Explorer's Journal

On the Road Again!

2009-05-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

In two weeks, I’ll be back on the road for the book tour. Its exciting, fun, and I get the chance to visit really cool places. Some of the upcoming stops include New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. I’ll also get to visit mysterious places like Nawlins (New Orleans) Voudou Shops, Marfa, Texas (home of the Marfa lights), and Roswell, NM (hanging out with my peeps The GreyBoys).

The coolest part of the tour is always talking with readers. And at every stop, I have at least 3-4 people come up to me and say, “Yes, I’ve seen ghosts too!” or “Once I had a precognitive dream” and “Yes, I get messages from Dreams!”

So, it seems that the phenomena is more common than uncommon. ESP, Psi-abilities, precognition happen all the time. But for whatever reason, we choose to ignore it, or not tell anyone about it, or what-not. We’re afraid about what others may say or we fear society’s response.

However, I would say that psychic abilities are an evolutionary trait, that helped the species to survive and thrive. Moreover, as we expand our consciousness, our bodies evolve as well. The mind creates brain chemistry and neural pathways, not the other way around. Psychic abilities, dream interpretation, clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience – all these traits, all these characteristics are what it means to be human.

So, welcome to the human engine. The future is now!

To purchase Elemental Shaman, click here: http://www.tinyurl.com/shaman2012

S/F,
Omar W. Rosales

Earth Day

2009-04-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone and Welcome once Again! Today is Earth Day, a time to take action and improve the quality of life on the Planet. Elemental Shaman has also been out for two weeks! I would like to thank everyone for supporting the Novel. Its been an amazing journey. Here are some Earth Day thoughts:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6651937.html?industryid=47152

What an interesting article. I think that this century, we'll see a definite shift in our perception of the Earth, and how our day-to-day decisions directly impact the Earth and our environment. Recent news stories detail how thousands of tons of pharmaceuticals are dumped into water treatment systems, but also how definite improvements are being made in water quality, air quality, etc. Imagine how many jobs would be created if we implemented nationwide recycling programs to harvest used aluminum, plastic, glass, etc. Ultimately, the decisions rest with us.

When I was in Bhutan, the Manchen Lopon (High Buddhist Master) put it this way. When the Universe was created, the gods used the Four Elements of Fire, Earth, Water, and Air. But the gods utilized wisdom and power. Human beings are now creating life, using the four elements. But humans want the Power, not the wisdom. So, we must be vigilant, lest we be destroyed by our own creations.

So Earth day, and everyday, is an opportune time to reflect that our decisions can make a difference. And that the Earth can be saved.

S/F,
- Omar W. Rosales

Terrific Tarot

2009-03-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

One of the most important Shamanic abilities is divination. Divination is the ability to foretell the future. Shamans from around the world use various tools and techniques for divination. Some methods to foretell the future include runes, bones, scrying, meditation, and reading animals’ innards. Perhaps the most-widely used method for divination, today, is Tarot.

Pronounced (Tare-oh), a Tarot deck consists of 78 cards including the major arcana, the minor arcana, and four suits of cards numbered 2 to Ace (2-10, plus Jack, Knight, Queen, King, and Ace). Most will immediately recognize the similarity between a deck of Poker playing cards and a Tarot deck. This is because the Poker deck and most playing card games are derived from Tarot. So, when you are playing Poker, you’re actually reading your fortune!

The origins of Tarot are somewhat murky. Some authors claim that Tarot first began with the Egyptians or Ancient Sumerians. However, there’s no archaeological evidence to support this, nor have any Ancient Sumerians made themselves available for interview. Tarot first appeared in Europe in the mid-1300s. Known as Carte da Trionfi or Triumphs, the game of Tarot spread throughout Italy during the Renaissance. Eventually, the card game was adapted for divination purposes. So, apologies to those who would prefer a more sinister or mystical beginning to the Tarot deck, but it actually started off as a card game for European nobility.

We’ve noted the components of the Tarot deck – Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, and 4 suits of Deuce through Ace. Typically the suits are Wands, Coins, Cups, and Swords. But of particular interest is the Major Arcana. The progression of the Major Arcana is also known as the Journey of the Fool. It is quite interesting because the Major Arcana corresponds nicely with the archetypal Hero’s Journey as defined by Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell.

The Journey of the Fool begins at CARD 0, which of course is, the Fool. The next card is the Magician, symbolic of possibilities. Along the way, the subject encounters obstacles, does away with old ways of thinking, harnesses new abilities, and completes the journey to the cosmos with CARD XXI – The World. So, the Journey of the Fool (also known as the Major Arcana) is the symbolic and allegorical representation of a Spiritual Journey or a Voyage to Enlightenment.

As far as individual Tarot readings, no one method of having cards read is better than the other. The difference will always be with the experience and competence of the reader. It’s the interpretation that’s important, not the actual symbols. Some Tarot readers and psychics don’t even utilize the images on the cards to convey meaning, but rather use the rhythm of the Tarot to tune-in to the querant’s energy and auric field. (As an aside, the person who lays/reads the Tarot deck is the Reader and the person who asks questions or who is obtaining a reading is the querant.)

Some questions about Tarot that often come up are 1) What does the Tarot mean?, 2) What is the significance of the Devil Card? (cue the spooky music), 3) What does the Death card mean? First, Tarot is like a series of signposts. You should never allow a signpost to rule your life. But if it’s a persistent message, you should probably heed it. So, Tarot can mean everything, but Tarot can also mean nothing. Simply, its what you make of it.

Second, what is the significance of the Devil card? The Devil card symbolizes Materialism or being a slave to base or materialistic desires. Its not an actual Devil. If the Tarot reader starts to say that they see tremendous darkness around you and they can remove it for $$$$, leave immediately! The reader is a fraud.

So, if you’re having a Tarot reading and see the Devil card, don’t panic. Its just a reminder not to become a slave to materialism. The other mysterious card is the Death card. Automatically, when a person sees this card, the next question is, “Who is dying? Is it me?”. And the answer is, of course not! You’re not dying.

The Death Card symbolizes a possible end or change of state. Most life comes from the death of something. New flowers and pine trees, grow only after a fire has scorched a forest. A new life, such as a baby or marriage, comes only after old ways have been eliminated. So, an unexpected ending often welcomes a new beginning. In short, there is nothing to fear.

That’s a fairly decent review of the Tarot. If you have any questions, just email me at omar@elementalshaman.com.

S/F,
- Omar W. Rosales

Poverty for Sale - We are not Dogs!!!

2009-02-09T21:58:00.000-08:00

Recently, protests erupted in India over the screenings of the hit movie “Slumdog Millionaire”. Slumdog is the Academy-Award Nominated film by Director Danny Boyle and showcases a cast of relative newcomers against the backdrop of modern-day India.

Gritty, realistic, and visceral, Slumdog traces the adventures of Jamal Malik as he attempts to find the love of his life and solve the final question to India’s version of ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’. A Dickensian tale, Slumdog is a rags-to-riches story that includes historical accounts and dramatized scenes of life in India’s slums.

