Urban Spiritual

Breaking Down the Spirituality in Star Wars

2023-04-21T16:52:32Z

Star Wars is one of the most beloved and iconic movie franchises of all time, with a fan base that spans generations. Beyond its engaging plotlines, stunning special effects, and memorable characters, the Star Wars saga is renowned for its exploration of spiritual themes that resonate with people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

From the Jedi Order’s focus on mindfulness and compassion to the Force’s connection to a greater cosmic energy, the Star Wars universe is steeped in themes that reflect a diverse array of spiritual traditions. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most prominent spiritual themes in Star Wars.

The Force

The Force is perhaps the most prominent spiritual concept in the Star Wars universe. It is a metaphysical energy that is present in all living things, binding the universe together. The Force can be harnessed by those who are sensitive to its presence, giving them incredible abilities such as telekinesis, precognition, and mind control.

The Force is often seen as a reflection of Eastern spiritual concepts such as Qi or Prana, which refer to the life force or energy that flows through all living things. In the Star Wars universe, the Force is divided into two sides: the Light Side and the Dark Side. The Light Side is associated with selflessness, compassion, and inner peace, while the Dark Side represents fear, anger, and aggression.

The Jedi Order

The Jedi Order is a group of Force-sensitive individuals who seek to maintain peace and justice throughout the galaxy. Jedi are trained from a young age in the ways of the Force and the Jedi Code, which emphasizes selflessness, compassion, and detachment from material possessions.

The Jedi Code is reminiscent of Buddhist and Taoist teachings on detachment and non-attachment. Jedi are encouraged to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and to let go of their ego and attachments to achieve a greater connection with the Force.

The Jedi Order’s teachings also emphasize the importance of balance in the Force. The Jedi believe that the Light Side and the Dark Side must be in balance for true peace to be achieved, and that it is their duty to maintain this balance.

The Sith

The Sith are the main antagonists of the Star Wars universe. They are a group of Force-users who reject the Jedi Code and embrace the Dark Side of the Force. The Sith seek power and control over others, often using fear and manipulation to achieve their goals.

The Sith are often seen as a reflection of the shadow side of human nature. They represent the temptations and pitfalls of power, greed, and attachment. The Sith Code emphasizes the importance of self-preservation and individual strength, often at the expense of others.

The Redemption Arc

One of the most powerful spiritual themes in Star Wars is the redemption arc. Many of the characters in the Star Wars universe struggle with their own inner darkness and must confront their past mistakes in order to find inner peace and redemption.

This theme is particularly evident in the character of Darth Vader, who starts off as the main antagonist of the original trilogy. Over the course of the series, we learn about Vader’s tragic past and his eventual redemption, as he sacrifices himself to save his son and defeat the Emperor.

The redemption arc is a powerful reflection of the human experience, reminding us that no one is beyond redemption and that even those who have made mistakes in the past can find inner peace and redemption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the spiritual themes in Star Wars are a reflection of a diverse array of spiritual traditions, from Eastern philosophy to Western religious teachings. From the concept of the Force to the Jedi Code and the redemption arc, these themes remind us of the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and self-reflection in our own lives.

The Star Wars universe offers a powerful reminder that there is more to life than what we can see and touch, and that there is a greater cosmic energy that binds us all together. It encourages us to seek balance in our own lives, to let go of attachments and cultivate inner peace, and to strive for redemption and growth.

The enduring popularity of Star Wars can be attributed, in part, to its ability to resonate with people of all backgrounds and beliefs. Its spiritual themes offer a sense of hope and inspiration, reminding us that there is always a path towards growth, redemption, and inner peace, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

As we continue to explore the Star Wars universe in new movies, books, and TV shows, it is likely that these spiritual themes will continue to play a central role. Whether we are fans of the franchise or not, we can all draw inspiration from its timeless messages of hope, redemption, and growth, and apply them to our own lives.

Are We Living in a Simulation?

2023-04-18T15:21:58Z

Simulation theory, also known as the simulation hypothesis, is the idea that the reality we experience is actually a computer-generated simulation created by an advanced civilization. While this theory has gained significant attention and speculation over the years, there is a growing debate over whether it ultimately matters one way or another.

Proponents of simulation theory argue that there is a significant chance that we are living in a programmed reality. They point to the rapid advancements in technology and artificial intelligence as evidence that future civilizations could create simulations that are indistinguishable from reality. Moreover, it may help explain some of the mysteries of the universe, such as why our physical laws seem perfectly calibrated to support life.

