Comments for e-ostadelahi.com http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en Ethics and the process of perfection Sun, 27 May 2012 14:59:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/e-ostadelahi-comments-enhttp://feedburner.google.com Comment on Humility 1 – which self are we talking about? by Saga http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/e-ostadelahi-comments-en/~3/smSyMgM90uc/ Saga Sun, 27 May 2012 14:59:24 +0000 http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/?p=1988#comment-10691 Since we see everything from our subjective perspective, where we see ourselves playing the leadrole in our own life and others as side-kicks, it is easy to forget that from an objective perspective we are so small. How great if we could try to step outside ourselves and see things from the outside. Ive noticed that by telling my problems to a friend, I put my problems a bit outside of myself and then I hear that they are much smaller than what they seemed inside of me. Imagine if we could put our problems far away and look at them. Wouldnt most things seem silly? What if we could imagine ourselves being in the interworld and that we are looking down at our problems on earth. Wouldnt we see things in a totally diffirent way? Wouldnt we come up with great solutions? How great if we wont let the causal pole pull us down and instead let the metacausal pole pull us up. Instead of seeing everything like children from a frogs perspective, we'd have a birds perspective. One step closer to the perspective of the One. Since we see everything from our subjective perspective, where we see ourselves playing the leadrole in our own life and others as side-kicks, it is easy to forget that from an objective perspective we are so small. How great if we could try to step outside ourselves and see things from the outside. Ive noticed that by telling my problems to a friend, I put my problems a bit outside of myself and then I hear that they are much smaller than what they seemed inside of me. Imagine if we could put our problems far away and look at them. Wouldnt most things seem silly? What if we could imagine ourselves being in the interworld and that we are looking down at our problems on earth. Wouldnt we see things in a totally diffirent way? Wouldnt we come up with great solutions? How great if we wont let the causal pole pull us down and instead let the metacausal pole pull us up. Instead of seeing everything like children from a frogs perspective, we’d have a birds perspective. One step closer to the perspective of the One.

]]> http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/humility-1-which-self-are-we-talking-about/comment-page-1/#comment-10691 Comment on Humility 1 – which self are we talking about? by Ilana http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/e-ostadelahi-comments-en/~3/M-WjVLqa4wk/ Ilana Wed, 16 May 2012 21:18:21 +0000 http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/?p=1988#comment-10350 Sheikh Jâni says: "In front of God, the humbler one is and the more insignificant one considers oneself, the better. One should by all means not boast. What is there to boast of anyway? Our thought is like a septic tank. What could we boast about? When a human being knows himself, one can no longer stand oneself. One would prefer to hide under a dunghill. Everything good comes from Him, and it is He who sometimes gives us the opportunity to do good. When facing His power and His trials, we must feel deep within our heart our weakness and our insignificance." - Translated from Leili Anvar (2007) Malek Jân Ne'Mati, p. 132 Sheikh Jâni says: “In front of God, the humbler one is and the more insignificant one considers oneself, the better. One should by all means not boast. What is there to boast of anyway? Our thought is like a septic tank. What could we boast about? When a human being knows himself, one can no longer stand oneself. One would prefer to hide under a dunghill. Everything good comes from Him, and it is He who sometimes gives us the opportunity to do good. When facing His power and His trials, we must feel deep within our heart our weakness and our insignificance.” – Translated from Leili Anvar (2007) Malek Jân Ne’Mati, p. 132

]]> http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/humility-1-which-self-are-we-talking-about/comment-page-1/#comment-10350 Comment on Duties of human beings by wire http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/e-ostadelahi-comments-en/~3/klqUYuiOxWg/ wire Mon, 14 May 2012 23:46:33 +0000 http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/?p=429#comment-10290 Watching this lecture in the context of the correct Divine Ethical Principles alluded to by Dr Elahi in his lecture on "Sound Reason", helps me think that applying at least a few of these rules on a daily basis will hopefully help me to develop my sound reason. Watching this lecture in the context of the correct Divine Ethical Principles alluded to by Dr Elahi in his lecture on “Sound Reason”, helps me think that applying at least a few of these rules on a daily basis will hopefully help me to develop my sound reason.

