Seminary Program

This is where we post the essays from many of our Universal Life Church Seminary students. When students finish a ULC course, they write a comprehensive essay about their experiences with the course, what they learned, didn't learn, were inspired by, etc. Here are their essays.

Search This Blog

Friday, September 29, 2006

Spirit Quest

Spirit Quest Living in Love
Rev. Lucia Camara
Spirit Quest Program Wrap Essay

The impact of the Spirit Quest Program was very interesting and enlightening. My perception was that some of the discourses appeared to be based in a real sense of fear. Here are some examples: the fear of not being protected, the fear of doing things incorrectly, good vs. evil, positive and negative, etc. This was surprising to me in comparison to where I have chosen to live my life, my healing practice, and my ministry.

As human beings we have learned and lived from a point a fear for 2000 years. This has not been as beneficial as one may have thought. It was beneficial to learn some important aspects of evolving, however teaching and living from the point of fear are outdated. The true teachings from the many sacred beings that have come before were from a being in the present moment, in the pure energy of simple love. Evolving from the fear base in our lives and moving towards living life on every level from the point of love is a way of becoming enlightened. The discourses did give me the opportunity to understand what I hold as beliefs in my life and how I live those beliefs.

For fifteen years, I have chosen to base my healing and teaching practice, as well as my ministry from the belief that “no harm created, no harm will follow.” This has served me well. From that point, the Divine is pure love, universal life energy, which is life giving and sustaining. A few of the discourses that came from a sense of fear were surprising. Understanding that I am capable of learning something from every experience, and noting that in the beginning of the program it was written to take what felt comfortable, this was what I followed.

The discourses that I found the most helpful and able to integrate into my life were: Creating Your Own Reality, Speaking In The Positive, Asking The Right Question, and Forgiveness. In Creating Your Own Reality, the information given was wonderful and seemed to easily be applied. Perhaps it was the added push to read and practice the information that suited my beliefs in life, which reinforced what had already been learned and read. The impact continues to be a daily part of life.

Speaking In The Positive helped to cinch without a question a thought process that now has become a thoughtful way of life. The interaction and response from the communities, people, and family is very pleasant. Communication is clearer and concise on all levels.

Asking The Right Question allowed the recognition of the mindfulness that is needed in the areas that would benefit from change. Creating a heartfelt intention and investing energy into the well thought out request has made a very positive impact.

The Forgiveness discourse gave the opportunity to look at everything that was uncomfortable in life, and come to a wonderful healing resolve. I now understand that forgiveness is not only for others, but makes the greatest strides when it is applied to self. This is a point that is too easily forgotten in the ever changing and evolving world.

Rev. Lucia Camara

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.



Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Wiccan Studies

Master of wiccan Studies
Lessons from the Wiccan experience course:

Perhaps the most important lesson I learned from the course has been the issue of intent with rituals. The rituals mean nothing unless the proper intent is present, and the wrong intent does not impart rituals with meaning. Rituals have meaning, but the intent ascribed to them only occurs when the proper intent is used in combination with the ritual.

Another lesson from the course is the benign aspect of the mode of thought, or the presence of spells in conjunction with your meanings. As with most religions, or avenues of worship, spells help focus the wishes and intent of the person involved. The insistence of not doing harm in your spell casting is important, even without the Law of Threefold in place. This law helps a person to remember that anything you send out comes back three fold in power and intent. The aspect of evil spells and intent that is in the modern or ancient literature, usually by persons who have no conception of these rituals, do not hold any validity when seen from this perspective.

As with any ritual, the importance of concentration and focus is paramount. Without concentration the rituals have no power, and can be usurped for other purposes, especially when first practicing rituals. As a help in concentration and focus several preparations are needed, most importantly of these are planning ahead. There should be a clear understanding of the intent, goals, and process before any ritual should take place. Without the visualization of the process/rituals, but most importantly the goals, of the service you are to perform you cannot obtain them. Not only have you wasted your time, but you have opened yourself up to negative or dangerous influences.

Another lesson from the course has been the importance of timing when attempting and completing rituals/spells. Forces are natural in our world, and there are times when the forces are more powerful, or more accessible than others. Paying attention to the calendar, the time of day, even the day of week is important. Certain holidays in our society are based on these situations where forces are more accessible, and for a good reason. These times also help the practitioner to focus on his/her rituals and goals.

