepts in line with other great scriptures and the universal values and virtues espoused by great saints of east and west? Does the scripture convey a vibration of upliftment, inspiration and light?
By all measures (and no doubt there are others), the Bhagavad Gita measures up! Among Hindus, the "Gita" as it is sometimes called is perhaps the most beloved of their many scriptures. Its name means, simply, the Song of God! It is one chapter in the world's longest and perhaps most famous epic: the Mahabharata!
It consists of a dialogue between God and "Everyman devotee," or, more precisely, between Lord Krishna and his disciple, Arjuna. The conversation takes place on the eve of one of India's most famous historic battles (in the first millennium BC) as Krishna, Arjuna's charioteer, is asked by Arjuna to draw their chariot between the battle lines that Arjuna might survey the respective armies poised and destined to transform the dusty plain into "killing fields."
Isn't it ironic that India's most famous scripture takes place on a battlefield yet produces a culture known for non-violence? And, ironic, too, that while Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek, the civilization most influenced by his followers is known for its combative nature and its desire for conquest of the world and of nature?
Not surprisingly, therefore, the Gita begins with the portrayal of life as a battle: a battle between our lower and higher natures. Inner and outer conflict is the nature of this world and our inner world. No one can avoid taking sides. No one can avoid suffering. Everyone is seeking happiness. Is there a way out?
Our life decisions must be guided by "what is right." But how to know "what is right?" The result of our decisions and the actions which follow have specific consequences, both in the world around us and upon our inner consciousness. In a universe ruled by the inexorable law of action and reaction, we cannot avoid the consequences but we can choose how to respond to them.
Our ticket "out" lies in our true, inner nature and the nature of creation itself: the Divine Self. Immortal, imperishable, eternal, and ever-blissful, the way out of suffering and the way to lasting happiness lies, as Jesus himself put it so succinctly, "within us."
We must develop wisdom and discernment to know how to act; how to respond and how to draw upon the power of our own higher Self. The science of right action is found in the mastery of the science of "yoga." ("Yoga" here refers not merely to physical exercises but the practices of life control that guide us to identify increasingly with the transcendent nature of our soul.) Intuition, born of meditation and right action, can guide us to freedom from all action. The secret link between the lower self (ego) and the higher Self (soul) is the breath: that which brings us into the world and that by which we leave the world.
The pathways of yoga can include or emphasize our feeling nature; our thinking and perceiving nature; and our active nature. All three portals to objective reality can be reversed to flow inward into the royal (raja) stream of "pranava" (or Spirit) in the astral spine. Entering this sacred channel through the doorways of the psychic energy centers (chakras), we can direct this life force upward to unite the lower self with the Divine Self.
One cannot achieve freedom, however, by refusing to act. We must breath; eat; exercise; care for our body; deal responsibly with our own impulses, desires and fears and respond to life's vicissitudes, including illness, old age, death, fortune and misfortune: the fate of all beings. The yoga science offers to us the right action of how to internalize our consciousness and life force to achieve enlightenment in far shorter time than it takes by merely responding to our karma as it presents itself.
Three levels of consciousness, motivation, feeling, and action are described throughout the Gita: inertia (form), activity (energy and feeling), and wisdom (calm perception). These levels, or gunas, pervade all beings and all forms of creation. The Gita classifies a wide range of actions and intentions according to the predominating guna of each. This becomes a valuable guide to those on the journey of soul awakening.
As rain clouds disgorge their gifts of nourishment to the earth; as the sun consumes itself to sustain us; as parents sacrifice themselves to care for and raise their children; as lower forms of life are consumed by higher forms; so the great wheel of life is sustained by self-sacrifice. So, we too grow and expand our wisdom, powers, and love by self-offering to God and higher beings (as manifestations of God).
Devotion to the Supreme Lord is the highest such offering. Those who sacrifice to lower gods (such as wealth, pleasure, success), "go to those gods" but do not achieve the final state of eternal happiness. All material goals offer happiness but always break their promise.
The key to breaking the energy spiral, the cyclotron of ego, comes through the instrument of the avatar, the sat guru, the one sent to us by God to liberate us and to show us that freedom can be ours.
The end-game and end-goal of our creation is to pierce the veil of mystery that hides the Lord of creation from our view and to know that we, too, are "that!" Tat twam asi-Thou art That!"
The Gita contains counsel to every level of awakening: body, mind, and soul. Its highest teaching is to seek God alone and its greatest gift is the science of yoga, the "how-to" of the eternal truth-teachings known in India as "Sanaatan Dharma."
May the song of God flow through you!
Here in the Seattle area, Murali Venakatrao and I will begin a 5-week course in the essentials of the Bhagavad Gita. It takes place on Thursday evenings beginning May 9th, 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. We will record this class for those who enroll on our website but who are at a distance on planet Earth: https://www.anandawashington.org/?event=essence-of-the-bhagavad-gita-bothell&event_date=2019-05-16 Our recording will be either audio or video or both. Our text will be the landmark book by Swami Kriyananda, Essence of Self-Realization.
Stand up to shine the Light!
The paradox contained in the great spiritual teachings of East and West is how to reconcile our divine origins (and destiny, as children of God) with the reality of our day-to-day ego-active and Self-forgetful lives. Whether we refer to the Sanaatan Dharma teachings of India ("Tat twam asi" - "Thou art THAT!" One of the grand pronouncements of the Vedas) or the gospel of St. John ("As many as received Him to them gave He the power to become the sons of God" Chapter 1:12) or any number of other great scriptures, the question of "Who do men say I am?" (Mark 8:27) applies as much to us as it did to Jesus Christ.
This is saying, among other profound precepts, that within each of us shines the light of Life; the light of divinity. And yet, in the darkness of matter and ego consciousness, we are generally unaware of that inner light and thus do not "comprehend" that it even exists (what to mention being willing to "receive" its influence in our lives).
I heard an inspiring story recently. There's an organization, Homeboy Industries, in Los Angeles founded by a Jesuit priest, Fr. Greg, that helps released prisoners and reformed gang members. He takes the "boys" occasionally to conferences to have them share their stories. At one such conference, Mario, who was covered head to foot in tattoos and the kind of young man you might move to the other side of the street to avoid, shared his story of "redemption" to a crowd of about one thousand people.
In the Question and Answer session which followed, Mario, unaccustomed to public speaking, was quite nervous. Out of the crowd, a woman stood to ask Mario what advice would he give to her two teenage boys. Mario fumbled a bit and finally blurted out: "Don't be like me!
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she spoke again: "Why?" she said, having heard his remarkable story. "You are kind, wise, and giving. I would want my boys to be like you!" For a brief moment, the room was utterly silent. Then, the crowd burst into appreciative applause and support for Mario.
Mario had not yet recognized that inner divine light in himself. But he was clearly ready and receptive when the woman in the crowd "called it out." Our potential, and indeed divine duty, is to discover that "Light" within us, and to share, reflect, and call it out in others.
This reminds me of another story I came across just as recently. There's a Jewish woman doctor, Dr Racel Naomi Remen, whose life work is to bring caring and feeling back into the practice of medicine. In one of her talks, she recounts the story of her grandfather who, in each of his weekly visits during her childhood, would reveal to her one aspect of her own goodness and higher potential (her "light") His influence upon her was life transforming and in turn she has helped uplift countless others in her life's work. In the talk she gave that I watched, the theme of her talk was to encourage us all to be what she called "blessers."
In the grand scheme of spiritual teachings, this role of "blesser" is distinctly, though not exclusively, the role of the "satguru." The satguru is one who is of the spiritual stature of Jesus Christ, Buddha, Krishna, Paramhansa Yogananda and others. In India, such souls who return to earth to help others and who are, themselves, free from all past karma, are called purna avatars.
That innate divinity may be purely expressed in the consciousness of the avatar, but all who have "seen the Light" should also strive to emulate their example.
Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras, says spiritual awakening is the function of our soul's memory: Smriti. We don't create a truth we recognize it. And we recognize it only when we are ready to do so. Surely you've heard the expression "When the disciple is ready, the guru appears."
The sharing of universal truth-teachings (which can be called Sanatan Dharma) is not a process of proselytizing. It is the process of that "light shining in the darkness" and, at last, the darkness beginning to "comprehend" its existence! That light shines most purely through the vibration of consciousness. To shine, the Light does not need words though words and actions can be a medium to express it. The vibration of divine Light is, however, subtle. It is no surprise, then, that spiritual works like Ananda are not attracting millions for millions are not yet ready. "Out of a thousand," Krishna declares, "one seeks Me."
In the worldwide Ananda communities (www.Ananda.org), its founder, Swami Kriyananda (a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda) taught us to work with positive people. Give little, if any, energy to negativity, he counselled. Negativity is not, by its nature, cohesive and constructive. This doesn't mean we should snub or ostracize detractors or naysayers. What works the best is when you focus on working with others who share a common and worthwhile goal.
At the risk of a tangent, I responded to a question from someone in India who wrote to ask about psychic experiences both in and out of meditation. Some of these were interesting; some positive; some somewhat threatening. I responded saying that as we awaken spiritually, we awaken to a realm of reality far more vast than the physical one our bodies inhabit. We can easily get sidetracked, spiritually or psychically. "The spiritual path," Yogananda stated, "is not a circus." Sages from ancient times warn aspirants that they may be tempted by powers over nature or by beings who seek to flatter or to use them for their own purposes.
Yogananda confirmed the existence of disincarnate entities ranging from angels and fairies to demons and ghosts. Nothing to be afraid of but a reality to be aware of. In responding to her questions, I suggested that she should focus on her devotion to God and her intention to achieve God-realization through her meditation practices. She should live increasingly "in the spine," I said, and "centered in the Self within."