]]> http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/human-beings-duties/comment-page-1/#comment-10290 Comment on Humility 1 – which self are we talking about? by MS http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/e-ostadelahi-comments-en/~3/moJ7Qw5LYdw/ MS Mon, 14 May 2012 15:13:54 +0000 http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/?p=1988#comment-10284 Thank you for a very interesting and helpful article! In answer to the author's second question about whether there really is some benefit to trying to see oneself in one’s true place (as “nothing”), and if so, what kind of benefit? I believe the benefit is huge, although I do find it very difficult to be truly humble. Seeing myself in my true place helps me to see many other things in their true places. It makes me see (at least a bit clearer) His role in my life and existence and helps me realize that without Him I am nothing, it brings me closer to the Truth. Pride, with its many ugly faces, sometimes even disguised as shyness or a lack of self-confidence, serves as a dark veil covering my eyes. This dark veil keeps me from seeing my weaknesses, but also from seeing my true value and potential (that are also coming from Him). "The instruments for the quest of truth are as simple as they are difficult. They may appear quite impossible to an arrogant person, and quite possible to an innocent child. The seeker after truth should be humbler than the dust. The world crushes the dust under its feet, but the seeker after truth should so humble himself that even the dust could crush him. Only then, and not till then, will he have a glimpse of truth" (quote by Gandhi in his book "An Autobiography or The Story of my Experiments with Truth", p. xiv). Thank you for a very interesting and helpful article!
In answer to the author’s second question about whether there really is some benefit to trying to see oneself in one’s true place (as “nothing”), and if so, what kind of benefit?
I believe the benefit is huge, although I do find it very difficult to be truly humble. Seeing myself in my true place helps me to see many other things in their true places. It makes me see (at least a bit clearer) His role in my life and existence and helps me realize that without Him I am nothing, it brings me closer to the Truth. Pride, with its many ugly faces, sometimes even disguised as shyness or a lack of self-confidence, serves as a dark veil covering my eyes. This dark veil keeps me from seeing my weaknesses, but also from seeing my true value and potential (that are also coming from Him).

“The instruments for the quest of truth are as simple as they are difficult. They may appear quite impossible to an arrogant person, and quite possible to an innocent child. The seeker after truth should be humbler than the dust. The world crushes the dust under its feet, but the seeker after truth should so humble himself that even the dust could crush him. Only then, and not till then, will he have a glimpse of truth” (quote by Gandhi in his book “An Autobiography or The Story of my Experiments with Truth”, p. xiv).

]]> http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/humility-1-which-self-are-we-talking-about/comment-page-1/#comment-10284 Comment on Humility 1 – which self are we talking about? by mt http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/e-ostadelahi-comments-en/~3/CLi8F1wBnHw/ mt Sat, 12 May 2012 14:54:02 +0000 http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/?p=1988#comment-10261 While reflecting on these questions, I thought of my 'before' and 'after' scenarios. 'Before', is the period of my life in total ignorance about "what is the purpose of life?"; when I could not reach nor find a heartfelt and convincing answer. The period when I knew I had limitations (materially, socially) and hardly knew what spirituality meant; but also thought I was God's gift to humanity. I expected smooth sailing in life (mentally and materially) and when faced with pressure/opposition from stronger personalities (boss, manager a friend a peer a relative) I could only grin and bear it while building up milder or stronger grudges inside. I was generally unhappy in a relatively comfortable material life. A state of suffering I could do nothing about because it had become an involuntary habitual way and invisible. 'After' is the period that followed my embracing a spiritual approach to life. During this period the confusion about the purpose of life and why we are here were the very first things which were resolved for me. It broke the preliminary chains which were keeping me down. As my outlook changed, I became happy (actually ecstatic at times), while my daily life continued its apparent normal course, containing life's usual ups and downs. This positive internal transition or swing helped me see I was nothing and in control of pretty much nothing. In my experience, arriving at the point of truth of being nothing was accompanied by a liberating feeling. A clear demonstration of an available knowledge from the one with ability to help save the helpless in me from my inner most problems. It was a gracious delivery that came as an internal attitude adjustment. Meanwhile I have to be careful not to confuse being 'nothing' with a naive attempt to now project myself to others as an incompetent or useless individual, for I believe this would be one of the destructive tricks of my imperious self. While reflecting on these questions, I thought of my ‘before’ and ‘after’ scenarios. ‘Before’, is the period of my life in total ignorance about “what is the purpose of life?”; when I could not reach nor find a heartfelt and convincing answer. The period when I knew I had limitations (materially, socially) and hardly knew what spirituality meant; but also thought I was God’s gift to humanity. I expected smooth sailing in life (mentally and materially) and when faced with pressure/opposition from stronger personalities (boss, manager a friend a peer a relative) I could only grin and bear it while building up milder or stronger grudges inside. I was generally unhappy in a relatively comfortable material life. A state of suffering I could do nothing about because it had become an involuntary habitual way and invisible.