Perhaps the most important lesson from the course is that we are not alone, in any religion or religious practice. Current beliefs and practices are built up from the past, from many different cultures and practices. The combination of disparate practices and beliefs only makes current one more powerful, and longer lasting. Although the intent of any religious practice should not be power for the individual or person within the sect, the power here refers to the system of beliefs and practices. The power of belief does lend power to the rituals and spells of the individual and organization, but not for self-aggrandizement instead for accumulation of intent and implementation of rituals for the growing of knowledge for both the individual who practices and those who are interested. After all, the most important aspect of any belief system is the growth of the individual in knowledge and wisdom.

Prepared as the final requirement for the Master in Wiccan Studies by:

David A Woods



*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.



Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Christian Studies

The Four Gospels Essay
Rev. David E. Griffin DD

I would like to first say thanks to the ULC Seminary for giving me the opportunity to become a minister. I have always heard a small voice inside of me telling me this is what I should be doing but I didn't feel that I was qualified because of a lack of seminary studies. So last year I became ordained by The Universal Life Church and I joined the ULC Seminary and it has been a blessing to me. A year later I received my Doctor of Divinity and with the help of God I hope to graduate from the ULC Seminary.

I really enjoyed reading the Four Gospels Book and I also enjoyed the e-mails which helped me with this course. I especially enjoyed the book of Matthew because it was more detailed about the birth, teachings, preaching, miracles, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I accepted Christ as my Savior at a young age and was raised in a Baptist church. The Holy Bible ,prayer, and meditation have always been a part of my life but ten years ago I was able to receive something that Jesus performed many times in the book of Matthew and that was a MIRACLE OF HEALING.

In August of 1996 I was diagnosed with advanced stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma. This very aggressive cancer had spread to both of my lungs, liver, lymph nodes and spine. I met with several different doctors, had PET Scans, CT Scans, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation but still they only gave me a few months to live. I then met with a doctor from the National Cancer Institute and he also only gave me a few months at best. All I had left was prayer to God for a miracle. I thought that if I prayed and had faith that Jesus Christ would touch me just like he did in all his miracle healings in the Book of Matthew. I believe that GOD answers prayer in one of four ways: 1. Yes, child, "you may have it"; 2."No, child, this is not good for you"; 3. "Wait, child, I have something better"; or "My Grace is sufficient for you"(2 Cor. 12:9).

In my case churches and people everywhere were praying for me. I remembered Matthew 5: 23 'And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and HEALING all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.' I believed this same Jesus could heal me too. I could feel the power of their prayers going through my body and I am still alive today only because of the prayers of many people and the HEALING power of Jesus Christ. My Doctors tell me I am their MIRACLE patient. They tell me that what they did for me is not the reason that I am still alive.

So the area of the four Gospels that gives me the most comfort is the healing of the many sick that Jesus performed in Matthew 5: 23 because I too received the same HEALING.

May God Bless and Heal You.

Rev. David E. Griffin DD


*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.



Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Master of Religion

Master of  Religion
The Essay of the Religious Class ULC Seminary
Rev. Timothy P. Champ


The Master of Religion Programs has enlightened many areas in my life. Some areas are social, personal and spiritual. The background information (History of Christianity) has given me a new appreciation of the struggles of the early Christians. By looking at the many struggles that I have researched, it provides a sense of praise to God and appreciation of his blessings in my life. As I look at the suffering in this world, I realize that God has blessed the Christians in America. However, it is sad that many Christians have not realized that fact.

The lesson on divorce has given me additional strength and knowledge. As a victim of divorce, my second marriage is committed to God and Jesus. We both realize that we must walk by faith and not by sight. We believe that God can make a way out of no way and nothing is too hard for God not even our marriage.

The lesson on Christian Counseling has made me realize that I need further training and education in this field. However, it also has made me become more tolerant of others and do as Jesus did. Jesus met people where they were not where he wanted them to be. Jesus accepts our heart. To change our heart we must let him in. This lesson made me realize that I must change the way I communicate with others. By listening, I will be able to provide a better service to others. Not only listening to others but also listen to the Holy Spirit.

Words are one of the most powerful forces on earth. The problem is that everybody uses them, but not always effectively. I would like to take this opportunity to let you know that you have used your word effectively and your words has made a difference in my life and as I touch others I know it will make a difference in their life. Thank you for the program and God bless you.


*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.



Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

BUDDHISM

Universal Life Church Buddhism CourseBuddhism Rev. Peter A. Somogyi
Final Dissertation

THE ESSENCE OF BUDDHISM

After 7 years of wondering in the wilderness, meditating, fasting and studying with many great Yogis and religious teachers, Siddhattha Gotama (Pali) realized that if was to attain understanding he would have to achieve this totally on his own.


