How are these Great Beings explained?

[TransmutingSoul]

It was bad enough that Baha'is think Adam was a manifestation, but Jonah? Are you sure?

I am sure it is so.

There is a Book names after Him; Book of Jonah - Wikipedia

"The Book of Jonah is one of the Prophets in the Bible. It tells of a Hebrew prophet named Jonah son of Amittai who is sent by God to prophesy the destruction of Nineveh but tries to escape the divine mission.."

George Townsend who was a Christian Minister before he became a Bahai, wrote a book called the heart of the Gospels;

"...Jonah had one sign to give to the Ninevites—his inspired message of God's compassion.." George Ronald : Heart of the Gospel

The Koran Says in 4:163 (Yusuf Ali) "We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: we sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms.

The only reference I have found in the Baha'i Writings is in a Diary entry where Juliet Thompson took Abdul'baha to a Museum and Abdul'baha made a lighthearted comment on Jonah and the Whale;

"...In the Museum we passed through a room in which a huge whale hung from the ceiling. The Master looked up at it, laughed and said: "He could hold seventy Jonahs!"" (The Diary of Juliet Thompson)

Regards Tony

 

[TransmutingSoul]

What is wrong with Our inconsistencies? I see inconsistencies in Buddhist and it is a people faith not a god one. Hindus don't fuss over inconsistencies even if they care to find them important in their practice. So, why is it wrong?

Inconsistency in accounting would not be acceptable.
Inconsistency in applying Laws and Justice would be seen as wrong.
Inconsistency in our honesty would be deceiving.

Where do we draw the line when we get inconsistencies? What is an acceptable inconsistency?

Yes there is a line where to where there is no fuss, but after we over that line, there are issues.

The Great Beings, to me, set the required constancy in the age we live.

Regards Tony

 

[Dawnofhope]

Question with a question. Please answer the question.

I know you're familiar with this. Early this year I took a neuropsychological testing. It lasted about four hours. Near the end, the instructor (or clinician?) told me to sit in front of the computer and look at shapes and colors. I press on the shape trying to make a pattern. Every time I click a pattern, it was wrong. It supposed to tell if one can adapt to change or flexibility. I cannot at all. They found I have a dysfunction in the frontal lobe. Executive functions and ability to "change direction" are many symptoms included.

The test gave me inconsistent results for a reason. It helped the doctors to know what part of the brain my seizures now originate. With the information, we decided not to opt for surgery and take me off one of my meds instead.

Without inconsistency tests like that, then they would not have found out this information. In my eyes both medical experience and all the above, inconsistency is a must.

The Buddha Dharma taught that everything is in constant motion (samsara). Everything is in constant change. Nothing is consistent. No eternity. He taught against that. We learn to deal with change. We learn to deal with inconsistencies. Yes, we can learn how to roll with the flow but not all religions teach that everything needs to be consistent.

So, I ask you since I am not familiar with "needing to be consistent" view of life (seizures are quite the opposite)

Why are inconsistances wrong?

This is very interesting @Carlita because with each response I have given you, I have given you the answer. I have not avoided the question at all. However you don't see it. Why?

One of the functions of the frontal lobe of the brain is to abstract thinking as opposed to concrete thinking. Someone with frontal lobe dysfunction may struggle with symbolism, metaphor, and allegory. So I have answered the questions but it is hard for you to see my answers.

Many authors have indicated an integral link between a person's will to live, personality, and the functions of the prefrontal cortex. This brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behavior. The basic activity of this brain region is considered to be orchestration of thoughts and actions in accordance with internal goals.


The most typical psychological term for functions carried out by the prefrontal cortex area is executive function. Executive function relates to abilities to differentiate among conflicting thoughts, determine good and bad, better and best, same and different, future consequences of current activities, working toward a defined goal, prediction of outcomes, expectation based on actions, and social "control" (the ability to suppress urges that, if not suppressed, could lead to socially unacceptable outcomes).

Frontal cortex supports concrete rule learning. More anterior regions along the rostro-caudal axis of frontal cortex support rule learning at higher levels of abstraction.

Prefrontal cortex - Wikipedia

For example if someone were asked why people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, they might answer "because I may accidently shatter my house." Someone who thinks more abstractly would answer "because like people living in glasses houses we are all vulnerable. If we criticise others then eventually they will criticise us and we may suffer hurt from ill considered and harsh words."

Before I respond with yet another explanation that may confound you, please explain to me what you mean by inconsistent? Then I will give you a more direct answer.

 

[Dawnofhope]

There is no superstition greater than God, as also the belief in sons, manfiestations, prophets, mahdis, who claim the sole agency for selling tickets to heaven.

Spoken as a true cynic would.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Inconsistency in accounting would not be acceptable.
Inconsistency in applying Laws and Justice would be seen as wrong.
Inconsistency in our honesty would be deceiving.