‘After’ is the period that followed my embracing a spiritual approach to life. During this period the confusion about the purpose of life and why we are here were the very first things which were resolved for me. It broke the preliminary chains which were keeping me down. As my outlook changed, I became happy (actually ecstatic at times), while my daily life continued its apparent normal course, containing life’s usual ups and downs. This positive internal transition or swing helped me see I was nothing and in control of pretty much nothing.

In my experience, arriving at the point of truth of being nothing was accompanied by a liberating feeling. A clear demonstration of an available knowledge from the one with ability to help save the helpless in me from my inner most problems. It was a gracious delivery that came as an internal attitude adjustment. Meanwhile I have to be careful not to confuse being ‘nothing’ with a naive attempt to now project myself to others as an incompetent or useless individual, for I believe this would be one of the destructive tricks of my imperious self.

]]> http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/humility-1-which-self-are-we-talking-about/comment-page-1/#comment-10261 Comment on Humility 1 – which self are we talking about? by Peter Windsor http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/e-ostadelahi-comments-en/~3/7NcQGPid6sQ/ Peter Windsor Thu, 10 May 2012 20:41:15 +0000 http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/?p=1988#comment-10207 In answer to question 1, I think that altruism is important. The more we are genuinely happy for others - or genuinely sympathise with them - the less we place "me" or "I" in the foreground. I have yet even to scratch the surface of true altruism but I do find it easier, I think, to be altruistic rather than to think constantly that "I am nothing". Re question 2, I think the benefit is in the logic it implies. If we are "nothing" on this earth then we must be "something" in the next life; and focusing on the next life - on the spiritual path of perfection - is what our existence is all about. In answer to question 1, I think that altruism is important. The more we are genuinely happy for others – or genuinely sympathise with them – the less we place “me” or “I” in the foreground. I have yet even to scratch the surface of true altruism but I do find it easier, I think, to be altruistic rather than to think constantly that “I am nothing”. Re question 2, I think the benefit is in the logic it implies. If we are “nothing” on this earth then we must be “something” in the next life; and focusing on the next life – on the spiritual path of perfection – is what our existence is all about.

]]> http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/humility-1-which-self-are-we-talking-about/comment-page-1/#comment-10207 Comment on Altruism: finding sources of motivation by Smith5000123 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/e-ostadelahi-comments-en/~3/H9YtvdpIvlQ/ Smith5000123 Thu, 10 May 2012 03:47:35 +0000 http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/?p=1888#comment-10187 @Johnny. Thanks for recommending that article. It was fascinating. Anyway, as for what you said about possible alternative motives: I help people without thinking. I don't weigh out how it will benefit me in any way. Spiritually speaking, I already feel completely fulfilled, so I do not even help people for that reason. I help people simply to help people. @Johnny.
Thanks for recommending that article. It was fascinating. Anyway, as for what you said about possible alternative motives: I help people without thinking. I don’t weigh out how it will benefit me in any way. Spiritually speaking, I already feel completely fulfilled, so I do not even help people for that reason. I help people simply to help people.