Resolved to attain enlightenment the resolute prince set down under a great Pipal tree (1) and vowed: “Let my skin whither, my limbs grow numb, my bones dissolve, I will not rise from here until I attain Understanding" (2) The determined prince sat under the great Bo tree for 7 days and 7 nights meditating steadfast and as he sat there the veil of ignorance was lifted in his mind layer by layer. When he finally rose from his meditations "a new religion" arose with him. The Buddha then went to "Deer Park" where he met up with his former colleges (ascetic seekers) and to them he revealed the essence of his teachings.


The main tenets of Buddha's teachings include the idea that there is no Supreme Being or (God) who governs men's affairs or who sits in judgment over man's destiny. (3) Rather it is believed that man is his own master and determines his own growth as a human being and is able to attain enlightenment trough his own efforts. "One is one's own refuge, who else could be the refuge" said the Buddha. (4) The Buddha then admonished his disciples to take refuge in themselves and never to seek refuge or help form others.


In addition to the above the Buddha expounded what was reveled to him in his meditations which include the Four Noble Truths, the correct form of Mental Culture and Meditation (Bhavana) and the concept of Universal Love, (Metta - Sutta).




The Four Noble Truths


The Four Noble Truths, (Cattari Ariyasaccani) as expounded by the Buddha is the most important part of the Buddha's teaching .


These are:


Dukkha: (suffering, pain sorrow, emptiness, imperfection, impermanence, insubstantiality)


Samudaya: (the arising or origin of dukkha)


Nirodha: (the cessation of dukkha)


Magga: (the way leading to the cessation of dukkha, which is the "Noble Eight-fold Path")

The First noble Truth; (Dukkha):


Dukkha or the First Noble truth is generally translated as the noble truth of suffering but actually the word dukkha denotes a wider meaning and includes concepts such as pain, sorrow, misery, emptiness, imperfection, impermanence, insubstantiality. The Buddha's teaching does not deny happiness in life but pronounces these as impermanent and therefore dukkha, leading to disappointment.


There are three aspect of Dukkha: The first aspect include ordinary suffering such as association with unpleasant persons or conditions, separation form loved ones, not getting what one wants, getting what one doesn't want, lamentation, grief, sorrow, distress pain, sickness, old age and death, in other words all forms of physical pain and mental suffering.


The second aspect of dukkha include suffering and unhappiness due to the fact that happy conditions in life are impermanent. This impermanent nature of life produces change and this change is felt as unhappiness and therefore "Dukkha".


The Anatta Doctrine (No Self, No Soul) is the third aspect of dukkha and this is the most important feature of the First Noble Truth. According to the Buddha's teaching there is no permanent self or soul, (or I) and what we call an "individual" amounts only to a combination of five things, five aspects of a person. The five aggregates are a combination of the 5 physical and mental energies. These are matter, (such as the body), sensation, (such as the 5 sense organs) perception, (which is an ability of the mind to discern), mental formation (which is thought itself) and consciousness (which is our ability to perceive ourselves as existing or being alive). None of the above are permanent and are constantly changing as we grow and age and even from day to day. Therefore there is no permanent, unchanging Spirit which we could call Self, Soul, or Ego. The above Five aggregates together are also dukkha (samkhara dukkha) and there is no "being" behind these Five aggregates. As the great Buddhist philosopher Buddhaghosa said: "Mere suffering exists but no sufferer is found".


The Second Noble Truth: (Samudaya)


The Second Noble Truth concerns itself with the arising of dukkha, or the cause of dukkha. According to the Buddha's teachings the origin of this arising of dukkha is our thirst or craving (tanha) for sense pleasures, wealth, power, ideas, ideals, our attachment to opinions, theories, conceptions, beliefs and the thirst for existence and/or re-becoming. It is this very thirst or desire which manifests itself in different ways and gives rise to all forms of suffering and of the continuity of beings.

The Third Noble Truth; (Nirodha)


The Third Noble Truth (Cessation of Dukkha) states that there is the possibility of liberating ourselves form suffering and continuity. To emancipate ourselves form dukkha we need to completely eliminate the above mentioned thirst, greed or desire (tanha) for the Five Aggregates of attachment and thereby achieve Nibbana (Nirvana in Sanskrit), which is, according to the Buddha's teachings, the Absolute Truth or Ultimate Realty.


