Do You See It?

I have often thought that many of the people that I share this world with are walking through their lives in a dream. They do not seek or accept the beauty that is around and within them, They strive for what does not bring happiness and in their striving, they forget to live.

In the Gospel of Thomas, his students asked Jesus when the kingdom will come, and he replies, " It will not come because you are watching for it. No one will anounce, "look here it is," or, "Look there it is." the father's kingdom is spread out upon the earth and people do not see it.

I have come to know when I meet people, whether or not they are awake, whether or not their minds and hearts are open to the mysteries that surround us. It seems that some people carry a spark and this spark draws others to them. I believe that the spark and the awareness are part of the same thing. I feel this awareness, this spark, is related to the age and purity of the soul; that there are some who are closer to being ready to move on (as the Buddhists would say). I have always been drawn to these people and many of them have passed through my life. I miss those that I no longer see or share my life with and I especially cherish the ones that remain a part of my life. It is only with these friends that I'm able to get past the superficial topics that seem to fill the minds of so many. Only these people are able to fill my heart and make me feel happy. I believe that is why these people are a constant draw to others; even those who walk through their lives in their sleep seem to recognize the spark of a true soul, and to be drawn to it.

I believe it is in those pure souls and in ourselves that we must seek God and Heaven. I know I see him when I look at ones such as these and I feel that he is in fact the spark, the awareness that draws us together. As Jesus said in Thomas' gospel, "the father's kingdom is spread out upon the earth and people do not see it." Perhaps God sits beside you now as you read this, if so, kiss her and tell her that you know her.

Epiphany

Hello, my name is Norman and I had an epiphany today.

I am 43 years old and have walked through this world incredulous at the lack of love and compassion that exists. Like many, I have wondered at the horrible things that befall both good and bad in this world and have never been able to accept the platitudes that were passed out by organized religion about how God might let these things happen.

I have been introduced to Gnostic writings by a dear friend and have begun to study them and how they relate to this world and to our place in it. This morning, I read the Gospel of Thomas and felt the strongest truth in what I was reading. For the first time, I found myself exposed to teachings that actually felt right in my heart.

I spent most of my life as an Objectivist as this seemed the only logical philosophy in a purely material world. I have avoided the spiritual, as a scientist, I always felt that religion (and God?) was a creation of man in his fear of death. I now believe that we are already dead and living in a dead world and that there is nothing for us to fear. I started this blog today to give me a way to share my journey on this new path and to find others that feel as I do. I will continue to post my thoughts and ideas and hope to find a community where this philosophy can grow.