]]> http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/altruism-finding-sources-of-motivation/comment-page-1/#comment-10187 Comment on Altruism: an interview with Bahram Elahi, M.D. by Smith5000123 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/e-ostadelahi-comments-en/~3/xDLKWFyTN4U/ Smith5000123 Thu, 10 May 2012 03:42:31 +0000 http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/?p=831#comment-10186 Quite a fascinating interview. It brought to light some things I didn't know about altruism. Being altruistic myself, i found it interesting to learn what's going on in my head when I help someone. Quite a fascinating interview. It brought to light some things I didn’t know about altruism. Being altruistic myself, i found it interesting to learn what’s going on in my head when I help someone.

]]> http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/altruism-an-interview-with-bahram-elahi-m-d/comment-page-1/#comment-10186 Comment on Humility 1 – which self are we talking about? by tata http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/e-ostadelahi-comments-en/~3/XxfYhUP4nG8/ tata Wed, 09 May 2012 03:46:16 +0000 http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/?p=1988#comment-10160 Feeling and admitting that I am insignificant doesn't mean there is no purpose in bringing me to life. Quoting from the movie Hugo: "I'd imagine the world as one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts. They always come with exact amount they need. So I figured if the entire world was one big machine, I couldn't be an extra part! I had to be here for a reason." So to answer "how can i live with that" it actually makes my problems and pains seem smaller. If I am insignificant so is my problem! and that to me is the benefit. Is it dangerous? of course, but for a healthy mind it could lead to solving the mystery of: who is behind all this! Feeling and admitting that I am insignificant doesn’t mean there is no purpose in bringing me to life. Quoting from the movie Hugo: “I’d imagine the world as one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts. They always come with exact amount they need. So I figured if the entire world was one big machine, I couldn’t be an extra part! I had to be here for a reason.” So to answer “how can i live with that” it actually makes my problems and pains seem smaller. If I am insignificant so is my problem! and that to me is the benefit. Is it dangerous? of course, but for a healthy mind it could lead to solving the mystery of: who is behind all this!

]]> http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/humility-1-which-self-are-we-talking-about/comment-page-1/#comment-10160 Comment on Humility 1 – which self are we talking about? by Ilana http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/e-ostadelahi-comments-en/~3/_xPc8B7QX88/ Ilana Tue, 08 May 2012 23:30:09 +0000 http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/?p=1988#comment-10152 Thanks Pam. I think in a way your comments to Elements have also shed light on my problem. I have been getting some negative feedback at work and while I know that in the past the very same aspect of my work that now was a problem was my strength and was appreciated by other clients. So I have the perspective to know that I am not "bad" altogether. This target group did not fit what I had to offer. It made me very upset and judgmental toward them and then I also felt very insecure and on the defensive. I realize though that I am not perfect. Why should everyone be interested in my approach to things? Who am I to judge others? However, I often feel that I did not work hard enough, that my setbacks are just the result of my insufficient input. But sometimes everything works out miraculously...and other times things just don't click. Maybe I need to accept that I am not a rocket scientist, but that I do contribute to the community and to those for whom I am responsible. Maybe I need to learn to trust that I am in God's hands and I need to do my best, but that my best is maybe not the same as another person's best. I'm not sure. Thanks Pam. I think in a way your comments to Elements have also shed light on my problem. I have been getting some negative feedback at work and while I know that in the past the very same aspect of my work that now was a problem was my strength and was appreciated by other clients. So I have the perspective to know that I am not “bad” altogether. This target group did not fit what I had to offer. It made me very upset and judgmental toward them and then I also felt very insecure and on the defensive. I realize though that I am not perfect. Why should everyone be interested in my approach to things? Who am I to judge others? However, I often feel that I did not work hard enough, that my setbacks are just the result of my insufficient input. But sometimes everything works out miraculously…and other times things just don’t click. Maybe I need to accept that I am not a rocket scientist, but that I do contribute to the community and to those for whom I am responsible. Maybe I need to learn to trust that I am in God’s hands and I need to do my best, but that my best is maybe not the same as another person’s best. I’m not sure.

]]> http://www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/humility-1-which-self-are-we-talking-about/comment-page-1/#comment-10152