As the Buddha said: "Therefore, O Bhikkus, a person so endowed is endowed with the absolute wisdom, for the knowledge of extinction of all dukkha is the absolute noble wisdom". (5)


The Fourth Noble Truth (Magga)

The Fourth Noble Truth is the Way leading to the cessation of dukkha or the "Path" itself (Magga). This path is know in Buddhism as the Middle Path (or Middle Way) because it avoids the two extremes of searching for happiness through sense pleasures on the one hand, and asceticism or self mortification on the other. From the Buddhist perspective both sense pleasures and asceticism are thought of as low, unworthy and unprofitable (i.e. the way of the common or ordinary people).


The above Middle path, commonly referred to as "The Noble Eight-fold Path" is, the practical way to liberation (Nibbana). All the Buddha's teachings, to which he devoted his whole life, are concerned with teaching some aspect of the "Middle Way" or "The Noble Eight-fold Path".

The Eight categories of the practice are:


1. Right Understanding
2. Right Thought
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration


The above eight categories are not to be construed as steps to be followed one after the other in order to advance on the Noble Eight-fold Path but rather they are to be developed and cultivated simultaneously according to the capacity of the individual.


In brief, "Right Understanding" is the understanding of things as they really are (as opposed to what we think they should be). This understanding is the highest wisdom (that is the understanding of the Four Noble Truths). "Right Thought" denotes selfless renunciation or detachment, thoughts of love and none violence. These two factors constitute the "Attainment of Wisdom" part of the teachings.


"Right Speech" means to abstain form telling lies, being rude, harsh, impolite or careless with one's speech, and thereby bringing disharmony amongst individuals, "Right Action" means to behave in an honorable and peaceful way, Right Livelihood means to have a profession that does not harm oneself or other living beings. These three factors together comprise "Ethical Conduct" part of the teachings.


"Right Effort" is the purposeful will to prevent unwholesome states of mind form arising, and "Right Mindfulness" is to cultivate awareness both of the body's activities (such as breathing) and of sensations and feelings, ideas thoughts and conceptions, "Right Concentration" is the prescribed mental discipline to cultivate higher forms of meditation. These three factors together comprise the "Mental Discipline" part of the teachings.


Mental Culture


One of the most important discourses the Buddha gave to his followers is the discourse on meditation or "The Setting up of Mindfulness" which is divided into four sections: 1. The Body, 2. Sensations and Feelings, 3. The Mind, and 4. Various Moral and intellectual Subjects. The most important thing to understand about these sections is that whatever the form of meditation may be they all are based on mindfulness, awareness, attention and observation.


An example of the above is the Buddhist practice of mindfulness meditation which is connected with the body. This practice is comprised of paying careful attention to (or being aware of) the in and out airflow of breathing.

Conclusion


As Buddhism traveled form India to China, and Tibet, then to East Asia and Japan it has gone through many changes and adapted itself to the various native cultures it encountered. In some geographical eras it became a "religion", where the Buddha is venerated as a deity but in others the Buddha is perceived as the great teacher and his teachings are looked upon as a philosophy or a guide to a way of life. Whatever the cultural context the Buddha's teachings have greatly contributed to peace, nonviolence and social harmony in the countries where it was adopted and where Buddhism is practiced.


The meaning of enlightenment may be discerned from a very beautiful story of the Tendai School of
Buddhist tradition. (6) This story is included in the "Appendix" bellow.



Footnotes:


(1) Pipal tree (Ficus religiosa), a native tree of India, held sacred by the Buddhists.


(2) Huston Smith; The Illustrated World's Religions; A Guide to Our Wisdom Traditions (Labyrinth Publishing UK Ltd., 1994.)


(3) ULC Seminary; Buddhism 2006.


In 1966 World Buddhist Sangha Council convened by Theravadins in Sri Lanka with the hope of bridging differences and working together. The first convention was attended by leading monks, from many countries and sects, Mahayana as well as Theravada.


Nine points written by Ven. Walpola Rahula were approved unanimously;


• The Buddha is our only Master


• We take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha (see Three Jewels)


• We do not believe that this world is created and ruled by a God


• We consider that the purpose of life is to develop compassion for all living beings without discrimination and to work for their good, happiness, and peace; and to develop wisdom leading to the realization of Ultimate Truth


• We accept the Four Noble Truths, namely Dukkha, the Arising of Dukkha, the Cessation of Dukkha, and the Path leading to the Cessation of Dukkha; and the law of cause and effect (Pratitya-samutpada)


• All conditioned things (samskaara) are impermanent (anitya) and dukkha, and that all conditioned and unconditioned things (dharma) are without self (anaatma).


• We accept the Thirty-seven Qualities conducive to Enlightenment (bodhipak sa-dharma) as different aspects of the Path taught by the Buddha leading to Enlightenment.


