I wonder...?

Question

Someone once said that the map is not the territory. It conveys information about the territory. It's a symbol about a specific reality. It's valid as a symbol, but it's not the reality. To study and memorize the map will never equal the actual experience of going to that place.
To think it is....well, you get my point.
By the same token, is 'God' as commonly understood a symbol for something else?
Are people confusing the map and the territory, so to speak? How can I know the difference? How can I go there and experience it first-hand?
What can you tell me?

Raji: never heard of it.

Answer 1

OK, I shall only pass on my direct experience because it is the way I live my life: my own truth as I experience it. You are absolutely right about the metaphor of the map. And I agree, from my astute intuition and observation, that many will speak about god from reading and study.....this religion or that religion. For me, there will only ever be my soul's own walk through all my lives including this one. How do I know I've had lives? I did not search....I received information into my mind and senses direct from the reservoir of my soul. I did, consciously ask, more than once, to whatever higher energy, or being, or god, that is nearest to me, to "make me an instrument of your love and I will be guided by, and act on, what I am given". I still, actually, talk to God even though I was brought up church of England and have adopted Tibetan Buddhism (naturally since I have had lives as such), yet I no longer define my spirituality other than it is my spirituality.........embracing all good as from the same source. Well, I have been given such a lot...it is overwhelmingly, amazingly, beautiful to behold what has come from "there" and what I have learned about who and what I am and what my purpose is. I am a writer and an artist. Being a creative who is completely uncensoring of what comes in, means that my vision, knowing, loving, has a tangible resonance in me ....deep in the soul of me. I am clairsentient (I see and hear beyond any normal range and therefore can "see" directly into the heart's and souls' and motivation of others).

The basis of what I'm telling you is not so that I may show off, but to give you a real life example of one who speaks and hears directly with God. I asked to talk only to God and I do. Ask and it is yours. Trust in the universe to always provide whatever you need to know, from moment to moment, and ask only to be exposed to loving energies and entities. You will find that you are utterly protected as you go through your life, but you must honour this connection with your life, not fear death for it is natural and beautiful, and to walk your path always with innocence and an open heart. All good will naturally flow to you and any suffering you need to accept as part of your learning. The path is your wonder and your gift. You are unique and wonderful. So, your own map will show you your own path. We all have our own maps. Please note this: THERE IS NO ONE MAP. Peace, friend.

Answer 2

The only thing a map can tell you is more about location in comparison to other locations.. I have never known someone to confuse geography with actual experience.

I'm not too sure that God can be used as a symbol for anything other than complete intelligence. Most religions portray god as a 'being' of some sort. But hell, its the interpretation that counts right?

I dont think people recognize that it is a map that they are looking at(...if it is a map).

Answer 3

For the common man the map is much like I see a few glimpses of Niagara on TV and feel it but the whole feeling may be different in real, but my financial position may not help me to be there so the video is good to enjoy.
And all the people don't have same spiritual levels you see so let the map be felt as the territory

Answer 4

What can I tell you?
Nothing that you don't already know!
I can't enlighten you further.
That's an inside job.
"The proof within the pudding is within the eating!"

Mans map is constantly changing. New roads are always under construction. There is also a super-highway that is available for humans. Wisdom is needed for man to find this super-highway.

There is the world of the (seen) and the world of the (unseen).
A map is needed for the world of the (seen).
There is no map for the world of the (unseen).
That which has no beginning and no end is difficult for a human to fathom! In order for man to understand this a human must locate their (Owners Manual).
"May we all locate our (Owners Manual)."
A human must understand just who the Owner truly is!
When a highly developed intellect is brought under control by the Owner, then the world of the (unseen) will become manifest.
It is then possible for man to view "Reality" in all of its "Beauty"!

The Territory is very Ominous!
It could be said that it's breathtaking!
"May we all have our breath taken away."

Meecham Anbu (Much Love),

Answer 5

The map is a guide.
I have never set foot on a map.
but have put the map to good use.
I will never plan a trip to see the map,
but I might try to understand it.

to answer your question,
god is eternal and great
the light 'and the shadow
any symbol or metaphor will fail.
His work is in the greatest of greats
and in the most obsure of all things.

god is almighty
the all and the complete.
the whole song

Answer 6

It is becoming a more popular notion in today's society that you are voicing. For many blind faith is not enough, they want to experience the divine on their own. I think you are right on in that the impression of God is just a symbol to familiarize us with it. How you go about the first hand experience is a about as vast as the almighty, look for the theory you like best and go with it.

Answer 7

It is so incredible that it overwhelms the senses, start by paying attention to, and understanding the simple things using ears and eyes. Explore the present moment inside and out. :-) It is a lack of awareness that restricts the energy and limits the flow. Move the mind into the skin and feel how the conscious grows. Move the mind into the Sun and know from where we have come.

Answer 8

Some people spend half thier lives in reading and understanding the map thinking that it will help them reach the destination nicely , comfortably, easily and some even suppose that they have learnt the way without actually treading ..I dont think that its a good way...for reaching the destination one has to take steps, stumble, fall down , get up again,wait, move ahead sometimes in guesses and sometimes in knowledge, sometimes in hope and other times in joy and yet other times in despair, sometimes halting and other times running.....its a long journey and a tough one but the mentor is always always there so who needs a map really?Do maps really help?
let God be your eyes and love be the map...except that there is no other way

Answer 9

A good question to be answered by the Holy Spirit...Sent as the Comforter and guide in this New Covenant Age.

But yes, there is a catch. One must first accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Until then, a piece of paper and not even a map.

Answer 10

LOL Sunman. YOu're reading Christophor Penczak's newest book too?

Essentialy, what is meant is that you can read about it, look at it's picture, study it's history, know everything that can possibly be known about it, but until you actually get to see, touch, hear, taste, smell and BE with it, you have NOT experienced it from you OWN perspective. It's like swimming. If have read all about swimming, watched every available video, listened to discussions endlessly, studied every facet of swimming, you STILL don't know how to swim until you actually get IN the water and do it.

Brightest Blessings,
Raji the Green Witch