I explained that the guiding wisdom and power of the Divine Light pouring into her "spine" would infuse her with focused, centered, Self-awareness. Being "in the Light" put into proper perspective the presence of lower entities and her need, if any, to respond.
Like the famous mathematician, John Forbes Nash, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, he said, later in life, that although the delusions of his disease were still present he simply didn't "give them any energy."
Recently, in Seattle at the East West Bookshop, we gave a Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. After the program, one of the attendees commented to my friend (Rick Johnston) that some years ago (when he worked there), his kind remark and counsel regarding the death of this woman's mother, changed her life and helped her immensely at the time of her grief. How many times has each of us, even casually, perhaps not even remembering the incident afterwards, has shed "light" into the life of another person?
We can each be a light-bearer, in other words. This doesn't suggest that we set ourselves up on soapboxes on the street corner. Let the Light shine through us by our attunement and those with "eyes to see" will come to the Light.
In my years of teaching meditation and these precepts, I find that there are some who draw from me inspiration I didn't think I had. The law of magnetism operates very well on its own. All we have to do is be willing to cooperate with it.
By contrast, there are others who are not interested or, worse, just want to counter anything I say. (Paramhansa Yogananda stated, partly "tongue-in-cheek," that the reason God doesn't appear to most people is that they would just argue with him.) In the early days of Ananda's first community in California, the fledgeling community was struggling to find its own identity. Swami Kriyananda said that there was a time when every time he opened his mouth his self-styled opponents "would jump into it!"
Another reason for us to be open to being light-bearers in this world is that Yogananda affirmed an ancient and long-held precept from the yogis of India: to achieve enlightenment, one must "free" at least six others. Haven't you found that there is one or more people who seem to turn to you for inspiration and guidance? Don't let it get to your "head," but be open to be a channel of light.
When, in the Bhagavad Gita (4:7-8), Krishna says that the Divine Light descends to "destroy evil and re-establish virtue" he does not mean to destroy people (evil doers, that is). Rather, it is the upliftment of consciousness, like bad seed falling on stony ground, that weakens the power of delusion and makes it difficult to sprout and flourish.
Nonetheless, there is this "combative" element to the avatara (and therefore to our own lives, as well): Krishna was a warrior. In his life, he is said to have battled numerous so-called demons. (Leaving aside the objective manifestation of demons for another lifetime, are there not demons in human form to be found in every city and nation? Are there not inner demons, as well?) Yogananda claimed he had been William the Conqueror; and, later, a King in Spain fighting the Moors. Later in his life, Yogananda thought there should be an international police force to counter the evil of "international criminals."
We, too, are part of the avatara. We, too, must confront not just our own inner demons, but, if your circumstances and dharma suggest it, the demons of injustice that surround you just as Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King, Jr. did. This isn't about "fighting," it's about "witnessing." To witness is to act as a mirror and reflect back what you see from a higher perspective of Light.
Whatever form our spiritual battles take, both outward and inward, we need to find our "spine" wherein we draw the strength, grace, and wisdom to do what is needful.
Too often we emphasize the softness or the love and acceptance aspects of the spiritual path but ignore our own, internal need for self-discipline and courage in daily life.
Don't try to convert negativity unless you are truly strong in yourself. Worst yet, don't accept their critical point of view just on the basis of your wanting to be liked, accepted, open-minded, or "nice."
So while it is better to let the vibration of your inner light beam its rays upon those whom you live and serve with (rather than to proselytize), we should be willing to stand up against the darkness of ignorance or intentional evil. Stand up and defend the ideals for which you live or serve; or for those who have inspired and taught you; or others who are defenceless (even if for the simple reason they are not present in the conversation to defend themselves).
Don't in the name of supposed fairness, remain silent considering merely the possibility of "two sides of the story." Intelligent negativity begins with a kernel of fact and creates from it the pretence of a righteous cause. What makes it negativity is that its motivation is born of envy, resentment, prejudice or dislike. Loyalty is basic to success in relationships, health, career, and in seeking enlightenment. Cowardice or self-doubt sometimes uses silence (not-witnessing) to hide behind wanting to consider all sides.
To grow in the Light, attune yourselves to those great souls whose Light is pure and without taint of ego or karma. Then, associate with others of like-mind, seeking the Light. Finally, be a Light unto the world!
As if religious divisiveness were not already rife with strife, do we dare ask if all religions are equal in their spiritual stature or degree of elevation (or revelation)? And, who are we to even ask such a question?
Paramhansa Yogananda was asked this question and said simply, “No, not all religions descend from the same heights of divine vision.” (I am paraphrasing.) He would sometimes tell the story of how one religion of recent vintage, and now exceedingly popular with millions of followers, was created by its founder with the ruse of burying writings underground, waiting a few years, and then miraculously finding them.
I was once received a letter from a friend who chided me for an article I wrote around Easter time comparing the sacrifice of Jesus in his crucifixion with the concept in the Bhagavad Gita (and the Vedas) of yagya (and also tapasya): self-sacrifice. The writer wanted to know why I didn’t include examples from the teachings of the Koran.
Part of my reply to the writer included a question asked of Paramhansa Yogananda: “Why do you (Paramhansa Yogananda) emphasize the teachings of Jesus Christ and those of Krishna (rather than including other teachings)?” Yogananda’s curt reply was: “It was Babaji’s wish that I do so.” In other words, he essentially refused to elaborate.
That there is a special connection between Paramhansa Yogananda and Jesus Christ is amply demonstrated in his own story, "Autobiography of a Yogi.” But no explanation of it is given.
There is the core teaching that we, “man,” are made in the image of God. We find this stated plainly in the Old Testament, for example. We are thus, as many religions and saints aver, “God’s children.” We are taught, east and west, that “God” (whoever or whatever “God” is) made the universe. But in most traditions we are not given to understand exactly how God made “something from nothing.” We are told, only, that He did so.
In the traditions of India, however, it is taught that God made the universe by becoming the universe. Put more starkly, there is NO other core or fundamental reality than God alone! God is all there is! The teachings further aver the core concept of the Christian trinity: God is beyond and untouched by His creation, while at the same time IS his creation, and at the same time God, as God, resides silently in the still heart of every atom of creation! Father, Mother, son!
By extension, therefore, if indeed logic can be expected to kick in here, at this point, WE are aspects of God. Could then the purpose of our creation and existence be to re-discover, to re-inherit our Oneness with the only Reality there is? To unite, in other words, what only appears to be our separate consciousness with the Infinite Consciousness?
Well, surprise, surprise: this is precisely the teaching of Sanaatan Dharma!
Thus, now let us return to our challenge question: are all religions equal (spiritually speaking)? The core teachings averred above might then be the yardstick by which this question can be answered.
I do not wish to represent the teachings of the basic main faiths but I will dip my toe into the waters. First let me add something VERY VERY important: we must distinguish between orthodox theology and the lives and teachings of the most spiritually advanced saints. For it has been said and makes sense that in every religion, time and place, there have been those individual souls who have achieved the realization described by Sanaatan Dharma. This must be so if Sanaatan Dharma be true.
Putting aside then that the true “custodians” of religion (the saints, whose testimony would surely be, upon close inspection, unanimous), we now might have our yardstick hovering over our inquiry.
Christianity and Islam speak of heaven as a place where our separateness resides eternally: strumming harps, being catered to by virgins, or praising God or whatever. Buddhism and Judaism seem unsure of the whole after-death thing. Buddhism inclines to saying “nothing” and Judaism argues about it. None of these however speak of union (or Oneness) with God. Judaism has the great mantra “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is ONE!” So far as I understand it, however, the One isn’t really one; it’s two: the Lord and me. They don’t take the mantra all the way to the goal line, in other words.
I readily admit my tongue is in my cheek and my analysis in the above paragraph is about as superficial as one could concoct but most orthodox religionists are pretty superficial when it comes to their own beliefs, aren’t they? In one religion, they don’t drink; in another, don’t smoke or dance; in another, don’t eat meat and blah blah blah! Imagine they even kill each other over these things!
It gets worse because if God is the sole Reality behind all appearances and if the goal of the soul’s existence to achieve reunion with the Oversoul, this surely must mean there exists at least one soul who has achieved this!!!!! Sanaatan Dharma says many souls have achieved this. Christianity, at least, says there’s just one: Jesus Christ.
Even if Christianity and some Hindu believers say that God himself has incarnated, the more subtle and nuanced approach as clarified by Paramhansa Yogananda (and others) explains that Jesus, Buddha, Krishna and other true saviors are just like you and me but have in a prior lifetime achieved Oneness with God. They are sent back to human incarnation to help others. They are not divine puppets. Like each of us, they too have unique qualities and aspects. They, too, teach in the context of the times and culture in which they find themselves.
Though Christianity comes very close, only Sanaatan Dharma expresses this teaching clearly and universally (even if devout and orthodox Hindus limit this teaching to specific “avatars” as divine incarnations). When Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do men say I am?” he asked the deepest and most important question any human can ask of himself.
It is intellectually more satisfying to say Jesus or Buddha (etc.) are EITHER God or merely HUMAN! It takes a subtler consciousness (of BOTH-AND) to see that both natures dwell in us (and in all creation) and that uniting the two is our goal and ultimate destiny (even if it take millions of lifetimes owing to other choices we make).
None of this makes one religion, as such, better than another. As the saying goes, “There’s something for everyone.” We must each walk our path on our own and, by extension, honor the right and the need for others to do so. Each faith offers and emphasizes certain qualities such as compassion, self-discipline, love, joy, or wisdom. Each faith has nurtured and infused entire nations and cultures with its particular qualities.