However, critics argue that the hypothesis is un-testable and therefore irrelevant. They point out that even if we were living in a simulated reality, it would not change the nature of our experience. Our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions would still be perceived as real, and the idea that you could exit the simulation a la The Matrix is mere fantasy.

Moreover, some argue that the concept of simulation theory is more of a philosophical thought experiment than a scientific hypothesis. Even if we could prove that we are living in a simulation, it would not necessarily provide us with any practical knowledge or benefit.

Additionally, simulation theory is limited by our current understanding of technology and the universe. While we have made incredible advancements in science and technology, there is still much that we do not know about consciousness, the universe, and the limits of technology.

Nevertheless, the idea has sparked important conversations about the nature of reality and the bounds of human knowledge. The concept of a simulated reality challenges our traditional notions of what is real and what is possible. It forces us to question our assumptions about the universe and the nature of our existence.

Furthermore, it can help us recognize the importance of remaining open to new ideas and possibilities. By acknowledging that our understanding of the universe may be limited, we can remain humble and receptive to new discoveries and insights, which in turn can help us to push the boundaries of human knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Live for Today

2023-04-17T15:48:33Z

The concept of living for today is not a new one. It’s based in many popular sayings that has been passed down across the years. The idea is that we should live each day as if it were our last, cherishing every moment and making the most of the time we have. But what does this really mean, and why might it be important?

First, let’s consider why it’s important to approach life this way. The truth is that we may only have one life to live, and we never know how much time we have left. Life is unpredictable, and we can’t control everything that happens to us. But we can choose how we live from an inner perspective.

Living for today means that we don’t take anything for granted. We appreciate the people in our lives and the experiences we have, knowing that they may not last forever. It means that we don’t waste too much time on things that don’t matter, such as petty arguments or material possessions. Instead, we focus on what’s truly important, such as our relationships, our passions, and our personal growth.

Living in this way can bring a sense of freedom and liberation. When we let go of the things that don’t matter, we can focus on the things that do. We can live more authentically, being true to ourselves and our values. We can pursue our dreams and take risks, knowing that we may not have another chance.

But how do we actually approach life this way? Here are some practical tips:

Express gratitude: Take time each day to express gratitude for the people and things in your life. This can be as simple as saying “thank you” or writing a gratitude journal. By focusing on what you have, rather than what you don’t have, you’ll feel more content and fulfilled.
Prioritize your relationships: Make time for the people in your life who matter most to you. Whether it’s family, friends, or a romantic partner, prioritize your relationships and invest in them. Take the time to connect with people on a deeper level, rather than just surface-level interactions.
Pursue your passions: Identify the things that bring you joy and fulfillment, and make time for them. Whether it’s a hobby, a sport, or a creative pursuit, find ways to incorporate your passions into your daily life. This will help you feel more fulfilled and purposeful.
Take care of your health: Our physical and mental health are essential to living a fulfilling life. Make sure to take care of yourself by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Seek help if you’re struggling with mental health issues, and prioritize self-care.
Live in the present moment: One of the biggest barriers to living for today is our tendency to focus on the past or worry about the future. Instead, try to live in the present moment as much as possible. Practice mindfulness, and savor the experiences and moments that make up your life.
Let go of grudges: Holding grudges and dwelling on past hurts only holds us back from living a fulfilling life. Instead, try to forgive and let go of anger and resentment. This doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or excusing bad behavior, but rather releasing the negative emotions that hold us back.
Embrace change: Life is constantly changing, and we need to be able to adapt and embrace new experiences. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. Embrace the uncertainty of life, knowing that it’s what makes it exciting and worthwhile.

In conclusion, living for today is a powerful mindset that can help us lead more fulfilling lives. Of course, it’s important to note that living for today doesn’t mean that we should act recklessly or disregard the consequences of our actions. Rather, it’s about living with intention and making the most of the time we have.

It’s also important to recognize that living this way is not always easy. We may face challenges and setbacks, and we may struggle to stay motivated and focused. But with practice and persistence, we can cultivate this mindset and live with greater purpose and fulfillment.

In the end, it’s up to us to make the most of the time we have. We can prioritize what truly matters, embrace new experiences, and live with a sense of purpose and fulfillment or not.