• There are three ways of attaining bodhi or Enlightenment: namely as a disciple (sraavaka), as a Pratyeka-Buddha and as a Samyak-sam-Buddha (perfectly and Fully Enlightened Buddha). We accept it as the highest, noblest, and most heroic to follow the career of a Bodhisattva and to become a Samyak-sam-Buddha in order to save others.


• We admit that in different countries there are differences regarding Buddhist beliefs and practices. These external forms and expressions should not be confused with the essential teachings of the Buddha. (ULC Course on Buddhist Studies).


(4) Walpola Rahula: What the Buddha Taught (Grove Press, NY., 1959).


(5) In Japanese Zen Buddhism this is succinctly expressed by the great Zen Master Dogen who said:
" To study Buddhism is to study the self, to study self is to forget the self, to forget the self is to be enlightened by all things, to be enlightened by all things is to give up attachments to one own and to other people's body and mind".


(6) The Tendai School of Buddhism is one of the most important sects of Japanese Buddhism, established in the 8th Century CE. Its origins are firmly rooted in both the Dharma taught by Shakyamuni Buddha - the historical Buddha - as well as the Mahayana school of Buddhism and China's T'ien-t'ai Buddhist doctrine. Named after the sacred mountain in southeast China and popularized by the philosopher, teacher and practitioner Chih-i (538-597) and the Japanese monk Saicho (767-822), the Tendai school gave rise to other important schools of Japanese Buddhism, including the Jodo (Pure Land), Jodo Shin-Shu (New Pure Land), Soto Zen, Rinzai Zen and Nichiren schools. The history of Tendai Buddhism thus encompasses the stories of both Mahayana Buddhism and Japanese Buddhism.


(7) Van De Wetering ; The Empty Mirror, Houghton Miffin Company, NY. 1959



Appendix:
A Court Lady Discourteously Treated


The story is set in ancient China, at a time when Buddhism had flourished there, the Zen and Tendai sects were strong and even the emperor himself was a Buddhist.


One day a certain court lady felt herself attracted to the mysterious teachings of Buddhism and decided to investigate the topic thoroughly. She visited a number of temples and monasteries talked with many priests and so-called masters but didn't find much except for splendor and a lot of difficult words. The temples which she saw were beautifully designed and built, she saw magnificent gardens with all sorts of surprise effects. The clergy who controlled this environment pulled holy faces and knew the answer to any question.


The lady was intelligent and knew how to observe, and although what she saw was impressive she could not rid herself of the feeling that she had been transported into a play, a fascinating show, but a show without much substance. So, she asked and obtained audience with the emperor and described to him what she had seen. "Is this Buddhism?" the lady asked.


"Well", the emperor said, "the eye wants something too. And religion isn't bad for the people. It gives them something to do and there is always the possibility that they pick up some wisdom from the sutras of the Buddha. The Eight Fold Path is sublime, and there are priests and monks who try to walk the path, and their example is not without merit".


"But are there any real masters?" the lady asked.


"Yes," the emperor said. "I know a real master. He is an uncouth old man and my predecessors would have cut off his head if he addressed them as he addresses me. I have never been able to get him here, but when I visit him, and I don't take more than two bodyguards, he may deign to receive me, if he hasn't got anything better to do."


"Buuut..., but,...you are the Son of Heaven" the lady stuttered.


"Yes, yes," the emperor said. "So they say, I myself never really believed it, and I am sure the master doesn't believe it either. When he speaks to me I am often reminded of the old Taoist scriptures. You know the sort of thing I mean, to rule by doing nothing, to speak by remaining silent, to own the universe by giving up everything."


"But", the emperor said, "if you want to look him up I'll tell you where he lives. Dress yourself like a common woman and I will give you two disguised sword fighters to defend you on the way. The master lives in a deserted part of the country a few days' distance from here."


The court lady was a sincere woman, courageous and intelligent. She succeeded in finding the temple of the master but by the time she arrived a great storm had passed through the district and the roof of the temple had been torn off. The master lived in a ruin.


She greeted the master respectfully and requested an elaboration on the mysterious teachings but the master was a man of few words, and unkind words at that, and he tried to send her away.


"I don't teach. I am an ignorant old man and I live here by myself. I pass my days in dreams and usually sit here and stare. What passes through my mind would be of no interest to you."


The lady insisted but the master refused again. Finally she made him a proposition.