 The nature of evil and suffering is a ubiquitous and necessary question. Essential though it is, it goes beyond the scope of this article. Maybe another time, eh?
What is Meant by Hell? Is it Forever?
There are several key aspects of Christian dogma that require deeper understanding if ever Christianity is to be reconciled to other religions, and especially (from my interest, at least), to the Vedantic teachings of India. The Vedas and related teachings and practices predate even the appearance of Hinduism as we know it today as well as Christianity and the other major religions.
Some of those key aspects requiring deeper understanding include the Christian teaching that only by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior can you be saved from eternal damnation. This is two-fold because it posits the concept of eternal damnation as well as the singular role of Jesus Christ and the religion founded in his name.
Reincarnation is another key teaching requiring reconciliation. Reincarnation interfaces with both eternal damnation and eternal salvation in the ego (with a resurrected human body).
So perhaps you can see that this question of Hell is, well, hell, an important question!
You don't have to die to go to hell. Look around you: war, disease, depression, mental illness, starvation, abuse and exploitation.
During suffering, it is difficult to imagine it ever ending and easy to imagine that your suffering is forever. This is as true for addictions and desires as it is for mental or physical suffering.
In fact, despair is the bottomless pit of suffering. When addicted to a harmful habit or substance, you stop even enjoying it but cannot imagine yourself living without it. This realization produces a numbing state of despair and paralysis of will (along with the effects of the habit itself). What else is despair if not the feeling of eternally being dammed?
"In my Father's house there are many mansions." The rishis of India, including modern saints of India such as Paramhansa Yogananda, confirm that the after-death states of the soul include places that could be described as heaven and hell. The difference is that they are not forever. Instead, and somewhat more like the Catholic teaching of Purgatory, these states, whether pleasant, unpleasant, or simply a state of sleep, are but rest stations between incarnations. But their existence is affirmed in the east and their nature is deemed temporary.
In the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, the centuries around the life Jesus were considered periods of relative darkness as to humanity's general degree of virtue and enlightenment. Fear of hell fire was a valid form of motivation in that long dark night of ignorance that extended through medieval times up to and prior to the dawn of the Age of Reason and Science.
I don't know of any specific surveys, but I doubt many Christians really believe in eternal damnation. In fact, Catholics had to invent Purgatory because hell is such a draconian consequence of sins so inconsequential as missing Easter mass.
And what about those poor children dying in childbirth or before the age of reason? For them, the Catholics invented LIMBO! From the view of reincarnation and eternity these inventions seem like patching a leaking boat with band aids. Never mind the issue of a just and merciful God wherein one person is born with mental illness or deformity or in seriously disadvantaged circumstances (even just spiritually) and another born with the proverbial silver spoon. Certain core Christian beliefs will never withstand the crushing forces of actual human experience as cultures and religions collide and integrate.
I give no advice nor challenge to orthodox Christians. Each must find his own way and those many who stay rooted head down in the sands of ignorance can stay there for this lifetime but the future belongs to Sanaatan Dharma. This can be translated (from the Sanskrit) as the "Eternal Religion." It offers eternal salvation through ego transcendence into the state of eternal Bliss in God (who is pure love and bliss) to all beings, accomplished by the combination of self-effort and grace over untold lifetimes. Such a teaching applies in every age, on every planet, to every being. Meditation is the engine that accelerates the soul's journey to Self-realization for the simple reason that God's bliss is a state of consciousness; it is not a place in time or space. It does not require a physical body, or any form of body. It is the dissolution of our separateness (ego) back into the only reality that has ever existed: God. No loss of consciousness is implied: only expansion into Infinity!
As science searches for the "theory of everything" based on a deeply rooted impulse in human nature, so Sanaatan Dharma offers the "good news" for all Beings. As science, rooted to matter and circumscribed by the law of duality, may never find the "theory of everything," so too no outward form of religion can ever circumscribe that which is eternal and infinite. But as science can nonetheless be useful, so the different religions can help those who are attracted to them to advance along their personal journey to Self-realization.
Thus Sanaatan Dharma intends no undermining of Christians or other faiths. Instead it offers to those who are ready to seek "oneness with everything" the goal of soul liberation in God through the practice of meditation. Meditation is the science of God-realization.
Blessings and joy to all on our respective journeys to the "truth that shall make us free."
Studying the teachings and life of Lahiri Mahasaya, and the teachings of one of his great disciples, Swami Sri Yukteswar, and finally, their emissary to the West and to the modern age, Paramhansa Yogananda, one encounters a tradition with very ancient roots. The teachings of India are almost impossibly complex and variegated. But here I am speaking more of the breadth and depth of yoga techniques, almost as a subset of the theology and philosophy of India which is known as Sanaatan Dharma. Yoga is the applied spirituality of India. The essential message and purpose of the yogic science was announced at the beginning of Yogananda's public life in America with the publication of his first book, which he called The Science of Religion.
This line of great spiritual teachers, who we view as the greatest of teachers--avatars--represent a tradition that focuses on techniques ("yoga") that utilize subtle aspects of the human body and mind to achieve states of consciousness that exist beyond and independent of the human body, including its nervous system and the brain.
It is no coincidence that scientific studies of the brain and the effects of meditation upon the body and brain are growing exponentially. Looking back we can see that Yogananda and his guru and param guru were tuning into the consciousness of a new age even as they are, simultaneously, carrying on a teaching that is incomprehensibly ancient. Not only carrying on, but clarifying and unwrapping this science from the dustbin of indifference and medieval secrecy. The clarifying aspect includes stripping away, as one who prunes branches from a rose bush or apple tree, techniques, superstitions and non-essential elements from the yogic treasury which had become dusty, hoary, misunderstood, and "overweight."
Science is taking human knowledge and awareness to the very edge of matter and energy: indeed, beyond the fringe of what can be observed, verified, experimented upon and proven. In this, science is beginning to hit a wall beyond which it will find exponentially increasing difficulty to penetrate. I have read, for example, that "string theory," though the current best guess explanation for certain esoteric (to most of us) phenomenon, cannot, the scientists admit, ever be "proven," at least not in the conventional sense we attribute to testing of drugs, rockets, and the human brain.
It is the human mind that is driven by curiosity and thirsting for knowledge. Beyond the edge of matter and energy is a realm of subtlety that can easily be viewed as "mind" or consciousness. At least it has suspiciously similar characteristics. It's like time and space being curved and turning in on itself. We've gone so far in our search for the essence of matter and energy that we find ourselves facing ourselves: the observer of the experiment cannot but effect, even by his expectations, the result of the experiment!!!! And that's not even attempting to describe what we discover out past the fringes of matter and energy.
The mind, seeking ultimate knowledge, finds its Self. Mind turned inward upon observing its Self finds its Self looking into a mirror. Like two mirrors facing each other, the image goes on and on into Infinity.
Yogananda was very much a "bhakti:" a lover of God, especially in the aspect of Divine Mother. Yet, like his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar and like Lahiri Mahasaya, he explored and shared the yoga techniques as a science. A science is something anyone can explore and use and discover the same basic results. In the science of mind, however, the only laboratory is the mind itself and the tools in the lab of consciousness are the human body, the mind, and self-awareness. The mind-body-breath of the yogi scientist must be refined and honed no less precisely than than the calibration of the Hadron Collider or any of the most sophisticated electron microscope or the most esoteric mathematical formulae.
Modern science requires a high degree of education and dedication. Higher education is costly. The tools of science, like the Hadron Collider, costs billions of dollars. Yoga techniques don't require expensive tools but the price of exploration to the edge of discovery is no less in terms of dedication and personal commitment. Just as only a few can be top level, leading edge quantum physicists, so there are but a few yogis who would be masters of the yoga science. As Yogananda's guru put it, "Saints are not produced in batches each semester like accountants." Just as millions of people work in scientific fields (engineering, medicine, research, etc.) so only a handful can be "Einsteins" in their area of expertise.
But that doesn't mean that millions can't benefit from the discoveries of the yogi-scientists, just as millions benefit from the fruits of scientific advances and discoveries. Few of the millions of those now meditating intend to, want to, or even contemplate the existence of highest states of consciousness achieved by advanced yogis and saints. Yet, they benefit in countless ways -- physically, mentally, and spiritually -- from their daily practice.
Scientists are grappling with trying to understand the human brain. Their professional dogmas and their tools dictate that they must look only to what they can see and touch (i.e., the brain) for the source of human thought, emotions, memories and health. And they are right to do so. Even common sense suggests to our minds, whether from the overarching evidence of biological evolution, or from the functions of the human body itself, that the brain produces consciousness and not the other way around. For now, they must even largely ignore the growing body of evidence that consciousness exists outside the brain. That's ok -- for now, and, for their present purposes.
But the yogi-scientists have proved otherwise using their tools and techniques to reach those conclusions. These conclusions -- that consciousness exists outside and independent of the brain -- are just as provable as the experiments of the scientists, provided you use the only tool and method that exists to discover this reality: consciousness itself. This tool needs sophisticated calibration through a strict diet and vibrant healthy lifestyle, a strong moral and ethical code that assists in overcoming narrow self-interest and helps gain mental detachment from the body, the senses, and personality. It requires wholehearted commitment to the pursuit of a level of consciousness that is ego and body transcendent. It requires one-pointed attention to the details of one's training and the regimen given by one's highly advanced teacher.
Let me digress for a moment. My son, Kashi, recently described a scene (from a movie? I'm not sure.) where three robots were talking to one another. One of them declared something like, "I know that it was I who just said that." Kashi reported that the consensus was that this proved that the robot was self-aware. "Really," I said, "does it?" I believe that most people today, being exposed to the rising rash of robot-awareness but not having thought particularly deeply about AI (artificial intelligence), have yet to make the most basic distinction there is: the distinction between the appearance of consciousness and self-awareness itself.
