Heaven and Hell are within us, and all the gods are within us. This is the great realization of the Upanishads of India in the ninth century B.C. All the gods, all the heavens, all the worlds are within us. They are magnified dreams, and the dreams are manifestations in image form of the energies of the body in conflict with each other. That is what myth is. Myth is a manifestation of in symbolic images, in metaphorical images, of the energies of the organs of the body in conflict with each other.
~Joseph Campbell, Professor of Mythology & Comparative Religion; Sarah Lawrence College
2006-07-20 14:21:14 · 22 answers · asked by genaddt 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"Professing to be wise, they became fools".
Being a professor of mythology and comparative religions at a liberal school does not qualify one to talk about GOD.
2006-07-20 14:26:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This paragraph includes quotes from the Upanishads as well as someones uninformed idea of what it means.
Somehow, this paragraph suggests the conclusion that when the Vedas speak of Heaven, Hell and the Gods, that they are just metaphorical images which represent the subtle and physical body.
In Bhagavad Gita, which was spoken by Krishna to Arjuna, just prior to the Mahabharata War, Krishna compares the battlefield to the body. But, we can't conclude from his statement, that there was actually no battlefield.
The important point is to not take any statement out of context. What is the context of the original statement? What is the Upanishad's definition of heaven? Of hell? Of the Gods? Once we understand this, then we can discuss this topic properly.
According to scripture, if you actually want to understand the statements of scripture, then you need to approach someone who is fully versed in the deep understandings of the scripture, inquire from them submissively, and serve them. They can give you true knowledge because they have seen the truth.
Speculation on the nature of the inconceivable absolute truth is futile.
Absolute truth can only be known by its own will. It is not within our limited power to conjure up or comprehend the infinite.
2006-07-20 21:47:48 · answer #2 · answered by Roma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had no idea that the Upanishads thought of the universe within.
From the paragraph above, where is active, engaged man? I see that man is still at the whims of the universe in here. It this why there is so much yoga in India - to be able to control the body with the conscious vs the subconscious - thus consciously controlling the dream or universe?
2006-07-20 22:55:52 · answer #3 · answered by Applecore782 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would declare that God is the First Movement of the Universe. Since humanity was not yet created this paragraph for me appears irrational.
I would also declare the God is the First Action of all reactions that have occurred since the beginning of creation.
Myth I agree is the creation of the human person and is thus limited when compared to the universe and eternal time. God being the First of All things is larger than even these concepts. God is God, Humanity is not.
2006-07-20 21:38:12 · answer #4 · answered by Lives7 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK for all the thumpers out there.....
Luke 17:20 , and so that you won't have to bother yourself with getting up and checking, I copy and paste:
20 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within[a] you."
2006-07-20 21:29:44 · answer #5 · answered by fra_bob 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not Christianity, and disturbing.
It sounds a lot like all of that new age junk.
Nothing like that lives "inside" of you. You can't create heaven by willing it to be. You can't create hell by willing it to be, either. If you can't make it a reality, then how can you say that it lives inside of you?
Anything that lives inside of you shows in your life.
If Jesus lives inside of you, that shows.
If you think that all of this other garbage lives inside of you, I would imagine that it would eventually conflict with each other.
Just a thought, though.
2006-07-20 21:29:35 · answer #6 · answered by <3 The Pest <3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's really good. I think the only heaven and hell are within us and we have the ability to break free or fall into either.
2006-07-20 21:33:00 · answer #7 · answered by bobatemydog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure how you are going to fit everyone in that the Bible says will be in Heaven and hell.
2006-07-20 21:32:13 · answer #8 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very well written from an English Grammar standpoint.
2006-07-20 21:25:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Codswollop, I say.
Well written, interesting, even humorous...
Codswollop.
No wonder Hagrid likes that word. It's getting to be one of my favorites. Say it a few times out loud. Codswollop. Codswollop. It's even fun to type. {:-D
2006-07-20 22:21:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