Where do we draw the line when we get inconsistencies? What is an acceptable inconsistency?

Yes there is a line where to where there is no fuss, but after we over that line, there are issues.

The Great Beings, to me, set the required constancy in the age we live.

Regards Tony

There is a balance. The inconsistancies of seizures (redundant) taught me about dealing with surprises and living in "I do t know" mode. Incon. of neuro test help doctors pin point medical treatment. Incon. of my laptop bein stolen infront of me taught me value of living without luxury (tablet and phone doesnt help ) and so forth.

Acceptable inconsistancy? No such thing. Its an illusion for self security and need for control. A line? I wish I could give my seizures a calender so we can plan when I can have seizures and when I cant.

Laws and justice doesnt make all consistant. It just judges those who harm others i.e. to keep a safe society. An illusion of control. Laws change daily because of change.

I belived in christ and life didnt magically change. Religion helps us live With inconsistancy. Beyond that its an illusion of security justified by god.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Before I respond with yet another explanation that may confound you, please explain to me what you mean by inconsistent? Then I will give you a more direct ans

Thank you! You answered question with a question.

The dictionary defines it as what isnt stable. What doesnt stay in pattern. Textbook definition. I have to read about the fl in your post. My psych results say i have right frontal lobe disfunction. Impulses and emotions are off. Cont...

 

[Dawnofhope]

Adrian, I see birth control as another major problem. No birth control means higher population, means more poverty. As for abortion, I personally agree with the Baha'i' stance, but wouldn't enforce my view on others.

Baha'is are free to make use of various means of contraception providing it does not lead to permanent sterilisation.

 

[Dawnofhope]

I meant on some fronts within this forum. But it just goes to show that all religions have their fundamentalist conservatives, and more liberal minded folks.

Still, I'm glad they accepted you. Here it's been far more open for a very long time, although there are no private Christian medical institutions, just ones run by Catholics. In India it's nasty. Christians will beat kids who wear Hindu forehead marks to school, and refuse to treat non-Christians at some hospitals.

I have had some good conversations with a few Christians on RF.

The behaviour of some Christians in India sounds very unchristian.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

One of the functions of the frontal lobe of the brain is to abstract thinking as opposed to concrete thinking. Someone with frontal lobe dysfunction may struggle with symbolism, metaphor, and allegory. So I have answered the questions but it is hard for you to see my answers.

Yeah. Big reason bahalluah and The Buddha writings I dont understand. Beautiful poetry in the former. The thous dont help. I can stay with symbolism up to a point then I loose the point. I seperate paragraphs becauss I cant remember everthing to a short point. I did read we also repeat a lot. But verbally. I repeat on purpose online.

Typoes are all ans my tablet.

Many authors have indicated an integral link between a person's will to live, personality, and the functions of the prefrontal cortex. This brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behavior. The basic activity of this brain region is considered to be orchestration of thoughts and actions in accordance with internal goals.

All describe me. Didnt happen till after surgery.

The most typical psychological term for functions carried out by the prefrontal cortex area is executive function. Executive function relates to abilities to differentiate among conflicting thoughts, determine good and bad, better and best, same and different, future consequences of current activities, working toward a defined goal, prediction of outcomes, expectation based on actions, and social "control" (the ability to suppress urges that, if not suppressed, could lead to socially unacceptable outcomes).

Nods

Frontal cortex supports concrete rule learning. More anterior regions along the rostro-caudal axis of frontal cortex support rule learning at higher levels of abstraction.

Nods

For example if someone were asked why people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, they might answer "because I may accidently shatter my house." Someone who thinks more abstractly would answer "because like people living in glasses houses we are all vulnerable. If we criticise others then eventually they will criticise us and we may suffer hurt from ill considered and harsh words."

Interesting. I honestly picked the first. Unless its a metaphor embedded in english (raining cats and dogs) I need context.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

"'He was thinking, incidentally, that there was a moment or two in his epileptic condition almost before the fit itself (if it occurred in waking hours) when suddenly amid the sadness, spiritual darkness and depression, his brain seemed to catch fire at brief moments....His sensation of being alive and his awareness increased tenfold at those moments which flashed by like lightning. His mind and heart were flooded by a dazzling light. All his agitation, doubts and worries, seemed composed in a twinkling, culminating in a great calm, full of understanding...but these moments, these glimmerings were still but a premonition of that final second (never more than a second) with which the seizure itself began. That second was, of course, unbearable.'" Fyodor Dostoevsky (Russian Novelist with epilepsy)

 

[Dawnofhope]

Interesting. I honestly picked the first. Unless its a metaphor embedded in english (raining cats and dogs) I need context.

That's quintessential frontal lobe dysfunction then.

I think it accounts for a lot of our misunderstanding when we first started talking to each other. I wondered if you had different meanings to the words I was using.

What is does mean though, is you will find it hard to see the allegory, metaphor, and symbolism in sacred writings.You will take the literal meaning, and leave it at that. The problem is, much of it isn't to be taken literally.