Just as a drunken person might talk or act but not remember what he said or did, so self-awareness is personal and individual. It cannot be detected or proven outside of itself (meaning by others) unless it takes on the appearance of sentience. Walking, talking, writing, typing, moving, etc. all are signs of life and life suggests some degree of awareness. By mechanical or electronic means (preprogramming), no matter how sophisticated is your imitation of consciousness, the appearance is NOT proof of the reality! Only I can say of myself, I am conscious. Yet saying it doesn't prove it. Only "I" can know it.
A movie may seem lifelike but we know, when watching it, that it is only a movie. And even though we get caught up in the movie, laughing and crying, getting carried by the story, its impact very quickly fades away, just like all the other emotions and thoughts that we, ourselves, have. You see, not even our thoughts and emotions are, themselves, the proof of our self-awareness. They are like leaves on a tree, bright and green for the summer, then fading into Fall and falling away in winter while yet the trunk and roots of the tree remain impervious to outer, superficial change.
Descartes said, "I think therefore I am," and, pardon me, old friend, but it is truer to say "I am conscious, therefore I can think." With our cleverness our robots may be able to imitate life and art and intelligence, but we can NEVER create self-awareness. Great art and ideas descend from a higher level of reality where no form, no logic, no past memory nor merely regurgitated conglomeration of preprogrammed data can be substituted for the flow of intelligent, self-conscious awareness. I say, "I had an idea." This is true, but it is truer to say that an "idea appeared in the mind." It might be a melody, or formula, or a solution to a problem.
What science cannot and presumably will never detect with instruments is that invisibly encoded in the flow of energy which is called many things (say, for now, "Life Force"), similar to DNA, is innate intelligence and the impulse power of intention. (After all, nothing that science can observe or test will ever explain "Why we exist at all.") Like wires inside conduit, or language embedded in a digital cell phone signal, ideas and intelligence exist within the very channel of life's energy from conception to our departure at death. Let me ask you this: "Will robots have "ideas?"
I admit that I don't know where the boundary is in the distant future between biological, human genetic material (sperm and ovum) and human, self-aware life. But I do know that no amount of data or manipulation of data can create inspiration or consciousness.
Returning now to the science of yoga, the yogi-scientist, in addition to the regimen outlined above, uses the breath and the mind as vehicles or highways that can take the human mind back to the place of awareness that transcends the functions of the brain. Life in the human body begins with our first breath and ends with our last breath. It is the most fundamental sign of life and consciousness. (BTW, robots don't breathe!) Wherever life comes from and wherever it may go when it leaves the body, it comes and goes evidenced by and carried upon the back of our breath. In Paramhansa Yogananda's famous life story, "Autobiography of a Yogi," he wrote "The ancient yogis discovered that the secret of cosmic consciousness [consciousness beyond the brain] is intimately linked with breath mastery. This is India's unique and deathless contribution to the world's treasury of knowledge."
The brain and nervous system are designed to operate the physical body, to protect, sustain, and defend the body. But these fulfill, for human life at least, a dual role: not only to create and protect the human body, but also, endowed with the power of abstract thought, logic, reason, and memory, to explore and question the very essence and basis of life itself. In the highly developed and advanced potential of the human brain and nervous system, consciousness finds the means, an organ, fit to express and reveal itself as it Self: self-aware and, ultimately, independent of its own vehicle.
Just as most of us cannot survey the heavens above or the intricacies of life within without a sense of awe at the overwhelming power, majesty, intelligence and beauty that cannot but be the motive force behind it all, so too the evolution of life has for its highest purpose, the yogis tell us, the revelation of Self-discovery: a game of divine "hide-n-seek." No matter that this Infinite Consciousness bides its time through incomprehensibly long eons of time and seemingly microscopically slow evolutionary processes, for in the mind of Mind it is all but an idea, a dream: real seeming only to the players in the dream but not to the playwright.
Every night in sleep, the world and our body is whisked away on a magic carpet of subconsciousness. Our troubles are, for a few hours, gone as we sleep in space unmindful of the bag of bones which is our prison. In this prison the bars of bones and walls of flesh prevent us from seeing the blue skies of omnipresence. The yogi learns conscious sleep wherein the alpha brain waves and the theta brain waves are brought into equilibrium between conscious and subconscious states.
For brain transcendence is, like the horizon line at the sea, a thin line between the ocean of subconscious and the sky of the conscious mind. The yogi learns to "escape" through the worm hole that lies thinly between the two. The vehicle that takes him there is the breath. For when the breath can be made to be quieted (by consistency and intensity of yoga practice), the brain functions that tie him to the body are sufficiently quieted that the "escape route" appears.
In conscious freedom from the pounding heart and breath which tie us to the body, the yogi's consciousness can soar and feel a joy that is without sensory or circumstantial conditions. Tasting this frequently and then daily, the yogi gradually achieves control of autonomic functions of the body and eventually this state of consciousness can be retained regardless of outer involvements and activities.
This in brief and narrowly described summary is the science of religion. No use of religious terminology is needed to free us, though it contributes greatly given the fullness of the human character and its need for feeling, inspiration, and self-giving. One cannot aspire or love or be devoted to a merely abstract concept. The effort it takes and hinted at above demand a dedication beyond any form of human self-giving to a cause or person. Love for the guru (as in incarnation of God); love for God as joy or peace; love for God in any sincere and pure form...........love, as dedication and commitment and as the willingness to sacrifice all lesser things for the pearl of great price.......love is the beginning and bliss is the end.
"Think" beyond the brain; beyond the ego; soar in breathlessness outside of the prison of ego. Think freedom; be free; give your all to the All. Meditation will take us beyond the brain; beyond the body; beyond the ego, and, finally, beyond the mind and perceive objects into pure and infinite Consciousness. No matter how much time; effort (whether mild or intense); how many lives.....for, indeed, God is always with us; God IS us; God is within us, forever.
When does it all end? Yogananda, when asked this question replied, "When we achieve endlessness."
Joy to you in the contemplation of No-thing!
Interfaith Outreach: a cup half empty, or half full?
Tonight I accepted the invitation of Michael Trice and the School of Theology and Ministry of Seattle University to attend a dinner and talk by Father Francis X. Clooney (Jesuit priest). Father Clooney's credentials are quite impressive, not least of which is living in Nepal and India and learning Sanskrit and Tamil! He's written fifteen books on the subject of Hinduism and Christianity (Catholicism, esp.) and had much to share with the group about the points of intersection between them.
The group was more or less representative of the Seattle metropolitan area "Hindu" community. I didn't get a full range of names or temples represented but the Vedanta Society was certainly there and many others as well. The intention behind the evening was to initiate dialog between our local groups with Seattle University and its forward thinking interfaith activities and curriculum, with Fr. Clooney as the magnet and spokesperson.
Interfaith efforts are a mixed bag, however. In part because only the faithful come. The ignorant or bigoted simply do not. Nonetheless, even at such gathering, there are those who want to pound their chests in saying "My way is the best way (because the most universal!)" and others, who, though likely possibly much to contribute, do not do so because respectfulness is the essence of interfaith! Then there are those who secretly hope to promote their own cause in case there are newbies present who are searching. Sigh!
Ananda Sangha in the greater Seattle area promotes interfaith through two doorways: for adults, we operate the East West Bookshop (www.EastWestBookshop.com); for children, the Living Wisdom School (http://livingwisdomschoolseattle.org/) In both places, Ananda members share the traditions of spirituality of east and west which honor one another with a broader view.
Interfaith education is useful whether for children or interested adults. Only by understanding the faith traditions of others can we find bridges and links to our own and thereby wipe away ignorance and sow seeds of mutual respect.
Most orthodox believers however have no interest in learning about other faiths: afterall, even if a few were to imagine other faiths at least equally efficacious, they themselves aren't interested. But most don't think that, I suspect and therefore not only lack an interest but harbor, perhaps, a suspicion that to expose themselves would be to risk catching a disease.
In this they are, perhaps, correct, oddly enough. In listening to Fr. Clooney's remarkable story it was obvious he is not the usual Catholic Jesuit priest. His life was most certainly influenced, indeed transformed, by his exposure to Indian traditions and scriptures. One of the participants asked him if he'd encountered any push back from higher ups or the Vatican but he said he hadn't. Nonetheless, he is not typical: whether of priests or laity. Those dogmas of his church which would tend to hold Hinduism at bay were clearly sublimated by those aspects of each faith which were shared in common: and they are many.
Thus at the heart of interfaith dialog is the very "clear and present danger" of influence and transformation. In Fr. Clooney's case he would probably say that the experience deepened his own faith. Interestingly enough, however, he didn't say that. But, for his sake, I would assume it to be true. But he would be the exception, because both intelligent and spiritually mature.
Fr. Clooney was clearly suspicious of the typical response to interfaith education which says, "Well, all faiths are the same, then!" This dilutes all faiths at the risk of not deepening one's own. He obviously has this issue "down!"
Thus there exists a resistance based on fear by religionists in exposing themselves to interfaith. To make it worse, there's nothing more cheesy (in my opinion) then participating in the rituals and prayers of another faith for the sake of doing so for its own sake. There sometimes exists in the goodwill and good faith of interfaith proponents an inclination toward syncretism: concatenating dissimilar rituals and beliefs in the hopes of honoring each of them! To me that lacks vibration and sanctity. Well, admittedly this is a personal opinion. I don't mind someone demonstrating their ritual or telling their stories provided they can universalize their meaning so I can understand and appreciate it.