I very much liked Slumdog Millionaire. I thought the Cinematography was excellent, along with the performances of the actors. Danny Boyle did an outstanding job of bringing to the screen the difficult life in India’s slums. Boyle is also well-known for other hits including Trainspotting and Millions.

With regard to the protests, I think we should be sensitive to other cultures, particularly the suffering of other individuals. However, I also think that art should be provocative. By definition, art should stir and motivate the soul. If a piece of art cannot elicit a response from a viewer, then it fails. The art is now nothing more than a convocation of materials.
I don’t think the Producers or the Director of Slumdog meant any harm to anyone by its depiction of life in India. I think the scenes help to establish the milieu and are device for the storyteller (the Director) to get the point across.

That being said, we acknowledge the protestors’ viewpoints, but we posit that Slumdog is not meant to disrespect India, but is a celebration of life and potentialities.

S/F,
- Omar W. Rosales

Marine Air - One call Does it All

2008-11-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

By: Omar W. Rosales

I’ve taken several weeks off the blog, catching up with work and finishing a Trailer. Recently, I came across a stunning photo of a V-22 Osprey. Wow! What a cool shot.

The V-22 is a medium lift tiltrotor aircraft that’s designed to replace the aging fleet of CH-46 helicopters. The V-22, or Osprey, has the unique ability to take off like a helicopter, then tilt its rotors and fly like a plane. This gives the Osprey increased range and higher altitude capabilities.

Flying in Marine helicopters was always fun. I never felt safer in the air, than with Marine pilots and Marine aircrew, flying in Marine aircraft. As safe as it is, its also very dangerous. My good friend Jerry died in a helicopter crash, while flying a combat mission in Iraq.

This demonstrates that war is indiscriminate, taking precious lives of both young and old, feeble and strong, brave and the not-so-brave. Ultimately, war is perhaps humankind’s most terrible and destructive invention.

Yet peace comes from within. If our leaders have inner peace, they are less likely to find conflict with those around them and then exacerbate fragile situations. Without inner peace, there is constant turmoil. War within, leads to war without.

Next week, we’ll look at the Final Realization of Buddhism – that we are more connected than we believe and that the Buddha-mind is the ultimate transcendant point of consciousness.

S/F,
- Omar W. Rosales

Afternoon with the Dalai Lama

2008-10-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

By: Omar W. Rosales

So anyways - the day of the meeting. We arrive at about 11AM. The morning teaching program has just ended, so we wander past the crowds from the monastery, until we reach the reception center.

Once inside, I tell the guards of our appointment, and they call Tenzin Takla (the Dalai Lama's Nephew and scheduler). As we're waiting, a girl comes in followed by her boyfriend. She appears hysterical and is making all sorts of weird singing noises, like she's in some sort of ecstatic trance. Bill gives her some water, and she collapses into her boyfriend's arms.

The day before, in the reception area, was a woman claiming to be a French Diplomat, and wanting to see His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. She was dressed in a tight t-shirt, spandex, and crocs. Yeah right. Note to self, if you claim to be a diplomat, don't show up at the Embassy in Spandex and Crocs. So, the Spandex woman shoves her passport and business card into the guard's face. "Look - diplomat! See my card?". Note to self numero 2, if you are a diplomat, the office should already be expecting you. No way, you're just going to show up and demand to see His Holiness.

So back to the day of our interview, we're waiting in the office with the hysterical girl, then the guards motion us in. After several searches, we're cleared to enter the compound. No cellphones.

We walk a short path up to the Treaty House. I call it the Treaty House, because it looks like Peace Accords are signed here. Three rooms, a big conference room, and a small kitchen. The guards (Indian-trained Tibetan commandos) have already brought our cameras and sound gear up. Inside the conference room are two of the biggest monks I've ever seen. One is 6'3" 220lbs and the other is 6'1" 210 lbs, solid. The big monks ask if we need to rearrange furniture. The bigger one (probably nicknamed "Tiny") manhandles a solid wood table, without even breaking a sweat . . . and after a few moments of rearranging, the room is ready. Cameras are set up. Roll film, roll sound.

After a couple of minutes, Tenzin Takla walks in. I speak with him for a moment. His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, is on the way.

Bill is changing something on one of the cameras last minute, when all of a sudden, the Dalai Lama walks in.

He's tall! He's about 5'9", but a bit hunched over a bit because of his back. We sit down. The Dalai Lama mikes himself, sound check and we're off.

I speak to His Holiness about my questions, about my dreams. I tell him about our program, and he nods. It was amazing.

It was amazing! After 40 minutes, all my questions were answered. We spoke about Global Warming and Cloning. The Buddha and Nirvana. And culture, why its important to preserve culture.

At the very end, he stands so that we may all take a picture with him. He then approaches me, close. The Lord Buddha clasped my hand, with his. "Holiness" I say. "Please don't leave us. We love you too much." He says, "Don't worry, I have no plans to leave. Not just yet." The Dalai Lama smiled. And the Lord Buddha's hand provided me comfort.

I presented him our gift. A new Swiss Army knife with Barometer, Altimeter, Temperature, Time, and an LED light. (His Holiness the Dalai Lama collects Swiss Army knives and timepieces). He thanked me, then put the gift in his monk's bag, underneath the folds to his robe. We said our goodbyes. Then he left.

For five years, I traveled the world to find Spiritual Masters. High and low, from deserts to oceans, I've risked my life to find Messages for Humanity. Inner Peace, the Environment, and the search for our immortal souls. And you know what? The final realization is that you don't have to go to India, or Central America, or anywhere else to find comfort. The secret to Heaven lies within. That's what the Buddha taught me . . .

And that was the second time I met His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet.

S/F,
- Omar W. Rosales

From India, With Love

2008-09-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

We're in India right now, completing the second half of "Heaven in Exile", our Feature about the Tibetan Issue, 50 years after the Chinese Invasion of 1959.

Dharamsala is amazing. Its unlike anyother place on Earth.

I'll post some pics soon . . . when I figure out how to use this large silver wafer, with a glowing apple on it.

The food is excellent - mutton (lamb), chicken, and lots of curry. Will post more soon . . .

S/F,
- Omar W. Rosales

Archaeology 201

2008-08-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

Archaeologists today unearthed an unusual burial in Greece. A solid gold wreath, in addition to a set of human remains, was found in a clay pot, amongst other burials.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26455572/

Hmmmm . . . that’s interesting. This is where Archaeology is combined with detective work and logic. The typical burials in Greece, at about 500 B.C. were fairly elaborate. There was a ritual mourning period, funerary monument, and public burial.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/dbag/hd_dbag.htm

Bodies were interred in a state of repose, never in jars or huddled down. The only culture that actually put bones into jars were the Tibetans. Even the Egyptians used canopic jars, but only to store body organs.

So, we have a jar, a gold wreath, and some remains. Typically, the gold wreath would symbolize rulership or a member of the royal family. The person burying the deceased had great reverence and respect for either folklore, customs, or the interred person (this is why the gold wreath was not plundered nor stolen by the caretaker). Radiocarbon dating would give us the relative date of the jar, and of the bones. In addition, the burial is fairly clandestine, since there were no similar burials nearby (no other remains in jars).

