Fiddler on the roof - Lechaim (with subtitles)

 K: As a feminist deconstructionist metaphysical Christian, I have been studying POWER VS. FORCE by David Hawkins. He speaks about the vibrational power of emotional states such as despair, shame, guilt, and fear compared to Love, Joy, and Appreciation. According to his work, what we might call damaging emotions barely register above 20 on a consciousness scale while love (and above) begin around 520 and continue to 1,000 - the level of spiritual masters.

Question 1: In your traditions of Islam and Judaism, do your Scriptures make a similar distinction... or is this a post modern construct?

M: In Judaism God puts before humanity - Life and Death. We are asked to choose life. In our celebrations we say, "Lechaim!" or "L'Chayim!" which again directs us to life! Shabbat invites us to focus - for 24 uninterrupted hours - on life and joy, even the joy of making love! 

K: That is quite a contrast to the Christian imperative originating from American Puritanism and the Pilgrims to refrain from any fun at any time. 

D: Ramadan also is also about celebrating, connection to Allah, life, and community. Humorous aside: One of the highlights of our being together is playfulness, which transcends cultural and religious barriers. 

D. mentioned, in the context of Ramadan, that her Middle eastern friend, when she arrived in America, was happy to see what she assumed were all the Muslim hotels because of their name - the Ramada chain. We all chuckled.

K: It is not only David Hawkins who lectures and writes about the power of positive emotions and thinking, but the teachings of Abraham-Hicks center on this. According to them, simply being (as opposed to doing) gives a healing effect on the world. Do y/our three scriptures say anything about this? 

K: Jesus says not to cast your pearls before swine, which could sound offensive. I am wondering if he means that if you are in a positive healing emotional state, are we encouraged to stay there and create something in the present that is positive rather than turn back to the negative past and become distracted by all of its' illusions and dysfunction? Are we to focus on creating a solution, rather than become overwhelmed and depressed about the problem? 

 M: Shabbat is about beingness. Many Jewish leaders describe religious Judaism as being composed of THREE PATHS: STUDY, PRAYER, AND ACTS OF LOVING KINDNESS. 

 D: Yes, Islam also teaches what is called the Middle Way. One should not become too involved in particulars, not too extreme. (We all laugh, again, considering the extremes in world politics and extremist actions from all 3 religions, which receive media attention.)

 D: Neither are we too become too lax. Moderation and compromise are the key. All three of us wonder if being-ness came easier for our ancient ancestors who lived in agricultural communities and who were hunters/gatherers. Did they understand connection to God more naturally than we post modern egotists? 

K: Hmm.  Psalmist David cries out about separation from Adonai.  His writings are thousands of years old.

 M: The Commandments are better translated and understood as the Connections TO GOD. IT DEPENDS ON WHICH VOWELS YOU PUT IN. ONE KEY CONNECTION TO GOD IS SHABBAT WHICH IN THE TORAH IS MODELED AFTER GOD RESTING AFTER CREATING THE WORLD, AND ALSO THE STORY OF REDEMPTION AND REVELATION IN EXODUS. 

K: That would fit with the positive emotions that Hawkins describes as innate within us. It is unfortunate that the commandments are understood by most people as prohibitions and limitations.

M. & D: Here's an interesting cultural difference having to do with ego and God.  In Spain and in the Middle East, one does not say "Thank you" to someone personally. People offer their generosity and kindness because this is the right way to be. To show appreciation one might respond, "Thank you, to God, that this was done." In Spain (historically, reflecting the Muslim influence) one might say, "O'Jala" which means "If God wills." This sounds like "In sha Allah." 

K: I like that. Instead of focusing on the individual (and possibly their lower ego) in appreciation we are pointed back to God's generosity and care. 

NEXT POSTING & MEETING: Sunday, February 17th - Gender & Sexuality