"I am rather a rich woman," she said. "I should like to do something for another person, and it wouldn't be very kind of you to hinder me in this. I should like to have this temple restored and come back later to spend a week here to find some peace and be able to listen to you."


The master listened, thought a little, nodded and shuffled away. The lady sent workmen, the temple was repaired, and the lady returned. Instead of a week she stayed three months. She meditated regularly, learned the fire ceremony, and sometimes the master spoke a few words. She did her utmost, but when it was time to return to the palace she had to admit that she had learned nothing and that the mysteries which she had tried to comprehend were veiled as ever. She blamed the failure on herself and did not complain, but said goodbye politely to the master and thanked him for his trouble.


The master was a little upset. His temple had been restored beautifully, the lady was a noble and sympathetic woman, and there she was, rather unhappy and very discontent with herself.


"Just a moment," the master said.


The lady climbed down from her horse and bowed.


"Have you got a large room in the palace?"


The lady nodded.


"Good," the master said, "see if you can gather together about fifty mirrors. In about a month I will visit you. Tell your servants that if they find a bald-headed old bum at the gate they mustn't beet him up straight away. Perhaps I shall be able to teach you something after all."


The lady smiled and bowed again, and rode back to the palace.


When the master came he placed the mirrors in such a way that they reflected into each other.
Then he asked the lady to sit down in the middle of the room, to look about her and describe what she saw.


The lady had sat in the lotus position and remained quiet for a very long time. Finally she spoke;


"I see that everything that happens is reflected in everything else."


"Yes," the master said. "Anything else?"


"I see that every action of any man has its results in all other man, and not only in all man, but in all beings, and in all spheres."


"Anything else?"


"Everything is connected with everything."


The master waited patiently but the lady kept quiet. In the end he grunted.


"It isn't much," he said, but it is something. You haven't come to my temple for nothing after all. But there is still much to learn."


After that he left. He refused all food and drink, and with a nod by way of goodbye walked away. He walked through her gate bent, a little lame, knocking the iron end of his stick against the pebbles of the path.


When she wanted to visit him again later, he had died. According to the legend she moved into his temple herself, and reached, by doing the exercises which the master had once taught her, the sublime enlightenment. (7)



*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.



Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

Master of Metaphysics DegreeEssay to the Spirit Quest 
Rev. Birgit Altenhofen

I enjoyed every lesson and learned a lot of new things. The Spirit Quest is mostly for beginners but also advanced seekers can learn from it. The exercises were simple and easy to learn. I was surprised at my ability to able to experience all these things.

What I liked most was the explanation of setting spiritual goals and the spiritual path. It is important to know that we all can take charge of our life instead of our life taking charge of us. Most of us don’t know that life is a precious gift. We can choose our own reality and choose between love or fear. We can experience the truth of our reality as love. To do this, we must, each moment, refuse to be limited by the fearful thoughts of the past or the worries about the future. We limit our minds when we see value in making a fearful past as real. As a result, our minds can only look fearfully at all that is to come, and cannot enjoy the present in peace and love.

We are what we believe. In Spirit Quest I learned to get to know my inner Self and feel connected to the inner wisdom. This experience is a sense of total freedom. I realized that when I am totally present there is only love. It is a wonderful feeling.

I started watching my thoughts, words and actions a while ago. Every day I wake up in the morning, and I consciously create my day I want it to happen. Little surprising things happen through out the day. I am getting better and I am more focused on the reality in me than the outside world. My inner peace becomes stronger too.

It feels good to know that we all the same and there is really nothing to fear. What I see in the outside world is a reflection of what I have first seen within my own mind. I always projected onto the world the thoughts, feelings and attitudes. Now, I can see the world differently by changing my mind about what I want to see. Only my loving thoughts are real. By forgiving and letting go of the past, I freed myself of the painful burdens I have carried into the present moment. I am responsible for what I see. I choose the feelings I experience, and I decide upon the goal I would achieve. Miracles can happen when we believe in it. We attract whatever we choose to give our attention to - whether wanted or unwanted. We are powerful attractors and we can use this wonderful, god given power to attract more of what we desire in life, simply by paying attention to where we place our thoughts and desires.

In Spirit Quest we learned to meditate and visualize. I don’t have problems with visualizations but I know people who have. Maybe instead of visualizing a mental picture we could pay attention to our body. Paying attention to the body means being present and connected to the inner wisdom. I learned when I feel the energy of my inner body, immediately my mental noise slows down or ceases. I feel the life that I am and the energy running through my body.

In lesson number 26 I learned about the Michaels teachings. That was the first time I heard about it. Thank you for mentioning it. I looked at the website to get more information. Knowing about the different soul ages explains why we still have primitive living in the world.