I think American Christian fundamentalism has a culture of taking scripture literally so its made it impossible for you to properly understand the Bible. No wonder you are turned off Christianity. The religion of your ancestors is impossible for you to properly understand. Baha'u'llah's writings won't be any easier either.

 

[Dawnofhope]

"'He was thinking, incidentally, that there was a moment or two in his epileptic condition almost before the fit itself (if it occurred in waking hours) when suddenly amid the sadness, spiritual darkness and depression, his brain seemed to catch fire at brief moments....His sensation of being alive and his awareness increased tenfold at those moments which flashed by like lightning. His mind and heart were flooded by a dazzling light. All his agitation, doubts and worries, seemed composed in a twinkling, culminating in a great calm, full of understanding...but these moments, these glimmerings were still but a premonition of that final second (never more than a second) with which the seizure itself began. That second was, of course, unbearable.'" Fyodor Dostoevsky (Russian Novelist with epilepsy)

You can really see yourself in this guy, eh?

 

[Unveiled Artist]

You can really see yourself in this guy, eh?

Yep. Ask me before 18. Brother I said i looked like the excocist. I love creative writing since elementary school. Its very poetic too.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Yep. Ask me before 18. Brother I said i looked like the excocist. I love creative writing since elementary school. Its very poetic too.

I see why diversity is so important to you. You know you need a spiritual approach that suits your uniqueness.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I think it accounts for a lot of our misunderstanding when we first started talking to each other. I wondered if you had different meanings to the words I was using.

Probably. It took awhile of understanding what you meant by manifestation. Your peers made it more confusing.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I see why diversity is so important to you. You know you need a spiritual approach that suits your uniqueness.

Thank you. You kinda see how unity (diversity with same goal) deprives me of that?

 

[arthra]

At the moment, Hindu religion does not need any re-establishment. It is doing fine. There would be deterioration of 'dharma' at a future time and Krishna would come at that time - 425,000 years from now.

I was going to suggest you might be interested in reading Sri Yukteswar regarding Kali Yug:


"The position of the world in the Dwapara Sandhi era at present (A.D. 1894) is not correctly shown in the Hindu almanacs. The astronomers and astrologers who calculate the almanacs have been guided by wrong annotations of certain Sanskrit scholars (such as Kulluka Bhatta) of the dark age of Kali Yuga, and now maintain that the length of Kali Yuga is 432,000 years, of which 4994 have (in A.D. 1894) passed away, leaving 427,006 years still remaining. A dark prospect and fortunately one not true.

The mistake crept into almanacs for the first time about 700 B.C. during the reign of Raja Parik****, just after the completion of the last Descending Dwapara Yuga. At that time Maharaja Yudhisthira, noticing the appearance of the dark Kali Yuga, made over his throne to his grandson, the said Raja Parik****. Maharaja Yudhisthira, together with all the wise men of his court, retired to the Himalaya Mountains, the paradise of the world. Thus there was none in the court of Raja Parik**** who could understand the principle of correctly calculating the ages of the several Yugas."

Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri Explains Yuga aka Hindu Eras ~ Warrior of Light (India)

 

[arthra]

Nobody denies the language connection between Avestan and Sanskrit and many of the myths also, but Zoroaster severed he connection and went his own way. Maitrya is Buddhist idea and has nothing to do with Hinduism.

Yes so you believe... The Maitreya is Buddhist and the book I suggested was the Anagatavamsa Desana ("The Sermon of the Chronicle to be") especially in this case the forward by John Clifford Holt.

Anagatavamsa Desana by John C. Holt (Ed.) at Vedic Books

 

[Ingledsva]

*

How - in your view, - does a human teacher's death enable our salvation?

Jesus provided an example of sacrifice and selflessness that can inspire anyone on the right path, not just Christians. All the great religious teachers and Manifestation have exemplified sacrifice and selflessness too.

He didn't sacrifice himself, - he was executed for attempted undermining of the authority.

He spoke against the Priests and Romans, incited riots and had to run, tossed Temple courtyards, chasing people with whips, etc

He even appears to have had guerrilla fighters in his group.

Judas Iscariot and Simon called Zelotes,

Zēlōtēs The same as G2207; a Zealot, that is, (specifically) partisan for Jewish political independence: - Zelotes.

"Zealot" the name given to members of the extreme nationalist party founded about A.D. by Judas of Gamala"

"Iscariot" "Iskariōtēs" identifies Judas as a member of the Sicarii These were Jewish rebels intent on driving the Romans out of Judea.

Some of Jesus' people packed Machaira, - which are short swords for close fighting. They are mentioned in Luke 22.

*

 

[Aupmanyav]

I was going to suggest you might be interested in reading Sri Yukteswar regarding Kali Yug:

Yukteshwar was for American audience. I do not recognize him as Hindu. He was a heretic.