My point here is that interfaith efforts, though needed and high minded, are somewhat artificial and very much like "preaching to the choir." If individual faith traditions themselves introduced an unbiased survey of other faiths in order to help their adherents place their own faith in the broader context of humanity and culture, then that makes sense to me. Or, if individuals seek out interfaith activities for the same purpose or during their personal search, that makes perfect sense.
The gatherings I've gone to, however, are typically of those of various traditions coming together, all too often with mixed motives, objectives, and their own prejudices, owing in part to the fact that each one is a representative of his or her tradition and thus feels a certain need to uphold, defend, or promote it.
On the other hand, so-called scholars who attempt to objectively represent such traditions do so poorly, because lacking in the heart quality of intuition that understands not only the form but the spirit behind the form.
Interfaith is like a teenager: all arms and legs, awkward, and unsure of itself. It must needs be done and I will support it when I can. I applaud those dedicated to its mission of education and mutual respect. I am grateful that the Sanaatan Dharma tradition brought to the West in the form of Kriya Yoga by Paramhansa Yogananda is innately universalist and respectful. I don't personally have a pressing need to delve into the details of other faith traditions for I respect them all and recognize, when exposed to them, the core precepts which true spirituality necessarily affirms.
I believe that the best form of interfaith lies within each faith to find at its own core the same truth precepts that have inspired other traditions. Honoring its own tradition and expression of faith, let each reach out in gratitude, recognition and respect while yet diving deep for the pearls of wisdom and love within itself. Teach one another these core precepts and to recognize them in all, and little more will be needed.


I know I have been somewhat quiet recently, but it's time for me to speak up again and throw out my two cents.
I'll start by saying this: Whether or not the end is near, there is a change in the winds and we must be prepared for difficult times ahead.
As I have stated in previous threads, the average number of earthquakes greater than 6.0 have increased approximately 40% (+/- 5%) worldwide since 1989. Now the experts say, quakes of magnitude 5.5 and higher have not been effected by the increase in technology, so this is a physiological change in the earth itself and not a mere increase of information.
We have seen quakes such that caused the 2004 tsunami, the China quake . . . etc.
. . . there were actually 5 major earthquakes around the world yesterday. One was the Iran earthquake. There was also a 6.4 in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge north of Brazil, a 5.8 in Chile, a 6.9 in Japan, and a 6.6 in Indonesia. The quakes in Japan and Indonesia happened within minutes of each other.
Earthquake activity has increased significantly in the Southern California region and Northwest coast region. The Northwest coast activity is significant to the Cascadia Fault mentioned below in the flood section.
Worldwide there have been such floods as the 2004 Indian ocean Tsunami estimated to have killed over a quarter-million people in 11 countries making 2004 the deadliest quake year in over 450 years. The quake that triggered the tsunami is the second largest earthquake ever recorded on a seismograph.
Earlier this year the Myanmar Cyclone killed an unknown number, though estimated anywhere from 100,000 - 200,000. Not far off from the 2004 tsunami . . . making this decade one of the deadliest (for natural disasters) in centuries.
The Cascadia fault line off the Northwest Coast of the U.S. has caused at least 3 major tsunamis according to research. These tsunamis are considered to be equal in power to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Remember this region has seen an increase in activity over the last year or so.
Another physiological change is the undeniable fact of global warming. Now it may be the mere natural fluctuation of the earth, but for now we, as a planet, are heating up.
Warmer waters improve hurricane strength and as a result we have seen such hurricanes as Katrina/Rita and Gustav/Ike devastating the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico regions. You may wonder why not more hurricanes if the water is so ripe, well the hurricane must first form. Once formed we see stronger, longer lasting hurricanes due to the waters warmth.
The next solar polarity change is expected to be 30% stronger than the last one. Occurring about every 9-12 years causing sun spots and solar flares and causing magnetic disruptions the strength of this coming one, 2012-2013, is expected to be strong enough to magnetically wipe out satellites and for periods radio communications.
Read this post by Revolvr (http://bibleforums.org/showpost.php?p=1790926&postcount=617) on a phenomena science can not explain!
The following is a list of Unions or regions in the making, or in existence.
Sea Green colored Unions in the making.
The UM was launched in Paris on 13 July 2008.
The Union for South American Nations was found 23 May 2008.
The U.S. is in a very down played CRISIS!
Stocks plummeted today, with the Dow industrials falling 449 points in its second worst session of the year, it's worst session being Monday.
Several major banks have filed bankruptcy, others have sold in hope of being saved, the government bailing out others.
The Russian Markets were in such a free fall the government closed trading today.
European shares tumbled for a third straight day today.
Tuesday Japan's stocks tumbled, though Wednesday they recovered a third of their Tuesday loss, still down more than 5% this week.
It's the world that is in CRISIS!!! Not just the U.S.
I think most of you reading this know of VeriCorp and their relation to RFID chips so I will simply give you the newest information.
I did not speculate or use scripture, I wanted to simply present unbiased facts of the happenings in our world. I will leave you to decide what scripture is relevant to these facts on your own and allow you to speculate.
I could have also added a lot more information to this, but I felt like simply posting the highlights. You are more than welcome to post other events you feel important.
Thanks for a very interesting thread. You brought all the latest info on the Last Days together!!!
You have proved that our Creator is preparing our Mother World for the biggest and most severe period in our history, namely the Final Tribulation.
What is very interesting for me is the dramatic changes since 1987 -1989, which I regard as the start of the Last Days, because of the explosion in knowledge.
1986/87 – aSabbatical Year. This Sabbatical year had 3 solar eclipses and 2 lunar eclipses.
I regard this as the year the End of the End Times (Last Days) started.
If people do not realize now that it will be only a few years before the Final Tribulation starts, they will never realize it. !!!
True Christians do not have to fear the Tribulation, our Lord will guide and protect us untill the Rapture !!!
The ten regions are not yet completed, they should be in +- 3 years.
Where to start I'll start by saying this: Whether or not the end is near, there is a change in the winds and we must be prepared for difficult times ahead.
I would like to address your earthquake and other physical data.
Are Earthquakes Really on the Increase? We continue to be asked by many people throughout the world if earthquakes are on the increase. Although it may seem that we are having more earthquakes, earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater have remained fairly constant. A partial explanation may lie in the fact that in the last twenty years, we have definitely had an increase in the number of earthquakes we have been able to locate each year. This is because of the tremendous increase in the number of seismograph stations in the world and the many improvements in global communications. In 1931, there were about 350 stations operating in the world; today, there are more than 8,000 stations and the data now comes in rapidly from these stations by electronic mail, internet and satellite. This increase in the number of stations and the more timely receipt of data has allowed us and other seismological centers to locate earthquakes more rapidly and to locate many small earthquakes which were undetected in earlier years. The NEIC now locates about 20,000 earthquakes each year or approximately 50 per day. Also, because of the improvements in communications and the increased interest in the environment and natural disasters, the public now learns about more earthquakes. According to long-term records (since about 1900), we expect about 17 major earthquakes (7.0 - 7.9) and one great earthquake (8.0 or above) in any given year.
I'd also add that the global reach of the media leads to an increase in reported earthquakes.
You say magnitude 6.0 earthquakes have increased 40% since 1989. Looking at the actual number from the USGS, I don’t see how you are arriving at your conclusion. Just for fun I calculated an average of the years 1988-1997 and 1998-2007. The former averages 129 >mag 6 quakes and the latter 10 year period averages 139. So we get a increase of 8% (which I don’t think is statistically significant). So how did you get your numbers? If you look at 1989 versus 2007 you get a huge increase (79 in '89, 178 in '07). Looks promising, except that there were 183 in '95, 166 in '92. So basically we don't seem to have a legitimate trend.
You mention experts. Who are they? The USGS has experts and they don’t seem to agree with you. I see a whole lot of unsubstantiated speculation for someone providing the "facts".
So? Why is this important? The earth’s crust is very dynamic. All these occurred in active continental margins. You are going to need better information than this.
So, if it’s periodic why does that make the one that is supposedly due any more significant than any previous one or any future one.
Earthquake activity has increased significantly in the Southern California region and Northwest coast region. The Northwest coast activity is significant to the Cascadia Fault mentioned below in the flood section. .
Source? I live in BC and there certainly has been no obvious seismic activity increase around here.
"Deadliest quake in over 450 years". Although a true statement it conveniently ignores other massive quakes with similarly high casualties (1976 Tangshan: 255,000, 1920 Haiyuan: 240,000). Same order of magnitude.
Again, how are you making this conclusion? Looking at this wiki page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_natural_disasters_by_death_toll (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_natural_disasters_by_death_toll)) the 1970’s looks a whole lot worse. A cyclone in 1970 in Bangladesh killed 500,000. 1975- another typhoon killed 210,000 in China, and the aforementioned Tangshan (1976) earthquake killed 255,000. Looks like a worse decade to me.
post by Revolvr (http://bibleforums.org/showpost.php?p=1790926&postcount=617) on a phenomena science can not explain!
PS. sorry if I butchered some original formatting and quotes, I had to write this up elsewhere and now the quote tags are giving me problems.
I wait and pray with you. I am sure you are 100% right.
This increase in the number of stations and the more timely receipt of data has allowed us and other seismological centers to locate earthquakes more rapidly and to locate many small earthquakes which were undetected in earlier years.
In 1898 nine seismograph stations were put into place that were capable of detecting, locating and measuring earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or larger (M ³7.0) anywhere in the globe.
By 1931 there were 350 stations operating worldwide that were locating and measuring M ³6.5 earthquakes globally.