An educated wild guess would say that, this is a burial of a member of the royal lineage. Perhaps an heir, perhaps an illegitimate child. Perhaps there was fear that the decedent might be exhumed, this is why the burial was done in secret. It was someone important enough to place a gold wreath and hide the burial. But perhaps too provocative to bury openly, with the proper honors.

But again, this is just a guess. Why these remains were interred, along with a gold wreath . . . more than likely, we’ll never be sure . . .

S/F,
- Omar W. Rosales

Will the Real Bigfoot Please Stand Up?

2008-08-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

So, there’s a hurricane in the Gulf, we leave to India next week, and I’m writing about Bigfoot. That sounds right about normal. We won’t mention my dreams of my friends the Lwa, but you get the idea.

It was revealed last week that the two gentlemen claiming to have captured Bigfoot and placed it in a large ice cooler were hucksters, propagating a less-than-compelling hoax upon the unsuspecting American public. Really? C’mon

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26298733/

So you mean to tell me two guys from the sticks didn’t manage to capture Bigfoot? That they failed to accomplish what no Explorer, Expedition Leader, Sherpa, Mountaineer, Sir Edmund Hillary, Backpacker, Hiker, Hunter, Soldier, Television Show, Reality Show, Journalist or other person has ever done? Duh!

Its always good to be a skeptic. You should always check your information. There’s a lot of gray areas when we deal with Social Sciences such as Humanities, Anthropology, and Archaeology. You should verify your sources. Some authors will actually appropriate cultural symbology and pass it off as their own. Worse, is when authors make up entire accounts of countries they’ve never been to, and fabricate the work of healers that don’t exist. Not only are they stealing another’s culture, they’re purposefully misleading. Its basically cultural theft combined with Plastic Shamanism.

There was no Walkabout in Australia, that yielded a Mutant Message. There’s no Sisterhood of the Shields, and there was no Don Juan. All these are invented shamans and fictional accounts. Which takes away from the real shamanic work and the sacrifice of real shamanic practitioners, who work to sustain indigenous culture and sacred religious traditions.

Please, do your research. Find out about shamans and indigenous healing traditions. Explore your world. But, don’t believe everything you see or hear . . .

- Omar W. Rosales

P.S. If you see Bigfoot, tell him I’ll meet him at that Fancy Restaurant called “I-HOP”

On Angels

2008-08-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

A friend recently asked, “I'm studying angels, so what do you know?” Hmmmm, let’s see . . .

Angels are extremely powerful supernatural beings. On a day-to-day basis, and in your spiritual practice, one shouldn’t see angels nor want to see angels. Seeing angels usually symbolizes the presence of danger. And not all angels are holy.

The word ‘Angel’ comes from the Greek word ‘angelos’, which means messenger. In their communications with humanity, angels are usually messengers of God’s word – bringing important instructions, epiphanies, and messages. Physically, angels are said to be hermaphrodites, having both male and female sexual organs (non-functioning). Traditionally, angels don’t have eyes or souls. Some angels are also said to be resentful of human beings, because God placed humans above angels by giving the human beings a soul.

During the Middle Ages, scholars devoted years to figuring out Angels’ mysteries. Angels also are divided in Orders, which indicate their closeness to God. The orders are divided into spheres: First Sphere, Second Sphere, and Third Sphere. The First Sphere consists of Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones. In the Second Sphere, we find Dominions, Virtues, and Powers. In the Third Sphere are Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

The most widely-known types of angels are the Archangels, which represent God’s primary messengers to humankind. The four Archangels are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel. Archangel Michael is depicted with a flaming sword, and is said to be the commander of the Army of God. Michael (or Meek-e-el) means “Who is like God?” and was the war cry shouted as the War in Heaven began and the rebellious angels were cast down. According to legend, the Fifth Archangel grabbed Archangel Michael by the wings as Satanel was being cast out of heaven, but God intervened and saved Michael. The fallen angels became demons, destined to plague humanity until the End of Days, with the Morning Star as their terrible leader.

Archangel Michael is sometimes called ‘St. Michael’, but Archangel Michael was never a human being. Gabriel is the Angel of Death. Most biblical accounts refer to Gabriel as a fearful creature that would carry out the unmerciful will of God. To appease Gabriel, mystics would leave out food and say, “Upon him be Peace,” as Gabriel would appear, so as to subdue the angel. Gabriel is also said to be the final angel to blow his trumpet, in the End of Days, as the final plagues are unleashed upon humanity and the Earth. Accounts differ as to purpose and personalities of Raphael and Uriel.

Angels are said to have no Free Will or volition, but then this presents a dichotomy, because how do we explain the War in Heaven? Angels can appear as small sparks of light, but usually pass unseen by human beings, unless the angels allow themselves to be seen. Normally, you wouldn’t call upon angels for assistance in day-to-day life. They have very specific purposes, and usually don’t appear unless it’s a time of tribulation or danger.

The highest Angel is the Metatron. Metatron is the shortened Greek form of ‘meta thronons’ or ‘the one that sits behind the throne’. In Talamudic traditions, the Metatron is God’s scribe and the only other entity (besides God) that is allowed to sit down in heaven.

That’s basically about it. Personally, I’ve only seen an angel once in my lifetime. I was waking out of a deep sleep and saw one stand at the corner of my bedroom. It was amazing. I would say it was about 8 feet tall, enormous, glowing, in white robes, and with white-feathered wings. It was more incandescent, than fully physical and solid in form. I’m unsure if I was in danger, but I’m thankful for the being’s protection.

S/F,
- Omar W. Rosales

Meeting His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

2008-07-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile, fortune shines upon us and we receive a remarkable opportunity. This last week was extraordinary as we spent time with His Holiness, the 14^th Dalai Lama of Tibet. In Madison, WI for a Tenshug, or Long Life Ceremony, His Holiness provided us with an amazing glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism.

The week was filled with Tibetan food (momos and beef), language, dances, songs, ceremonies, customs, crafts, artwork – almost all the aspects of culture. The AP later reported that it was the largest gathering of Tibetans in the United States and Canada, ever.

As part of the ceremony we received the

Bodhisattva vows, teachings on Kamalashila, lectures on Santideva (pronounced Shawn-tee-de-va), long-life blessings, and questions and answers with His Holiness. We learned about the connection between Karma and Connectedness. That if you believe in Karma, then you must also acknowledge the dependent phenomena aspect, as well. Since one person’s actions bring about good or bad Karma, that resultant/ return Karma usually comes from another person. Thereby, Karma is connectedness since others’ return actions arise from our own Karma. (Get it?)

At the very end of the ceremony, we set up our crew close to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. His Holiness has very good skin tone, he looks very tan and fit. Most of the time, on TV, he looks extremely pale. But, he looked good. We spent the next several hours filming the Tibetan-only lectures and program. We heard from the Karshag or Tibetan Parliament, we heard from the Prime Minister on the state of Ministerial Departments, and we heard about the future of this great culture and people. It was a nascent democracy-in-action, it was a stepping stone for freedom as a small group of leaders met and planned the future for their struggling country. I thought about Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1789, the Magna Carta in 1215, and Ancient Greece - all places where democracy was formed and basic human rights flourished.