Thank you, Amy, for putting these wonderful lessons together.

Rev. Birgit Altenhofen


*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.


The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.



Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Shamanism

Essay for Doctor of Shamanism Course Requirement:

Guidance in any spiritual awareness for a group must first begin with the individual. Spiritual guidance is the most important of all paths a person may choose. If a person does not know him/herself then they cannot show others trails of discovery. All trails of discovery begin with introspection and exploration of the individual. For success in any endeavor, but especially in the realm of spirituality, honesty is the basic premise for realization.

For anyone to delve into retrospection they must first prepare themselves by looking within. For many, and especially for one with any life experience at all, this is a frightening prospect, and it should be. We go through life with a view of ourselves that comes from many opinions. Some are seen through the eyes and reactions of others, and some are view based on our preconceptions of ourselves. The easiest path to select is the one in which we deceive ourselves with showing only one side of the coin. But, the only way to achieve realization is through an honest approach that explores each facet of our existence. The importance of self-realization is based on a clear look at whom and what we are. One avenue to tread is to reach outside of ourselves and see us as others view our actions.

Viewing actions is the true way to analyze our behavior. Only through actions can we really judge our motivations, for one large aspect of self-deception is rationalization. The best intentions that end up hurting someone is still hurting someone, and thus we should not look at why something happened, but rather what did happen. When there is time our actions should result from analyzing our choices and selecting the one most appropriate. However, much in life does not allow us time for these retrospections. Thus, decisions should be based on prior thought and ethical guidelines.

How do others see our behavior and actions? This should be one of our guiding principles as we interact with others. Yes, there are times, and should be, when others may not understand why we do things and we must live with the consequences. But, in all things our actions should reflect an ethical and honest lifestyle.

Guiding others through a spiritual path is the most important endeavor we can attempt. To do this we must first know where we are going. This is true no matter the path we take or the way we journey. Thus, the honesty of self is first necessary before we can show others the honesty of themselves.

To guide necessitates trust, and trust is based on honest and integrity. Rules are necessary so that the guided will know what to expect and are a way to show that the guider can be trusted. Once trust is lost then it can never be regained the same way. Ethical guidelines are necessary and fundamental, along with a clear description and answering all the questions a person has, before the guidance can begin. Do not expect instant trust based on titles or who you are. Trust is earned, one small step at a time, and explaining what will occur, or may occur, is the only way to gain it. Sometimes rituals will seem disconcerting to a novice, and these are the times when patience, honesty, and clearly stating expectations are paramount to build trust and allow the individuals to learn of their self. Anytime a journey is taken both the guide and the guider will learn more of what they are, and who they are. This is the most exciting thing about spirituality and spiritual guidance, the constant discovery that accompanies it.

Many people get stuck on nouns, or names of things. This is especially true of spiritual journeys and discoveries. But, most of the time a little explanation will cure any reservations a person may have. Explaining both the ritual and expectations will take a lot of the fear and tension from the experience. And once a journey is made a person will also continue to journey, unless the experience was detrimental and then the person will be deprived of the most important lesson of their self. Thus, the first concern of a spirit guide is to educate the person they will be with. As with other journeys, once a teacher begins to teach they learn more also. This is the exciting aspect of our profession, and the reason most of us are here, to learn more and more about ourselves and others.

Shamanism is one way of discovering more of self. The rituals help focus the mind, show the way to enlightenment, and self awareness grows. Each person will find a path that works best for them, for as no two people are the same so are no two paths the same. Another important lesson to remember is that there is no one right way, only successful ways to learn right.

Thank you for the opportunity for this course. I have learned a lot and expect to continue to grow spiritually, and become a better person for others as I continue. I have enjoyed this experience and look forward to the future, learning of myself and helping others learn of their selves.

Prepared for the final requirement for the Doctor of Shamanism Course at ULCS:

Rev. David A Woods

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.


Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Christian Religion

Christianity
The Bible is probably one of the least read books among Christians today. Many proclaim that they read the Bible but in actuality they read mostly the New Testament and even then it is select passages. This course has made me reflect on many aspects of the Bible, a book that I have read several times. The highlight this time though was that we explored several areas in a little more depth than what I had previously done.