By the 1950s the system of seismographs could locate all M ³6.0 events occurring globally.
So from 1950 onward it is impossible for earthquakes 6.0 or larger to increase from technology. They were able to be detected globally in 1950.
Therefore the increase is an increase in quakes, not in technology finding them.
The increase starts in 1990 approximately . . . you got such a low increase because you compared the increase with the increase . . . Compare these numbers, pre-1989 to 1990-2007 You'll find about a 40% increase (+/- 5%) depending on if you include all the way back to 1950 . . . let's just do these decades.
These give you about a 36% increase.
It's not the single event, it's everything together, you are looking at each single event when you should be looking at ALL of the things going on.
And you probably wouldn't notice the quakes in BC, they are a hundred miles off shore on the Cascadia Fault. Look it up at USGS or Google the Cascadia Fault.
Again, how are you making this conclusion? Looking at this wiki page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_natural_disasters_by_death_toll) the 1970’s looks a whole lot worse. A cyclone in 1970 in Bangladesh killed 500,000. 1975- another typhoon killed 210,000 in China, and the aforementioned Tangshan (1976) earthquake killed 255,000. Looks like a worse decade to me.
Quoting myself here: making this decade one of the deadliest (for natural disasters) in centuries. - I did not say it was the deadliest.
And just Google the Cascadia Fault, you'll find plenty on it . . .
And above all things keep in mind the Big Picture, not a single event . . . put everything together.
I stick to my comment that since 1987-1989, our Creator has increased the number of flood, quakes and disasters in order to prepare people and earth for the Final Tribulation. All the statistics support it in many threads and posts on the forum.
I agree 150% with you . . .
Thank you for responding to some of my comments:). There is still a real lack of source data in your response.
Again, where are you getting your data? I am asking honestly - I've been googling for raw data but haven't found comprehensive data yet, especially for pre-1980 years.
I guess this is my biggest issue. The assembly of your data seems a case of throwing enough "stuff" at the wall and see what will stick. I believe we have been in the end times since Jesus said that he will return. He did say that there will be earthquakes and famines and upheavals etc., but not to worry about them as they will happen. I don't recall any mention of increasing numbers. I think when the great quakes of Revelation happen, there probably won't be much doubt as to what's going on.
My background is in geology and earth science so that's why I took an interest in these matters.
Visit this page on the USGS site http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/epic/epic_global.html (http://neic.usgs.gov/neis/epic/epic_global.html) and go to the bottom of the page.
Under "Optional Search Parameters" you can plug in what you want.
Plugging in what I plugged in you get to this Earthquake List (http://neic.usgs.gov/cgi-bin/epic/epic.cgi?SEARCHMETHOD=1&FILEFORMAT=4&SEARCHRANGE=HH&SYEAR=1950&SMONTH=1&SDAY=1&EYEAR=2007&EMONTH=12&EDAY=31&LMAG=6.0&UMAG=9.9&NDEP1=&NDEP2=&IO1=&IO2=&SLAT2=0.0&SLAT1=0.0&SLON2=0.0&SLON1=0.0&CLAT=0.0&CLON=0.0&CRAD=0&SUBMIT=Submit+Search).
I did this research a few months ago . . . Don't remember where I got the pre 1970 info . . . it is somewhat limited . . . but I don't use bad info, I'm very picky about things, if you want to do the research yourself, you can, I know you will only find the exact thing I did, there has been an increase from 1990-Present day . . . before that it was consistent. Again I'm talking about 6.0+ quakes, not little quakes.
Thanks, I did find something called the ANSS. What they have are some interesting caveats regarding the data in the collection. I believe the USGS website you mentioned relies on this data.
The ANSS catalog contains a number of idiosyncrasies. For example, magnitudes for California earthquakes were not routinely reported until the 1940s. For global events, magnitudes are not routinely reported until the early 1960s. This means, for example, that the largest earthquake observed - the 1960 Chilean earthquake (Mw 9.5) - appears in this catalog without an associated magnitude.
(My bolding and insertion of the "see below" comment) - here's the graph.
There are some other links in there - it may be worth a read through.
Based on this, if you trust the Geological Surveys, the data you are using is definitely skewed and results in your noted increase.
I am an electrical engineer and not a geologist. I also read many articles on the web that disasters increased since 1987-89, which I regard as the start of the End of the End Times [Last Days].
According to FEMA, in the 37 years between 1953 and 1989, there was an average of 23 major disasters declarations in the US per year. In the 18 years that followed, that average more than doubled to 49.
I regard the Sabbatical year 1986/7 as the as the year the End of the End Times (Last Days) started.
1989 - The beginning of the current 28 year cycle was 1989 AD, which were 71 of the 28 year cycles after Jesus Christ was born. The World Wide Web was created by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in Switzerland. This led to an explosion of knowledge.
The graphs don't show much . . .
Those are the years those magnitudes were globally locatable. Meaning no increase in technology warps or distorts the data on these size quakes.
Your graphs if anything prove there is an increase . . .
Remember 1898 all 7.0s are locatable . . . look at your graphs again . . . you'll see there has been an increase.
By 1950 all 6.0s could be located . . . again you'll see an increase from 1950 - 1995 . . .
Though I must say the small size of your graphs and warped number scale on them doesn't do the increase justice at all.
The first quarter inch is 10 quakes, the next quarter inch is 90, the next 900, the next 9000 . . . so near the top end what looks like 1 quake in the first quarter inch is 1000 in the top quarter inch . . .
But if you look closely there is an obvious increase . . .
Sorry White Spider, but I'm not buying what you are selling.
They say the increase is due to increased monitoring efforts. Your quote about all mag 7's being recordable in 1898 and 6's by 1950 I am actually suspicious of. Due to the nature of the earth's structure I think it is possible there may have been significant blind spots for earthquake waves to make it to the recording seismographs. But as more an more seismographs are placed around the world the amount of blind spots decreases, resulting in a apparent increase in reported earthquakes. This is just an educated guess and I'd have to look into it:).
I am well aware of your fondness for 1989 :).
Your stuff is not really any areas of my expertise. I tend to be a little (well, probably, a lot) skeptical of end times predictors because of a very poor track record.
As far as the disasters, could it be that declaring a disaster is a quasi-political decision that a state can use to obtain federal assistance (at least in the US)? I'm not an American so I may be wrong on this count. Just a thought on why more disasters may be declared.
I prefer to call myself a student of the Last Days before the Second Coming of Christ, and not a predictor of any kind.
I do not know if politicians declare more disasters or not, but according to many articles there was a definte increase since 1987-1989.
I have glanced through these in the past.
Don't you think that could be important? Have you considered that your observed increase in disasters is actually due to other factors than an actual increase in events? This is important and what serious researching will tell you. It seems (to me) you are relying on any data or other information that confirms your pre-existing bias, rather than objectively looking at all the data.
And I am not immune, this is a very real and common problem with all of us. In fact I read of a study that if we are presented with information countering or refuting a deeply held belief, we are more likely to actually stick to our original belief even stronger than before. Just peruse any political or religious site (or this board) to see this in action;).
Well look into it . . . but 1940-1965 is not the increase I'm talking about, I start my recording in 1950 when all 6.0 quakes were recordable . . . 1950s - 1980s all had similar amounts of quakes, 1990 - 2000 has shown a 40% increase (+/- 5%).
I'm not selling, I'm simply putting out the facts, if facts are not your thing, well sorry.
It seems (to me) you are relying on any data or other information that confirms your pre-existing bias, rather than objectively looking at all the data.
I am a scientist and not a politician. I 1st do the research on data or published articles, THEN I make conclusions. It is no accident that many things (disasters, quakes, floods, changes in human behaviour, etc) changed since 1987-89, God planned it that way.
If you are still sceptical, I have no more solution for you than to recommend that you do your own research and studies.
I am personally very unbiased . . . the reason I believe what I believe is because the evidence supports it.
I have actually gone from a pre-existing pre-trib view from what my church taught to post-trib for a while after some time on here . . . Now I simply consider myself a future-tribulationist as I see no complete evidence for a Rapture in a specific period of time.
I am also looking into preterism right now . . .
I know you don't feel like what I've said as far as the quakes go is true, but maybe you are the one holding on tighter to your pre-conditioned belief because what I've said and proven contradicts what you believe.
I am a scientist and not a politician.
I 1st do the research on data or published articles, THEN I make conclusions. It is no accident that many things (disasters, quakes, floods, changes in human behaviour, etc) changed since 1987-89, God planned it that way.
Exactly what I've done just in this thread re: White Spider's earthquake data. I have currently come to a different conclusion. As I mentioned earlier, your area of interest is not my forte and my comments were not meant to be overly discouraging. I don't intend to do alot of research in this area as it is not too personally important for my Christian walk. I do think it is important that conclusions be challenged so that truth may be revealed - this was my main intent in White Spider's OP.
Could very well be. However, typically the burden of proof is the one making the extraordinary claim. In this case I have not discovered any conclusions from established seismologists that indicate that the amount of significant quakes have actually increased - except that recording and reporting has improved. Scientists studying this would have no vested interest in hiding what should be a rather exciting scientific observation of a 40% increase in >6mag seismic activity in the last 20 years. Maybe if we can find something in a respected journal (unfortunately these are rarely available on-line for free and the costs are pretty high).
Well here's a link for you teddyv, it doesn't have a whole lot of proof but it's from a non-biased group and they say quakes have been on the rise.
Might be worth a quick glance.
Had a look. As you say not a lot of proof nor anything to back up the assertion that earthquakes are on the rise. I agree there is nothing to suggest a positive or negative bias.