Religion, democracy, spirituality, culture, reincarnation, transcendence of the Soul – all these were discussed at the Tenshug. At the very end, His Holiness rose, he greeted us personally, and we greeted him. I had very interesting dreams that night. And that was the day we met the 14^th Dalai Lama of Tibet . . .

Tashi Delek!

S/F,

- Omar W. Rosales

Fake Skulls, Real Lies

2008-07-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

Today, there was a news story about the Smithsonian Institution and the British Museum discovering that the Crystal Skulls in their collection were not Pre-Columbian, but probably made in the 19^th Century. Duh!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/09/2298752.htm?site=science&topic=latest

Its been known for sometime in Archaeological circles, that the Crystal Skulls are not authentic. They are cut from quartz crystal, and are magnificent works-of-art, but they are not Mixtec, Mexica (Aztec), or Maya, Zapotec, or Olmec in origin. The skulls’ origin can be found in the shop of an Austrian glass cutter, c.1840, who was employed to produce a skull in crystal. The cutter found the job so profitable, that a few more skulls were made and sold to the highest biddesr. At the time, there was a resurgence in the interest of artifacts from MesoAmerica and Central America, as well as the Mexica and Maya civilizations.

A few crystal skulls have been found, that actually date from the Post-Classic Maya Civilization and Mexica Civilizations, but these artifacts are quite small and typically no larger than a golf ball. More importantly, religious elites at the time would never have allowed the veneration of such ritual artifacts, as a large crystal skull, because it would take away importance from Maya or Aztec ruling elite.

In MesoAmerica, we see the absorption of important religious symbology and iconography (including the sun god, and Quetzalcoatl) into the religious iconography utilized by the elites. The elites wanted to be associated with these deities, and even held ceremonies to closely associate themselves with these symbols. But, they did not allow the worship of these symbols outright. It was simply too powerful, too unstable, and too dangerous for the elite power structure to allow this type of worship as more emphasis would eventually be placed on the artifacts, than on the kings themselves. The only civilization that actively worshiped artifacts and/or worshiped the dead was the Inca. The Inca mummies had lands, voted in council meetings, and were given tribute. But this was the only culture to do this, even the Egyptians would subsequently break into prior Pharaoh’s tombs . . .

So of course, the Crystal Skulls were fakes. The religious elites of the Maya and Aztec Civilizations would never have allowed them to exist. Power, or the mythos of power, has to lie in the hands of the God-King, not the artifact. Because the artifact could be stolen, and the God-King replaced. Even if an artifact had power, the elites would never admit it. It would be too dangerous and threatening to the social structure – taking away power from the King.

The most powerful religious symbols were always hidden. Its interesting . . . fifteen hundred years later, has anything really changed?

S/F,

- OWR

The Future is Here! Hydrogen Cars Arrive . . .

2008-06-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 16^th brought us an unexpected surprise. Honda announced the release of its Hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity. The Clarity is a concept-car made reality. Fueled by Hydrogen, its byproducts are oxygen, heat, and water.

Stylish and roomy, the Clarity provides us a glimpse of what the cars of the future may look like. Available only in SoCal, near the areas of Torrance and Santa Monica, the Clarity is being offered for the lease price of $600 per month.

Its always a good idea to do things that help the environment, from recycling plastic bags and cans, to buying recycled paper towels. Buddhists tell us that the Universe is made up of four elements – Fire, Earth, Water, and Air. And as we grow in technological prowess, we must maintain our commitment to our planet. Lest our creations overcome us. Bravo Honda!

S/F,
- OWR.

P.S. Our interview with Robert Thurman is posted here:

Question of the Week - Memorial Day

2008-05-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

This week’s column is dedicated to the memory of those who have served their country. There are two major holidays in the United States that commemorate and recognize those with military service – Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. Veterans Day, also known as ‘Armistice Day’ is held on the 11^th day of the 11^th month, to thank our nations’ veterans.

Armistice Day was the symbolic end of World War I – the War to End all Wars, and was observed on the 11^th minute of the 11^th hour, of the 11^th day of the 11^th month, or when the Allies and Germany ceased hostilities on the Western Front in 1918. Armistice Day became Veterans Day in 1954, by an act of Congress.

Memorial Day or ‘Decoration Day’ began in 1866 and was meant to honor Union Soldiers who died serving their country. After World II, recognition of Memorial Day became more widespread, and in 1968, the United States Congress decreed Memorial Day a national holiday.

For myself, Memorial Day also has a personal meaning.

NEWS RELEASE from the United States Department of Defense

No. 1144-05
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 03, 2005
Media Contact: Marine Corps Public Affairs - (703) 614-4309 Public/Industry Contact: (703)428-0711

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Major Gerald M. Bloomfield II, 38, of Ypsilanti, Michigan
Captain Michael D. Martino, 32, of Fairfax, Virginia

Both Marines died November 2, 2005, when their AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter crashed while flying in support of security and stabilization operations near Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Both Marines were with Marine Light-Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II MEF (Forward).

The crash is currently under investigation.

I was very much taken aback by my good friend’s death. Jerry or “Beav” was an outstanding pilot, a good man, and an amazing friend.

Ultimately, all wars are wrong, and we can never replace those who gave their lives. But we CAN honor the memory of those who served, and actively create a world of Peace.

Beav, we won’t soon forget you. I know you’re up there somewhere, watching over us, and smiling. I thank you for your friendship and your integrity. You are missed!

Semper Fidelis,
Omar W. Rosales
CAPT USMC
1997-2003

Question of the Week - Dr. Robert Thurman

2008-05-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

I had the honor and privilege this weekend to spend time with Professor Robert Thurman. Dr. Thurman is the Professor of Indo-Tibetan Studies at Columbia University, as well as the President of Tibet House. In town for several events at UBC, I had an exclusive interview with Professor Thurman about his new book, “Why the Dalai Lama Matters”.

Warm and engaging, Professor Thurman is one of my personal heroes. An excerpt of the interview will be posted shortly. . .

One of the things Professor Thurman spoke about was China’s characterization (really a mischaracterization) of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. He said that the Dalai Lama recently received an upgrade from being a “Wolf in Monk’s Robes” to a “Jackal in Monk’s Robes”. Of course, everyone knows that the Dalai Lama is person of Peace, similar to Ghandi or MLK or Kennedy, symbolizing the greatness of human potential and human spirit, that is present in all of us.

Its difficult for the His Holiness to respond to these baseless accusations. The whole situation with the Tibetan Uprising has placed Dharamsala in a very difficult position, with the Government-in-Exile taking most of the blame, but having little control over the protestors, or the Chinese response, or even the Chinese propaganda machine. In fact, the Chinese have been negotiating with the Dalai Lama’s representatives since 1995, but they still downplay his Holiness' importance.

With regard to a Global Civilization Matrix, Buddhism can indeed play an important role in our lives. As a model for Democracy, Peace, Understanding, and Compassion, Buddhism is not a religion, but a philosophy. That’s what the Dharma is - it is the “do” or the “Way” of life.