Poet’s Pad: It Whispers Through the Long Night

2015-11-06T15:19:25Z

Photo by Jake Amick

It Whispers Through the Long Night

If I could show you one thing, it’d be the blue flame that lives inside my heart.
I’d make a deep incision, cutting through skin, sinew, and bone
A cut-out door, and I’d ask you for the key. Do you have it?
No. “No,” you will say, “You never gave it to me.”
Oh? But didn’t I. Didn’t I?

I’d walk. A vast barren trail stretching before me.
Shriveled trees, carcasses swarming with the ghosts of maggots.
Twilight clouds overhead, the promise of light glimmering just beyond,
I am looking for you. You – who has the key,
You – who say you do not have the key. You do. You are.

Blood is spilling from my chest – black and thick like tar,
It is everywhere, everywhere – the trail behind me painted with its
Body shapes, those shadows I’ve maimed, writhing in the dust,
Until they join with me again. For shadows cannot be severed from source.
I see your silhouette far in the distance, you are not on the trail.

You are in the darkest reaches of this land, the silent desert,
I see a light gleaming from your neck, brilliant blue light
The key, the key, the key you cannot see or feel or hear
as it whispers through the long night
We are lost
And my blue fire waning.

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The Importance of Pause and Open

2015-10-08T13:10:15Z

Photo by Pat David

I was sitting in Columbus Circle on my lunch break the other day as I often do. It is one of my favorite spots in the city – an island at the threshold of where vast skyscrapers give way to the now swiftly color-changing greenery of Central Park. I like sitting on the ends of the long wooden benches there facing the fountain, which will soon be shut down for winter.

As I sat, the clouds parted and the sun shone down directly over 8th avenue, and into my face. I didn’t change positions. I just closed my eyes. It was welcome as it was a bit chilly out. With my eyes closed, I remembered the meditation gathering I had attended the prior evening.

We were practicing insight dialogue, which is the practice of sharing one’s awareness and meditation practice with another person through conscious speaking and deep listening. I hadn’t been to an insight dialogue meeting in quite some time.

It was uncomfortable at first but as I opened up with my partner, and she with me, all the while paying attention to the body, to the breath, and to my own suffering, the experience transitioned into something wholly positive, safe, and beautiful.

In the warmth of the sun, I thought of this, paused, opened, noticed my breathing, the slight discomfort of my digesting lunch, water hitting the hard surface of the fountain, the warmth of my skin underneath layers of clothing heated by the light, the stab of overwhelming emotional pain with which I’ve been struggling, and the absolute joy of being alive in that moment.

You see, one of the things, or perhaps THE thing I (and many others) directly confront in the practice of Buddhist meditation is suffering. It was the second point we were asked to discuss and listen during the dialogue practice.

And it dawned on me, the eradication of suffering is not the destruction of suffering. It is the awareness and acceptance that it is there, and the subsequent choice that consciousness presents to us: the choice to let our suffering destroy or to let it teach. It is the absorption and re-conditioning of suffering.

In that meditative moment under the sun, I experienced an enormous range of emotions from sadness to anger to fear, and ultimately to joy. And for a moment my heart burst open. I marveled at the unbelievable beauty and immediacy of living, the wonder of simply breathing and drinking in the rays of our life-giving star.

My words romanticize the event because of the meditative state I was experiencing, but if you look at it from another perspective, I was just some dude sitting on a bench, face turned skyward, eyes closed, smiling (maybe crying a little?) like a fool.

The point is – this is the most seemingly mundane thing I’m speaking about, and yet it was the best moment of my day. Just to let myself be. To listen. To live.

Wishing you awareness this week.

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Are You Truly Living by Your Values?

2015-10-01T16:03:10Z

The Death of Socrates
Jacques-Louis David , 1787

There is only one currency for which all these tokens of ours should be exchanged, and that is wisdom. In fact, it is wisdom that makes possible courage and self-control and integrity or, in a word, true goodness, and the presence or absence of pleasures and fears and other such feelings makes no difference at all, whereas a system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.

~Socrates

Many scholars have argued that Socrates strove to be a completely logical and pragmatic man who had a general disdain for emotions, and saw no true value in basing one’s decisions, and thus life, on such fickle impulses.

That may be true, but he was also human, and my guess is that he also understood that to be human is to feel, AND that there is difference between those emotions based on little or no reason, and those based firmly in reality.

I believe that this is what the above quote is all about. He cites wisdom as the ultimate goal, which then leads to a skillful way of life, and “true goodness.” In short, he sounds like a Buddhist.

In Buddhism, true wisdom can only be gained through insight. And true insight can only be gained through experience. More specifically, the experience of seeing reality as it truly is. Mind you, this is no small task.