The description of plate tectonic action is a bit poor. My feeling (confirming that bias again:)) based on this organizations apparent reason for being is they are more concerned about the increased in loss of life and property due to earthquakes. This is not unexpected due to population growth and the clustering of large populations and major cities along, in particular, the Pacific Rim.
Whilst Atlantic hurricane frequency and intensity has certainly increased over the past 30 years, scientific opinion (http://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/~tk/glob_warm_hurr.html) is currently divided on any long-term global trend. Some claim the global percentage of category 4,5 hurricanes is simply varying on a decade basis and shows no real upward trend [Kossin et al, 2007]. Others disagree. The graph opposite (courtesy Webster et al, Science, 309, 2005) shows that category 4,5 hurricanes as a percentage of total hurricanes have increased from 17% around 1970 to 35% around 2002.
A bottom line is that sea surface temperatures are a major factor, and these are rising. Consider a few figures. Hurricane models project a 3-5% increase in wind speed per degree C rise in sea surface temperature, and global warming projections are for 2-5 degree C rise by 2100 relative to 1990 levels. So a 2 degree C rise could show a 6-10% increase in wind speed. Since the power dissipated by a hurricane (cyclone) is proportional to the cube of the wind speed, we might expect a hurricane power increase of 20-30%. A 5 degree C increase by 2100 could give a 50-95% increase in hurricane power (super-hurricanes).
Bible prophecy says that God will use the weather to influence man's affairs at the end of this age.
Prophectic signs (http://www.seekingtruth.co.uk/end_times.htm) and the state of the world suggest the end of this age is immanent.
Most scientists agree that the world's climate is changing rapidly. Dramatic events are expected this century.
If we are indeed close to the end of this age, then the correlation between biblical and scientific statements on climate seems significant. Both predict increasing temperature, more severe storms and more severe drought. God does indeed appear to be changing our weather in order to speak to, and judge, the nations. Clearly, it is a very effective tool to arrest the world's attention!
Well we all know how intricately woven the world economy is and if the U.S. fails and drops into full scale depression it's likely, if not guaranteed, the world will as well.
Why is this significant? - Well, because it's only a matter of time before the U.S. economy fails and depression is among us.
If this bail out goes through . . . Can anyone say INFLATION, pulling $700 billion dollars basically out of thin air would basically ruin the dollar.
On the other hand, if we don't save the failing companies we hit depression anyways sooner or later.
The real question here is, which way do you want to sink the U.S.?
To expand on my last post . . .
The market closed down 372 points today and oil sky rocketed finishing up $16.37 (the largest one-day rise ever) . . . This after last weeks rocky start and seemingly happy ending.
Overall this year U.S. stocks are down 17% . . .
There are those deeply confused that say the U.S. goes through a cycle like this every once in a while as they rattle of years of economic woe in the past we made it through, but . . .
When was the last time the government nationalized a company? I mean ever?
When was the last time major banks went bankrupt due to a "normal cycle?"
Some of these banks navigated through the Depression, but died during this, "normal cycle." Really, that makes no sense.
What happened during the last "normal cycle" . . . is large amounts of money used for bail outs typical?
Can someone please tell me what is normal about this? Please, I haven't a clue . . . IMHO the U.S. is about to die and I would like someone to convince me otherwise . . . PLEASE!
I would say watch for us to fail in Iraq and the Palestinians to fall soon.
This time comes of war with Iraq, Israel and Egypt, and then a time of peace - followed by the ac from Iraq.
I believe that we are now at the third seal of Revelation. The 4th seal will be the rising to rule time of the antichrist in Iraq.
I see - hope that the USA is found among the part in Daniel 11 - referred to as "the ships of Chittim". If so, then we will eventually beat Iraq back for a time, when the man of sin is here.
My reseach shows that the End of The End Times (Last Days) started in 1987-89 and will end in 2016.
Okay, I'll start with why I believe there will be a time - a short time of peace before the ac rules Iraq.
Daniel 11 shows a timeline of rulers in the north.
So we just follow the list.
"And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom, but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries."
He comes to power at a time of peace, and it also told us about the ruler just before him that will go down.
"Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes...but within a few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle."
//This guy is taking over after a big war where Iraq has retreated and its leader disappeared on the way back to his land.
"Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found."
///This is winding up a series of verses from 15, where a great war has begun and the leader has been doing according to his own will. But during the war, someone turns on the Iraqi leader (seems to be someone he trusted to help him) and the Iraqi leader will flee back home - but disappear, and nobody finds him.
So seems that a search will be made.
This is where I believe v22 gets its peace partner from.
"And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea; also the prince of the covenant."
"After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease.."
(So seems here is the guy that will do what it takes to end the war with Iraq).
V22 somewhere picked up a guy that is the prince of the covenant, but he gets overflown, and then V23 happens.
"And after the league [made] with him.."
"And he shall confirm the covenant with many..."
So V15 - a big war begins with Iraq seeming to be having victory....but by V19, someone turns on the Iraqi ruler, he flees and then soon can't be found. Iraqi ruler out of the prophecy picture and we find that a covenant maker is going to before long be overflown. Then the ac- makes his own league.
We saw that Daniel 11:15 begins a huge Iraqi war. The bible seems to show us why there will be so much anger.
"And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south..."
I want to pause here for a moment as - many try to shove Antiochus the Great into this verse, or make other nations come against Egypt.
I see this verse as telling us that the many that stood up against the king of the south's ruler are those of his own land.
There is no battle placed here, no other nations or rulers are mentioned in this part.
Thus, I see this as was when Anwar Sadat was assassinated by his own people.
Now Sadat's VP (Mubarak would come to power as ruler) and this prophecy seems to show that he would live a long time as ruler of the south.
So let's continue the V14 message.
"...also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves..."
Israel would have within her land another people also claiming independence.
That same date is still used today.
"...the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves...but they shall fall."
Israel didn't recognize the Palestinian notion of independence, and eventually that idea will fail.
What happens to the Palestinians matters to others in the Arab world, so on comes the war.
So the king of the north shall come.."
Let me see if I got this straight, sorry, it's late and I'm tired . . . correct me if I'm wrong.
2)someone turns on the Iraqi leader . . . and the Iraqi leader will flee back home - but disappear, and nobody finds him.
So in simpler terms; this is the current Iraq war and Iraq will seem to be winning. Then there leader will disappear, someone will then try to make peace, but it won't work. Then the AC takes over Iraq and makes a league?
Yes. Iraq will war with Israel and Egypt, and we are told that "neither [shall there be any] strength to withstand".
"...shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him:..."
That's what I get out of Daniel 11.
I'm not sure who it will be. I have thought that it will be the prince mentioned in v18.
Sounds pretty much-ish the way I see it showing us. The peace comes, but then we have a guy that will raise taxes in Iraq or attempt to (probably due to his war debt and damages) and that guy will soon be out of power. The ac then steps into the picture at time of a peaceful takeover of power.
They won't give him the honour of the kingdom, yet he then is said to come in peaceably and gets the kingdom by flatteries.
We were looking a bit at the date when the Palestinians declared indpendence, and ever since have been waiting for their own land to come about.
Daniel 11:14 shows that two places have people within their own land that cause havoc.
Daniel 11:14 tells us that when this robbers bunch type exalts themselves it will also be the start of a vision that was shown to Daniel.
"And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision..."
What vision? Daniel is not watching things right then, he is being spoken to by an angel.
The being that at the end of chapter 10 had assured Daniel that he would be back and speak to him more.
"But I will shew thee..."
Sometime in the future, Daniel was to be shown more stuff that connected up with Daniel 10's message.
"But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth..."
"And now will I shew thee the truth..."
///So somewhere within this chapter will be information that links up with the vision times in Daniel 10.
"In the third year of Cyrus...a thing was revealed to Daniel, but the time appointed was long...had understanding of the vision."
"In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks."
After the three full weeks, Daniel is okay for only a time that lasts till the 24th day - when then he sees a vision of a certain man (the ac).
So in Daniel 11:14 begins the first vision that was shown to Daniel in chapter 10 (then he mourned for three full weeks).
So if we use the date of when the Palestinians declared indendence and then add 21 years to that- we should find about the time when the big Iraq will be turning around or end.
Daniel was told to "consider the vision" in Daniel 9.
I see that as the same vision message for chapter 10. Daniel was to apply that he saw a vision and then mourned for three full weeks - and now he is to realize how long weeks refer to for Daniel chapter 9, and slide his visions of chapter 10 into Daniel chapter 9.
Jesus told us about the time of the beginning of sorrows - I see that as being about the vision that caused Daniel to be sad at the start of chapter 10.
lasts - three full weeks?
That is how long Daniel mourned.
What was to come before the beginning of sorrows?
"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these [are] the beginning of sorrows."
But wars have been over the history of the world. Yes, but in Daniel we have been told of coming empires, and here we are told of what I believe are to be considered world war times.
"And ye shall hear of wars..."
Matthew 24 even has to not be troubled.
/// So if we are to not be bothered - troubled over those parts - then the beginning of sorrows had yet to start.
Jesus even links this up with prophecy by Daniel as to when the great tribulation will start - as to when ye see the abomination of desolation - flee Judea.
The abomination of desolation comes after the time of Daniel 11:15-19 at verse 31.
In Daniel 10, he was in sadness for the first vision, and then again for the second one.
"...by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength."
Just as Israel too - in her times of sorrow - will have no strength to withstand.
Why are we at the third seal time?
This is very involved, but basically it comes from the song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32. Moses told the people in song about the nation that would provoke them to anger.
Zechariah 5-6 is also showing us a prophecy about the endtime nation to come against Israel.