The other big thing to consider is that Buddhism is not the road to ‘Nothingness’. And ‘Nothingness’ is not the same as ‘Emptiness’. These terms are vastly different. Nothingness, is just that – nothing. While Emptiness means ‘To be free of’. So when we say, one of the goals of Buddhism is ‘Emptiness’, this means we want to be Empty of Hate, Empty of Fear, Empty of Envy, and Empty of Greed. Remember the Wheel of Life, and the three animal vices? Exactly.

The goal is to rid ourselves of the delusion of ignorance, the delusion of separation, to Empty our Prejudices, so there is no separation between the Object and the Observer. So, we realize, that ultimately, we are all One. Buddhism is not disintegration, but Unity. A Unity with the Cosmos . . .

Its hard when people say things about us that are untrue. But I think you should measure a person by their actions and their words. What do their friends and peers say about them? Does this person walk in a path of harmony with the planet? Do they live the Dharma? Are their actions beneficial to the sum of humanity? And lastly, of course everyone knows that the Dalai Lama isnt a Jackal. Especially the Chinese . . .

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24424106/

S/F,
- O.

Question of the Week - Dr. Livingstone, I presume?

2008-04-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

Nope, I haven’t been lost in the Amazon rain forest, or spending a Walkabout near Ayers Rock in the Northern Territory of Australia. Actually busy with PrePro. Its like learning a completely different language. There’s a Grip, that doesn’t grip a thing because of the union, an artist that paints with sound (Foley), a Photography Director that uses no still cameras, and an Executive Producer that produces mainly headaches . . . Where’s my translator?!? Someone needs to make a Lonely Planet guide to the world of Film Production, now that would be a good book!

But really, I think we’re going to shift to a Monthly format for the Question of the Week or perhaps a Bi-Weekly Dispatch. Since we’re on the topic of books, people often ask, “What are good books about Psychic Ability and/or How do I increase my Psychic Skills?” (This is where the Sound Designer cues the Woo-ooo-OOOhhh space music, and the DP flashes a quick green card on the screen with white letters that read “Visualize Swirled Peas” and spins it a bit)

So, what are good books to increase your Psychic Ability?

One of my favorite books is “Psychic Living” by my good friend and fellow psychic Stacey Ann Wolf. Stacey was actually a producer for MTV Total Request Live for a bit, before she jumped headfirst into the psychic world. She lives in Manhattan, is very hip, and actually spent 30 minutes with me one day explaining the Ins-and-Outs of the NYC Subway system. Did I tell you she was really cool?

Anyways, the book explains basic psychic phenomena, but also gives you simple and easy exercises to follow. There’s a whole school of thought that actually compares ritual belief systems and whether or not a ritualized belief is more effective, if its more complex. The simple answer is no. It has nothing to do with complexity. It has to do with what you believe. If you believe that something requires 30 steps and non-stop ritual dance for 30 hours, then hooray. But if you believe that the same ritual can be done in 30 minutes, with 3 steps, then double-hooray. It really comes down yo your beliefs and auric/energetic field. (Sounds like another good book topic).

But, I definitely recommend this book, because its easy to read, its fun, and it subdues alot of the fear-based hocus-pocus nonsense out of the realm of spiritual work.

Another excellent book is Everyday Karma by my good friend and fellow author, Dr. Carmen Harra, Ph.D. Dr. Harra is a really neat lady. She’s from Romania, was a famous singer, and then decided to emigrate to the

United States

solely on dreams and intuition. At the age of 45, she started her Ph.D. Yes, started! She’s an amazing woman, a gifted psychic, and an inspiration to everyone.

Everyday Karma really breaks down the primary Universal Law of Karma. You cannot read this book, and not be changed. It will affect your performance at work, home, and school. But it will also make you ponder your interactions. After reading it, and living for a couple of weeks, you begin to wonder if there is some sort of tally sheet or invisible film crew following you around, because Wow! Karma is real. But Karma isn’t a burden . . . its an opportunity. A chance to really help those around you and improve the planet in very positive way.

The last book I recommend is by His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama of Tibet. His Holiness (or HH) the Dalai Lama has written almost 30 books on Buddhism. But, one of the best has to be Path to Enlightenment.

Its very easy to read, extremely rich in character, and teaches the lessons of Buddhism in a very subtle way. I think it was only printed two hardbound editions. So, if you can find a First Edition hardbound copy, buy it. Its definitely a good book.

Well, back to the Unreal world of film and those finger sandwiches, made of white bread and some type of meat disguised as Tuna!

S/F,
- O.

Question of the Week - Buddhist Trifecta, Part III

2008-03-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

This week, we’ll wrap up the Buddhist Trifecta with three more questions:

1. What is the Nakhon Pathom Pagoda or the Phra Pathom Chedi?
2. Why do monks throw rice during ceremonies?
3. What are mudras?

Bonus: Who is the Tai Citu? (Hint: its not the star in the Constellation Cetus)

1. The Nakhon Pathom Pagoda (also known as the Phra Pathom Chedi) is the largest stupa in the world, standing 127m or 417ft. It is located in Nakhon Pathom province of Southern Thailand and was built around 350 A.D./C.E. In 2005, the monument was nominated to UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

2. The throwing of rice by monks is symbolic of one of these ritual functions, depending on the type of ceremony: 1) Spreading the Dharma, 2) Offering flowers to deities, 3) Dissolving wrathful deities into the sky.

3. Mudras are hand gestures performed during Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies, signifying the offering of prayers to the deities.

Bonus: The Tai Citu is one of the oldest Tulku lineages in Tibetan Buddhism, going back to 1407. Again, Tulkus are reincarnated Buddhist Masters. Chokyi Gyaltsen was the first incarnation to bear the name Tai Situ, a title given to him by the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty in China. Gyaltsen became a close disciple of the Fifth Karmapa. As there is a close affinity between Master and Disciple, that allows Buddhists to be reincarnated with the same group of individuals, so do the reincarnations of the Karmapa and the Tai Situ follow. We see the same reincarnation patterns with His Holiness the Karmapa and HE Kalu Rinpoche, as well as His Holiness the Dalai Lama and HE Panchen Lama.

S/F,
- OWR

Buddhist Trifecta, Part II

2008-03-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

Continuing the Buddhist Trifecta . .

What is Saranth?
What is a Prayer wheel?
What is Theravada Buddhism?

1. Saranth is the place where Gautauma Buddha first began his teaching of the Dharma or the Path. About 5 weeks after his Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Gautauma Buddha was traveling to meet some friends. On the way, he came across the unpassable Ganges. The local chieftain disliked traveling philosophers and would not allow Buddha use of the boat ferry. Gautauma Buddha gathered his energy, meditated, with in a single focused act, was able to jump across the entire span. He soon gained followers on the opposite bank, near Saranth and started teaching the Way or Do of the Dharma. The followers now became the Sangha or Buddhist community.

When you hear monks say, “I seek refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha,” they are saying, “I look to the Master, the Teachings, and the Community” for assistance on my journey to achieve Enlightenment for the benefit of all Sentient beings.