Still, the Buddha’s teachings are not exactly what I want to talk about though they serve as an appropriate and perhaps necessary (for me) preamble for my main point.

The key statement in the quote is that “a system of morality based upon relative emotional values is a mere illusion.” Emotional values as Socrates sees it are those values not rooted in experiential, and therefore rational, experience, or wisdom.

Yet, I do not think what he is saying is that one should live without values. I believe he is challenging us to discover our own values based upon scrutiny of each of our individual realities.

In fact, I was having this conversation with a good friend of mine just the other day, because this concept of values is something I’ve been mulling over a lot lately. My friend took mild exception with the term “value,” only because that word can be so subjective. I agree.

So call it something else, or don’t name it. What has become clear to me, is that whether I realize it or not, the decisions I make are firmly rooted in some value or lack thereof.

So, I sat down, and I wrote. I wrote an extensive list of things that are truly important to me in this life. And long story short, I managed to narrow down my three core values.

I won’t share them today, or maybe ever on this blog because for anyone else, they will simply be words. And the meaning of those words will vary from reader to reader.

What’s important is that it came as quite a surprise to myself that some of the decisions I had been making on a consistent basis, whether small or large, were not in line with some of my values. I found that these actions also tend to be the more unskillful things I do.

I very much believe that one’s greatest fulfillment and goodness can only be achieved through clear intentions based in clear values. Of course, it’s easier said than done, but it seems that if we commit to those values, the often useless and irrational emotions like instant pleasure or fear begin to dissipate.

Then, the way is clear, and illumination is imminent.

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Why You Should Feel Your Pain Fully

2015-09-24T15:59:22Z

Photo by Fabrizio Lonzini

May joy and happiness be for us a sign as to how close the gods have attracted us, and may our pain and suffering be a sign as to how far removed we are from what we are to become as good human beings. This is the fundamental attitude toward karma without which we cannot really move ahead in life. In what the world bestows upon us as goodness and beauty, we must conceive the world powers of which it is said in the Bible, “And he looked at the world and he saw that it was good.” But inasmuch as we experience pain and suffering, we must recognize what man has made of the world during its evolution, which originally was a good world, and what he must contribute toward its betterment by educating himself to bear pain with purpose and energy.

~Rudolf Steiner – GA 130 –Facing Karma – Vienna, 8th February 1912, courtesy of The Great Rudolf Steiner Quotes Site

The other day, I was speaking with a very close friend of mine who strives to live by the teachings of Rudolf Steiner. The subject of our conversation was primarily regarding pain – more specifically, the meaning of one’s pain. So I thought it fitting to share this quote today.

I think Steiner’s concluding sentence is right on the money. If we are to cultivate the “good” in this world, which is inherently “good,” we must look to ourselves, and specifically, our suffering “with purpose and energy.” In other words, with meaning.

For it is our good will that gives meaning to the pain, and thus to life. Yes, there are plenty who believe that pain is meaningless, or that pain is punishment, or that pain is a temporary stop on the way to heaven. But all of those thoughts are impersonal, and divert one’s responsibility for one’s own pain.

I have recently (and will continue to for some time) been experiencing some immense emotional pain, which I will not go into at this time. What I can say is that I’ve noticed many moments in which I’ve desperately wanted to escape this pain. Moments in which I’ve given into that urge only to realize it later.

None of those escapist behaviors make me feel better. In fact, they make me feel weaker because I’m not taking ownership of my suffering. So I’m striving every day to find the meaning in my pain through my own good will.

And through it I realize what I’ve always believed. Pain is awful, terrifying at times, but pain is also renewal, growth, clarity. And it is mine and mine alone. I won’t shun it no matter how ugly it seems. I’ll hold it close to my heart even though it burns. And I know that eventually the fire will die out.

This is how I believe we better the world as Steiner puts it. We start with ourselves .We acknowledge our pain. And we approach it with good human will.

Wishing you a beautiful week.

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Stop Shining your Light on Everyone

2015-09-17T14:01:53Z

photo by Shrinivasa Sharma

You don’t need to run around shining your light on everybody. Just shine on. They will come to you. ~Timber Hawkeye

This is something that took me a long time to learn. As you may have noticed, I have a lot of thoughts about life, love, god, etc. And I love sharing those thoughts with other people because I learn more about myself and others in the process.