Zechariah 5 gives the story of how Nebuchadnezzar II crossed wickedly the temple porch. The porch being the part about 20 by 10 cubits.
Since Nebuchadnezzar II did that sin, he brought this other 20 by 10 deal to his land - a curse. A curse that requires that one day Babylon's land falls in a way where even the timber and the stones of it will be consumed.
To do this - we then move to Zec. 6 and watch Shinar rebuild her kingdom.
When is Shinar to rise again?
Not till the latter days of the brass mountains - the brass kingdom - Greece.
Just as Daniel 8 reveals that the little horn will come from the eastern section of the former Greek Empire.
brass - the third empire -for the statue in Daniel 2.
This is a very interesting explanation of Daniel, I would have to study it properly.
Nov 1988 plus 21 years equal Nov 2009, which you regard could be the start of the Final Tribulation?
2009 – 30 Sep 2008 is also the beginning of the next 7-year Sabbatical cycle. The second of three total solar eclipses will be on Av 1: 22 July 2009.
For me 2012 could be a special date when the Ten Regions should be completed and the One World Government should be in place.
The New World Order is planned to be completed by Dec 2012. Two total lunar eclipses or blood moons will occur during 2011. On 6 June 2012 Venus will transit across the disk of the Sun, a rare event according to NASA. A total solar eclipse will happen on 13 Nov 2012.
The sun experiences solar polarity changes about every 9-12 years. December 2012 will be the peak of the next solar polarity change. This causes sunspots and solar flares. Expected to be 30% more active and powerful than the previous one. And with the rare planetary alignment during this period it may be worse than expected. (White Spider). I understand that many satellites could be destroyed.
With your new info I, it is possible that 2012 could then be the start of the Great Tribulation (final 3,5 years).
2014/15 - The Sabbatical year Sep. 2014 – Sep. 2015 will have 2 solar eclipses and 4 total lunar eclipses or blood moons. It will not happen again in the 21st century. This will happen on Biblical or Jewish holidays.
I do not precisely know what will happen, only our Father in Heaven knows.
We must carefully watch and analyze all Biblical Last Days signs !!!
If somebody has not accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour, NOW is the time !!!
Good to be chatting with you about this.
I didn't just one day try to begin to line up world events with Daniel 11. I was about 15 years old, reading it and thought that, hey I understand this. I then came later to the verse as to those that understand shall instruct many. I thought, well it made sense to me.
Daniel 11:13 is a divided verse. We have a part that was to happen before the "certain years" and a part that was to happen after the "certain years".
This verse contains too many army types, so it has to be referring to two different rulers of the north.
This time will end with a huge Iraqi war against Israel and Egypt.
So 1988 - November 15 was the date the Palestinians declared independence, but it was a bit later they had a leader.
So - when do we go from?
The date they had a place declared - or when they actually had someone to lead it, or what?
That is why I tell people the Iraq war should be in either 2009 or 2010.
I watch for the Palestinians to fall - and the idea of democracy in Iraq to falter.
Verse 15 speaks of this ruler of the north will take the most fenced cities. That is why for many years before Israel even started on her huge wall (fence), I told people to watch for that to happen in Israel.
This Iraqi ruler will "stand in the glorious land".
Do I place the covenant of the man of sin being around 2011, 2012 or so? I can see that.
You mentioned a part as to ten regions coming together. That doesn't seem to be what will happen, as Daniel saw 13 horns first in Daniel 7, and then three will be plucked up by the speaking great words little horn.
Daniel 7 shows us two stories as to the little horn.
The great words type of guy was shown to Daniel twice.
"...and a mouth speaking great things."
"I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake..."
"...came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots..."
"three of the first horns"
Some try to look at this and then say -"three of ten".
So we have to go looking, digging deeper into the message here and see just how many horns Daniel saw with the little horn and his mouth, first.
Daniel saw 13 horns and the little horn plucked up three of those.
This fits with Rev. 17 too, as there the ten willingly give their kingom to the beast.
Nobody was forced to do it.
God put it in their hearts to give their kingdom to the beast, and He keeps doing so - clear till the time comes to burn the beast's city of mystery, Babylon (Tyre in Lebanon).
I agree that we must "carefully watch and analyze all the last days Biblical signs!
It appears to me that the Lord has chosen you to be part of the opening of the sealed book of Daniel for us in the Last Days.
As you already know, we are definitely living in the End of the End Times or the Last Day before the Second Coming of Christ.
I recommend that you open a thread "Daniel and the End Time" and integrate it with current world events.
As you already know, only the Holy Spirit can open the secrets and truth of the Holy Bible for us.
My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will continue to give you a spirit of truth.
I would say watch for us to fail in Iraq and the Palestinians to fall soon. I believe that we entered the time of the beginning of sorrows back around Nov. 15, 1988. It seems (by the vision of Daniel ch 10) to last 21 years. - three full weeks This time comes of war with Iraq, Israel and Egypt, and then a time of peace - followed by the ac from Iraq. I believe that we are now at the third seal of Revelation. The 4th seal will be the rising to rule time of the antichrist in Iraq.
Hi, Vinsight4u8! I have been expecting that the one who will be the antiChrist will take at least part of Iraq (and perhaps all of it) and use it as one of his capitols. It could be that the U.S. will be either forced out of Iraq or will pull out voluntarily in the future, and the one who eventually takes over could be called "The Assyrian", whether or not he is actually Assyrian by birth. I've often wondered whether Iran might fill that vacuum for a time, either through warring with the U.S. and defeating us in Iraq or by simply making treaties with the Iraqi government when we leave. I believe Iran (Persia) will be very active in the near future if my interpretation of prophecies are correct, but I don't believe that the antiChrist will be an Iranian. It is quite possible a European leader will have to go back into Iraq and occupy it again, though, and I suspect he will be the one who we will find is the antiChrist.
By the way, your mention of 1988 is very close to Roelof's view that 1987 is the beginning of the end of the end times!
Hi, Vinsight4u8! I see that Roelof has posted what 21 years adds up to, and I have to say that I am completely blown away with this date! My own research that I've been conducting for a couple years now is pointing to that very same timing. I am in awe of God!
Their was nearly a 40% increase in world-wide average 6.0+ earthquakes since 1989. This jump was not an accident, God planned it to prepare people and Mother Earth for the Final Tribulation.
1986/87 – a Sabbatical Year. This Sabbatical year had 3 solar eclipses and 2 lunar eclipses.
Itwas marked with a supernova first seen on 23 Feb 1987. A supernova is an exploding star that can become billions of times as bright as the sun before gradually fading from view. It was the first supernova to be visible to the naked eye in almost 400 years.
1989 was the year the WWW was created which led to an explosionof knowledge as Daniel prophesied !!
1989 was also the start of the current 28 year cycle.
Jesus is coming soon !!!
You said "it could be that the U.S. gets forced out of Iraq, or pull out of it voluntarily"
I see us failing there for two bible reasons.
This shows that a nation is to boot out her enemies - so the stranger no longer eats its food and such, also shows the nation will prosper again.
Just as when God will restore Israel after the great tribulation is over, so first must Iraq get strong again.
Right now food is still being rationed in Iraq. Some food items (maybe soap) are being given out monthly.
So Iraq's food we could say is being "measured".
But this time will stop- for we also have a "hurt not the oil and the wine" part written in the third seal section.
What do you think if we apply this type of idea, and get that from Isaiah 66:8?
Because the Lord speaks as to the rise and fall of nations. In the third seal - the voice is heard from the midst of the four beasts and - that is where the Lamb is found.
"Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and [one] saith, Destroy it not; for a bessing [is] in it: so will I do for my servants sakes, that I may not destroy them all."
Things then turn around - and Israel is fed - but those that attacked her start to go hungry.
"Therefore thus saith the LORD GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry...ye shall be ashamed."
But before this time - as will happen to Israel, right now God is measuring - or allowing to be measured on Iraq their punishment first.
"..therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom."
What is their former work?
The deeds of the second seal - when the Iraq rulers slew each other.
I see ahead of us the time when Iraq will take Israel and the war of Daniel 11:15-19 - then before long - the ac as the fourth seal rider.
This 4th seal part uses the names that Habakkuk 2 gives us as to a coming proud man that will gather the nations.
I see this person as will come from Iraq. The land of Shinar was shown to rise again in Zechariah 5 and the prophecy of Jeremiah 25:11 is not completed, so that we can move on to V12 where the Babylonian king and his land get punished.
Cyrus took the land of Babylon in 539 B.C. - but Nebuchadnezzar had only taken the kingdom from his dad in 605.
So it is impossible for Babylon to have had a whole seventy years of time over the nations.
This is what Isaiah 23:15 is also about - as to Tyre waits for the 70 years of a king to come to pass. When it does - Tyre will be singing the song of a harlot.
Their was nearly a 40% increase in average world-wide 6.0+ earthquakes since 1989.
1986/87 – aSabbatical Year.I regard this as the year the End of the End Times (Last Days) started.
Forgive me if everyone has moved on, but I saw my name being addressed.
There was an increase from the period of 1980-1989. What about 1970 to 1989, 1950 to 1989, 19-- to 1989? Then we have a problem because the data that is available is not directly comparable due to increased monitoring and sensitivity. I actually looked at the raw worldwide data that was available and much of the older data is spotty in magnitude listing, if there even was a magnitude given. I think you are taking the dataset way too seriously - it's not that it is wrong or bad, but drawing the conclusions out of it without appreciating the actual way it is compiled can lead to wrong conclusions. There is a list of caveats given by the data providers (you'll have to see one of my previous posts).
As far as the Matthew 24:7 quote it speaks nothing of increased earthquake activity, merely there will be earthquake activity.