2. A prayer wheel can be large or small, and contains individual slips of paper upon which are written unique prayers. The prayer wheel is hollow and usually shaped like a cylinder, placed on an axis from which to spin the wheel. When the wheel is spun, the individual slips of paper in the drum move around and the prayers are lifted towards the heavens. When illiteracy was common, prayer wheels were a way for the community to send forth written prayers, without having to read the prayer.

3. Theravada Buddhism is the type of Buddhism practiced in Southeast Asian countries to include Singapore, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. Theravada is the original form of Buddhism that developed shortly after the Buddhist diaspora led by Sidhartha Gautauma Buddha. The basis of Theravada is rooted in analysis, and the understanding of external and internal factors that ultimately either lead towards, or away from Enlightenment. The cause of suffering is craving and delusion. By letting go of delusion, one no longer has the craving (attachment). Moreover, it is up to the individual adherent to formulate a path to Enlightenment. The pantheon of deities is not responsible for an individual’s self-realization or Enlightenment. Rather, it is up to the individual to achieve self-realization, the escape from samsara, and the liberation of the consciousness.

“General Chang, You cannot liberate me. I can only liberate myself.”

- His Holiness, the 14^th Dalai Lama of Tibet

S/F,
OWR

Lhasa, Buddhist Trifecta

2008-03-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Its been a tragic week for the people of Tibet, with the demonstrations in Lhasa. His Holiness, the 14thDalai Lama has always advocated a non-violent approach to address the issues of Tibet Autonomy and independence from

China

What we think of as China is actually a myth. China consists of over 19 major ethnic groups within its borders. The more widely-known ethnic groups are the majority Han ethnic group in the Southern and Central regions of China, the Manchu ethnic group in the Northeast, the Mongol peoples of the North, and the Tibetans of the West. The Tibetans are a totally distinct people, with different genetic characteristics, from a different ethnolinguistic group, and different cultural traditions than the Han Chinese. The Han Chinese are a beautiful people with a rich culture and tradition, but we must honor all cultures and not advocate the subjugation of one culture by another. We hope and pray that cooler heads prevail to address the issues raised by the Tibetan people.

That being said, this week’s late post will feature a Buddhist Trifecta – identifying significant Buddhist sites from around the World, to highlight the preservation of culture.

Questions:

1. What is Bodhgaya?

2. Where is the Reclining Buddha?

3. What is the Emerald Buddha?

1. Bodhgaya is located in Eastern India, and is where Gautama Buddha obtained Enlightenment. The site has several important structures, including temples, prayer mounds, and the Bodhi tree. It is unknown whether this is the actual tree (or a sapling from the tree) where Buddha meditated, however archaeological digs have revealed artifacts left from 200 A.D./C.E. These artifacts include coins, gold effigies, and other ritual items. The actual city is in the Gaya district of the India state of Bihar. The site is also known as Bodhimanga and contains the Mahabodhi temple, which is also considered an Axis-mundi or cosmic center of the universe.

2. The Reclining Buddha finds its home in the Wat Pho temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand. The Reclining Buddha is relatively new, constructed in 1824 as a part of King Rama III’s restoration efforts. The effigy is gilded wood, with Mother-of-Pearl inlays on its feet. The 108 inlays of its feet are told to represent the personality characteristics/ mythemes of a true Buddha. The Wat Pho temple complex is next to the Grand Palace (ceremonial residence of the King of Thailand) and the Phra Nakhon (home of the Emerald Buddha).

3. The Emerald Buddha is a statue housed on the grounds of the Phra Naknon temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand. The statue is actually Jadeite, not Emerald, but provides an auspicious connection between the Thai monarchy and the ancestral spirits of the Thai people. The origin of the Emerald Buddha is unknown, however legend says it was discovered in 1434, when a bolt of lightning struck a temple and revealed a curious jade figure under a layer of stucco. The monks discovered that the stucco hid the Emerald Buddha. Thereafter, the Emerald Buddha spent time in various provinces of Thailand and then founds its home in Laos. In 1778, the future king of Thailand, Rama I quelled an uprising in Laos and captured the Emerald Buddha. Returning it to Thailand, he vowed that he would honor the statue, to ensure the longevity of the monarchy and the Thai nation. All succeeding Thai Kings have been devout in the veneration and care of the statue. Three times a year, during an elaborate ceremony, the King of Thailand changes the garments of the Emerald Buddha.

S/F,
- OWR

Question of the Week - Tulkus

2008-03-02T23:10:00.000-08:00

This week’s QOTW deals with Tibetan Buddhism, and specifically Tulkus. Tulkus are the reincarnated forms of realized lamas, that have chosen to be reborn and continue their path of the Dharma. The Tulku, usually a young boy, will be recognized as the departed master through a series of tests. Once recognized as the legitimate manifestation body, or Nirmanakaya, the Tulku will be honored, taught, and then receive their respective thrones when they turn 18 years of age.

The most-widely known Tulku lineage is that of His Holiness, the 14^th Dalai Lama of Tibet. His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14^th Dalai Lama is the recognized manifestation of Chenrezig or Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The feminine form of the Bodhisattva of Compassion is Quan Yin. Now, the lineage goes back 13 reincarnations. When the current Dalai Lama was born, several auspicious signs appeared at his parents’ home in Takser, Tibet. There were a pair of ravens or Dharmapala (protector deities) that appeared at the topmost section of the barn. His father was deathly ill, then recovered quickly, when His Holiness the Dalai Lama was born. His Holiness correctly identified his previous ritual tools, among various sets of prayer wheels and vajras, when he was questioned by the monks searching for the reincarnation. And at the summer palace, His Holiness (as a young boy) knew the secret location of his false teeth that he wore in his previous form as the 13^th Dalai Lama.

Now, there is another lineage of Tulkus that is older that the Dalai Lama lineage. This would be the Karmapa of the Kagyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The current Karmapa, His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa, is the 17^th lineage holder. Another Tulku lineage is that of Kalu Rinpoche. The current Kalu Rinpoche, His Eminence Karma Ngedön Tenpay Gyaltsen, is the third lineage holder, and is 17 years old.

Usually Buddhist masters have the capability to be reincarnated and maintain most of their knowledge. In other words, their consciousness is diverted before it returns to the Universal Source, and sent back whole or almost whole. However, Tulkus are special because they are recognized as reincarnated forms, and are then allowed to resume their activities relating to their previous thrones. Moreover, there must be a desire on the part of the Tulku, and on the part of the disciples, for the reincarnated form to appear. Both must achieve a high level of consciousness or consciousness-energy to facilitate this miraculous rebirth.

Other cultures around the world, including the Egyptian, Ancient Chinese, and Inca have attempted to gain immortality. However, the Tibetans are the only ones to have mastered the subtle art of Transmigration of the Soul.

"The exposition and practice of teachings are the heart of Buddha’s Dharma;

The infallible path of the victorious ones leads to the pure
perfection and peace of complete awakening.

In order to bring your disciples to the full maturation of their
resolve to travel this path,

King of nagas, may you swiftly return.”