However, there was a time when I just couldn’t keep those thoughts to myself. I would take any chance I got during a conversation to segue into my “deep” thoughts on life and the universe.

Interestingly enough, as I began to actually practice meditation, being present, and my core values, I talked about it with others less and less.

It didn’t seem necessary. I began to let those conversations happen more organically, and even then, depending on the person, I would sometimes choose not to engage on the matter.

I truly believe that if you have a message to share with others, it will be most effectively communicated through your own actions.

For me, the quote means I can either run around in the dark shining my light on every person I bump into, or I can stand strong like a beacon. If others gravitate toward that light, fantastic. If some do not, that’s great too.

Wishing you illumination this week.

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10 Thoughts on God from a Pantheist

2015-09-10T14:19:33Z

photo by Chris Halderman

I came to the realization a few weeks ago that I no longer believe in God. I had claimed it before, but it hadn’t truly sunk in until recently. I attribute that to the lingering effects of my Catholic upbringing.

However, this is not to say that I am an atheist either. Not that the label matters so much to me, but I wanted to explore the question. If someone asks me what I believe, what do I say?

I usually say that I’m Buddhist, and kind of leave it at that, but that’s not really honest. I am what some would consider a practical Buddhist because the Buddha-dharma in its truest form is simply a set of practices. It has almost nothing (yet everything) to do with what I believe about “God.”

This led me to lay all my thoughts on the table regarding religion – well, more specifically on a piece of paper in list form:

I believe in a universal consciousness that permeates all things, and NOT an all-knowing, personal, humanoid god (or gods)
I believe the universe and its consciousness are “divine”– based on my own reverence for and feelings of awe and mystery about the natural world that surrounds me.
I believe that because we are made up of the same matter that makes up the rest of the cosmos, we are truly a part of the universe – created, preserved, and destroyed by it.
I believe our earth is sacred, like a temple, and should be treated as such, and thus:
I do not believe humans are greater or better than the natural universe
I believe that all things visible and invisible are both divine and mundane simultaneously – as in, to me, there is no distinction or separation between what most people would call “God” and the material universe.
I believe all miracles, apparitions, and unexplainable things are manifestations of the universal consciousness
I believe that after death, our consciousness disperses and is conducted into wherever and whatever is needed by the universe – thus:
I do not believe in an after-life or re-incarnation in any traditional sense
Finally, I believe that morality is an individual endeavor, and the will to do “good” as opposed to “evil” is born out of one’s reverence for the natural world, which he/she is a part of, and thus for life – and that the rewards for skillful (good) behavior are the riches one reaps from living in accordance with his/her values here and now.

After I had my list, I researched different belief systems regarding “God.” Let me tell you, there are far more than I would have ever imagined. Was I an atheist, an anti-theist, a humanist, an animist? Some parts from each of those fit, but mostly not.

Finally, I found a term that seemed to more or less work: pantheist. What I then found was that there are multiple types of pantheism. Some promote actual nature worship; some are dualistic in nature claiming that there is only one spiritual reality and that the material world is an illusion.

What I landed on was naturalistic or scientific pantheism, which comprises most of what I’ve stated in my list above minus a few of my own additions. This site, though ugly, is probably your best bet for online information about pantheism.

In any case, this is all to say that it has helped me come to a better understanding of myself and my values. Not to mention, it’s a thought-provoking conversation piece.

What matters most to me in any belief system is that there always be openness to other beliefs and systems. I would never look at those above-listed beliefs as hard and set rules, or anything that I would try to force on anyone else.

If you have a moment and the inclination today, think about what you really believe. Push aside all of the dogma, and doctrine if you can. Go with your gut. What do you think and feel is right for you? Then, keep exploring if you so choose.

Wishing you a beautiful week.

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These Stars Will Leave You in Tears

2015-09-03T20:12:51Z

Cover photo by Tom Hall

A while back, one of my friends introduced me to music of Eriks Esenvalds. This piece in particular is hauntingly beautiful.

Take five minutes today and drink in the these dulcet tones. It’ll be good for your mind, body, and soul. I promise.

Text adapted from the poem ‘Stars’ by Sara Teasdale (1920)

Alone in the night
On a dark hill
With pines around me
Spicy and still,

And a heaven full of stars
Over my head
White and topaz
And misty red;

Myriads with beating
Hearts of fire
That aeons
Cannot vex or tire;

Up the dome of heaven
Like a great hill,
I watch them marching
Stately and still,

And I know that I
Am honored to be
Witness
Of so much majesty.

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