- Prayer for the Swift Return of Kalu Rinpoche,
His Eminence Tai Situ

S/F,
- OWR

Question of the Week - Mini Questions

2008-02-25T21:28:00.000-08:00

This week, we have two mini-questions:

1. What does “S/F” mean?

2. What is a shaman?

1. “S/F” is short for Semper Fidelis. Semper Fidelis or Semper Fi is the motto of the United States Marine Corps. It means Always Faithful. Its an esprit-de-corps term, meant to foster camaraderie and unity. Most branches of the U.S. Military have their own motto as well: U.S. Coast Guard – Semper Paratus (Always Ready), U.S. Air Force – Uno Ab Alto (One over All), U.S. Army – This we’ll Defend, and the U.S. Navy – Pass the Cheeseburgers! Just Kidding. The Navy motto is Non sibi sed Patriae (Not self but country).

2. A shaman is an indigenous healer, who uses a combination of herbs and plants, physical and non-physical means to heal.

Shamanism is characterized by Altered States of Consciousness and journeys into Non-Ordinary or Non-Linear Reality. Once we’ve established the basic framework, similarities between cultures and peoples fall away.

Most of what you read or hear about shamanism is probably not accurate. Shamanic practitioners are usually indigenous, have traditions that have been passed down hundreds of years, and many have gone through near-death experiences as children that have given them advanced psychic abilities. In other words, you can't just sign up for a course, take a weekend class, and Presto! you’re a shaman. That’s not quite how it works. These are healing traditions that have been passed down generation after generation, from grandmother to first born, in Native societies. There is no such thing as an International Maya Elder born in Illinois, just like there’s no such thing as Bigfoot. The creature just doesn’t exist.

I consider most of my work to be anthropological research, with some archaeology thrown in for good measure. I may have vivid dreams, and I ask questions, but I don’t consider myself a shaman.

Semper Fidelis,
- OWR
(Amma Spirit Photo I took in 2006, note her Aura)

Question of the Week

2008-02-18T09:05:00.000-08:00

So that they May Live!

The first lesson of Buddhism is reverence for every living being. Every animal, every leaf, every blade of grass is to be respected, for they all contain the sacred lifeforce.

On Saturday, in continued celebration of Losar, we performed an unusual ceremony. Instead of catching fish and eating them, we bought fish and then released them back into the water. Yes!!!!, we purchased fish at the market and then released them to the sea.

The ceremony was led by Lama Tsultrum and Lama Phuntsok of the Burnaby Buddhist Center. Lama Tsulturm provided us the following message from the Jamgon Kontrul Lodro Thaye to explain the significance and value of participating in a fish release ceremony :

"The most beneficial of all...roots of virtue is the protection

and ransoming of the lives of sentient beings.

Through the blessing of their being offered to the three jewels,
and of their hearing names and dharanis, they will be ultimately
freed from inferior births...

The practitioners themselves will undoubtedly receive benefits,
such as an increased lifespan."

Remember that one of the possible rebirths is in the Animal Realm. By our actions and the way we treat others, we can either achieve positive rebirths in the Upper Realms or negative rebirths in the Lower Realms. One of the Lower Realms is the Animal Realm. In the Animal Realm, we are reborn as animals, and have the ability to understand what is happening, but can never communicate with human beings. Thereby, we live at the mercy of human beings.

The ceremony was pretty cool, when we picked up the fish at the Chinatown fish market, some of the flounder actually looked dead. I tried to poke a couple of them, but they still didn’t move. We went to the park and placed the fish in the water. After a few moments, the flounder sprang to life and then swam away. It was really neat. Its like the fish knew they were back in the Ocean and happily escaped. The last one to wake, came to the surface once, and then slipped back underwater giving us a “fish wave”.

So instead of having a fish catch, we had a fish release. And it felt great!

S/F,
- OWR

2008 - Year of the Rat

2008-02-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

Took some time off from the blog. Last week, we celebrated the Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year. I found myself on a small adventure. After trekking for several hours, I captured a golden dragon, a white dragon, two red dragons, and a small orange one.

So, was I amongst the mists of an ancient Japanese castle? Did I travel to an uncharted island, north of Hokkaido in the Sea of Okhotsk via submarine? Were we on the trail of Emperor Ying Zheng’s tomb, searching for the First Sovereign Emperor of China's treasure of gold, gems, and silver? Not quite.

I was actually at the Lunar New Year Parade in Vancouver. It was really cool. Its great to see such diverse peoples come together to celebrate cultural events. When we recognize cultures, we begin to appreciate our differences, and develop understanding. This is the basis of archaeology and anthropological studies – wanting to learn more about past cultures, so we can understand and appreciate the contributions that we can all make towards advanced civilizations.

Of all the dragons, the little orange one is my favorite. The kids were really having a blast!

S/F,
- OWR

Question of the Week - Happiness

2008-01-20T23:47:00.000-08:00

Happiness and the Three-legged Dog

This week, there’s no question of the week, but just some thoughts. I usually walk every other day, it helps me stay in shape and keep ki energy flowing. The past three days, I’ve been walking at the beach. For two of those last three days, I came across a three-legged dog.

The first time, it was about sunset, and I wandered upon a woman with a three-legged Black Lab. The woman was about early-40s, wearing sunglasses and playing fetch with her friend. She would throw a scruffy tennis ball about twenty feet out into the crisp, cool water. And I could have sworn the Black Lab had the grandest smile! He would just go out into the water, find the fuzzy yellow grape, and happily come back. And whenever the woman threw the ball, the Black Lab was off and running. It could not have been a better day.

I asked the owner what happened to the Lab. She said her friend saved her life, taking the brunt of a Grizzly bear attack, while the pair were hiking in the mountains. The dog sustained injuries, losing its rear leg. The owner gained a deeper connection, to her own humanity, via her friend's sacrifice.

And when I saw the pair, the dog was so happy! It wasn’t depressed or sad. It wasn’t frustrated or angry. It was happy, just to be alive. To the dog, it didn’t matter that it was missing something important, it was just happy to BE . . .

Many times, we get frustrated with life. There are so many reasons to be down – work, friends, goals. But we have to remember the lesson of the three-legged dog . . . things may not always work out the way we plan. And there may be bumps along the way. But, we just have to PAUSE and be happy. Be happy to be, be happy to see, be happy to just be ALIVE.

Today, walking along the beach, I saw another three-legged dog. And its smile was just as big . . .

- OWR

Question of the Week - Auras

2008-01-14T17:09:00.000-08:00

The Question of the Week comes to us from Ignacio of Austin.

“What is an Aura?”

Good question Ignacio. An aura is the energy field that surrounds most living things. The color, shape, and type of the aura will vary according to the object being observed, as well as the health, and/or mood of that object. The aura is a projection of that object’s energy.

Aura phenomena also involves extra-sensory perception. An object will emit a particular type of energy field. The observer, whether it be a psychic, small child, or animal, will observe the aura and then make decisions about the object being observed. The ability to see an aura is atypical, since the auric field is usually outside of the visible spectrum of light. Hence observing the phenomena, requires extra-sensory perception.

The color and vibrancy of the aura can tell specific information, for example, a vibrant or strong aura will indicate that a person (or object) is healthy, centered, and calm. A weak aura, or a grey aura, will indicate someone that is ill or very energetically drained. An aura with holes will indicate someone who is imbalanced or under energetic attack. This type of aura may also indicate someone with a seriously compromised immune system. Its very unusual for a person to have holes in their aura, as the body’s natural energetic field will usually work to regenerate itself. The following is a partial list of auric colors and their meaning:

Red - Love
Green - Healthy
Yellow – Illness, disease
Brown - Fatigue, Tiredness
Blue – Energetic
Purple – Spiritual, Altruistic
Electric Blue – Highly Evolved, Spiritually Advanced
Bright White – Purity
Gold – Holy, Divinity

Examples of auras may be seen using Kirilan photography. There are a few sites on the internet that show how to see auras. I would recommend going outside, at about twilight or dusk. Go with a partner and have them stand about 5 feet away from you. Stand so that you’re not facing the sun, nor should your partner be illuminated by the sun. You should be sitting down, so you can concentrate. Now relax your mind, and look slightly past your partner. You should be able to see some sort of color field around them. Remember, you need to look past your partner and utilize your peripheral vision to see their aura. Now close your eyes for about 5 seconds. Relax your mind. Open your eyes and try again. The second time around, you should be better able to see your partner’s aura. And that’s how to see auras.

Personal experience: Most of the time animals and small children see auras easily. I personally try to make a difference in the world, each and everyday (even if its just one small act of kindness) and I always make a conscious effort to improve my karma. Its interesting, when I go to the grocery store and start shopping, there’s always a parent with a little kid in the child seat, and inevitably, the kid will turn towards me and smile. I always try to waive back. I want to believe this is a child’s ability to observe my aura and energy field.

Last note, you could also posit that the ability to perceive an aura is an evolutionary trait, particular to mammals, that helped mammals to survive in the Natural world. By being able to differentiate other mammals that were threats, from non-threats, the ability to detect energy fields was a beneficial genetic mutation, that eventually became a normal part of the gene pool.

S/F,

- OWR

Sad News

2008-01-10T15:03:00.001-08:00

Sad News indeed.

Associated Press - 01/10/2007
"WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Sir Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper who conquered Mount Everest and was the first man to drive a tractor across Antarctica to win renown as one of the 20th century's greatest adventurers, has died, New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced Friday. He was 88.

His 1953 climb of Everest with Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay made him an international hero. Norgay died in 1986.

The gangling New Zealander devoted much of his life to aiding the mountain people of Nepal and took his fame in stride, preferring to be called "Ed" and considering himself just an ordinary beekeeper.

Hillary's life was marked by grand achievements, high adventure, discovery, excitement — and by his personal humility. Humble to the point that he only admitted being the first man atop Everest long after the death of climbing companion Norgay."

What made Hillary's ascent remarkable, is that even today's climbers face a 25% chance of not returning from Everest. More than fifty years later, it still requires a tremendous amount of preparation, inspiration, and sheer guts to summit Chomolungma (Tibetan for Mother Goddess of the Earth). More importantly, I think Sir Edmund taught us that us nothing is impossible and that we should Dare to Dream our hopes into reality.

In this new Century, where else will humankind step foot? What other distant shores reached by dreamlit wings, and plateaus met with halcyon skies, will we visit and perhaps someday, call home?

S/F,
- OWR

Question of the Week

2008-01-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

Comes to us from Andrew of Texas.

“What is the most important thing in a survival situation, if you are lost in the woods?”

Choose an Answer:

A. Food

B. Water

C. Map/Knowledge of Terrain

D. Good attitude

If you guessed “B”, you are INCORRECT! The correct answer is “C”. The most important thing in a survival situation, or if you are lost in the woods is a capable knowledge of the terrain. Its more important than water, food, or shelter. More important than a compass, sleeping bag, or positive mental attitude.

Terrain knowledge is the most important thing, because with knowledge of the terrain, you can navigate safely, obtain shelter and water, and also make your way to civilization. Again, remember, your purpose is not to live in the woods ála Grizzly Adams, but to find help. Now, lets look at the alternate answers and see why each is incorrect.

Food is incorrect, because generally, you can go without food for about two days. Two days should be more than enough time to hike out of wherever you’re stranded. In two days, you should be able to cover 20-30 miles. Go in a consistent direction, and you’ll eventually hit a road, major river, or mark of civilization.

Water is incorrect, because generally, you’re hydrated enough to go for 2-3 days and make it 20-30 miles. Again, you’re not trying to live in the woods for a month. If you need quick hydration, look for a stream and take a couple of sips. Make sure that there are live fish in the stream. This generally means the water is okay to drink. Make sure the water doesn’t taste bitter or musty/musky . If it does, just spit it out. Invariably, someone will ask, “Well what if you’re stranded in the desert. Isn’t water the most important thing?” Well, what are you doing that gets you stranded in the desert anyway? Duh! If you really are stranded in the desert, 100 miles from anywhere, then you try to find shelter during the day, and travel at night. That way, you expend less water than traveling at day. But again, don’t go to the desert to get stranded. Exactly . . .

A compass isn’t useful on its own. Moreover, you can improvise a directional heading using a stick (if you have sunlight) or even a bit of metal wire (if you have a leaf and water). With a stick - you merely place it upright in the ground, trace its shadow, and then wait 15 minutes. At the end of the 15 minutes, you trace the new shadow again. You now make a straight line that bisects the shadow “V” you’ve just created, and now you have a North-South directional line. Draw a line perpendicular to this one, and you now have an East-West directional line. Pretty simple. If you have a leaf, water, and metal wire - what you do is place the leaf upon the water so that it floats. You then take the metal and create static electricity by rubbing it on your hair (the metal must be ferrous/contain iron, this will not work with aluminum) and then place the metal lengthwise upon the leaf. The piece of metal wire should turn the leaf and point north. You can also use the sun to gain direction - sun rises in the East, sets in the West. Pretty easy. You can also use terrain. If you know that on a given grid square, the ridges run Northwest to Southeast, then if you follow the ridge down (using other terrain features as directional aids) then you are going Southeast. You can even use elevation. If you know that the elevation increases, as you head north across a mountain range, then the way up is North. Way down in South. Its not hard, we just like to make it hard.

Look, there are some survival shows on TV that are pure dramatization. The host goes out with a camera crew, but doesn’t tell you that he usually takes guides, has been briefed on the terrain, has looked at maps, and knows where to go. Its totally artificial. Don’t for a minute believe that the host hasn’t studied the terrain.

Moreover, after doing enough land navigation training, you can forgo the compass. You don’t need it anymore and it becomes a hindrance. You now find your location on a map using terrain features such as mountains, power lines, streams, valleys, and trails. At The Basic School (Marine TBS), generally considered the toughest land navigation course in any military, we progressed to the point where at the end of the course, we didn’t need compasses. This happens, because you get so familiar with terrain, the compass slows you down. So, the correct answer is “C”, Knowledge of the terrain . . .

S/F,
- OWR