An area that had always puzzled me was that of the Ten Commandments. Looking at the various renditions as espoused by different branches of Christianity, made me ponder upon the need for such variety. I can see why particular sects alter the wording to suit themselves and their doctrine but to me that is working around the laws that God has laid down for us to follow. This tied in closely with the topic of Denominations. In researching the many denominations it appears throughout history that they have all become off shoots from a central source and based their separation upon one or two finite points. Take for instance the matter of Baptism, should it be by immersion, sprinkling or pouring?  Does it really matter to God?  Yet several denominations are adamant in their belief and adherence to one form or another. The circumstances that wrought these changes historically are often extremely relevant to the change.

The review of the history of Christianity was also an area that I was interested in. Being someone who is easily diverted in study to the various tributaries that crop up, this subject caused me to follow threads of thought and knowledge in a plethora of directions. I kept asking myself, “Why?” and searching for more explanation. My quest for knowledge expanded and grew in relationship to my knowledge base. This was a great feeling to search and find answers. I have never really accepted anything at face value and as a result I sometimes take longer to absorb information as I muse over it.

One thing that I found disconcerting was that I needed more time between lessons so that I could study and research more. This is just a personal preference though and others may not have the same debilitating habit of following each thread of thought to a satisfactory conclusion.

The course was extremely beneficial to me and I thoroughly enjoyed the thought provocation that resulted. I learned more than I could possibly describe in a short treatise such as this. Along the way I documented and wrote things from my research to help me in the future. If the other courses are as enlightening and provoking as this I will be delighted.

Rev. Glenn Wright

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.



Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Monday, September 18, 2006

Shamanism

Completion of Doctor of Shamanism
Required Essay
Rev. Laury Burris

First I would like to thank the ULC for offering this course, I would also like to thank the author of the lessons. I have read a lot of books about Shamanism, but these lessons kept me thinking and working even harder at understanding the psychology, philosophy and ethics of Shamanism.

Being a woman and becoming a Shamanic Practitioner is not an easy task and should never be taken lightly, or done on a whim. For you are asking the spirits, whether it be animal, plant or ancestor to help guide and teach you on your walk down a path that can be very lonely at times and yet be so full of life’s experiences. It is a path that walks the fence between two worlds, a path with the spirits and a path in this world where the land you walk will supply you with what you need to help yourself and others.

With this knowledge I have learned that the answers one seeks are within oneself, if one is willing to look deep enough to find them. To be able to understand the messages from the Spirits and work with them to first heal myself and find those answers to grow into someone who can help others to learn to appreciate all things in this world from the biggest tree to the smallest grain to sand. To learn to see things from this world and the Spirit World, to keep balance between the two worlds and to keep balance in the world around us. The power for this comes from within all of us.

For me to grow further now will be to one put the knowledge I have learned through this course to practical use, not only in my personal life, as I already do, but in the community in which I live. To also further my knowledge, experiences, and journeys with my Spirit Guides. To learn the way to find answers to help me further on this path I walk to higher enlightenment, and to learn that one can accomplish whatever one wants to, no matter what kind of blocks are put in one’s way. To share this knowledge with others who seek to find the answers. To learn that life’s ups and downs are meant to help one learn and become stronger when things are hard. To help heal others not only physically with herbs and prayers to the spirits, but also heal them spiritually by helping them find balance and inner peace for themselves in both worlds.

To have the help and guidance of the Spirits to teach the children how to live in harmony with nature, not to take Mother Earth for granted and have reverence for all things in both the physical world and the Spiritual World. To hopefully one day bring us all together in peace and balance for the good of all mankind.

With Respect and In Service-

Blessed Be-

Rev. Laury Burris


*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.



Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Comparative Religion

Comparative Religion

First, let me say how much I appreciated Rev. Kythera Ann's excellent efforts to put this course together and how much I enjoyed studying with her. This Comparative Religions course was one of the most comprehensive I've ever seen and it was organized in a most logical and exemplary manner. I would definitely take other courses form the Rev. Kythera Ann.


As to how these discourses could be improved, I wouldn't know but I think if something is this good it might as well be left as it is.


What I liked about this Comparative Religion course was the organization of the material, the many excellent illustrations and pictures provided, the clear explanations given on the history, religious anthropology, customs, rituals of the various and several religions both major and minor. I also liked the suggestions for further reading and study and the many excellent and comprehensive references provided at the end of each session.


What I gain form this course:


First, of course I gained important information on the variety of religious experiences within the human family. But more importantly I gained a tremendous insight into the nature of human "soul", or, if you prefer, human nature. To explain this insight let me first quote the statement made by the Venerable Walpola Rahula, who, on the occasion of the World Buddhist Council meeting in Sri Lanka in 1966 made the following statement:


• The Buddha is our only Master

• We take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha (see Three Jewels)

• We do not believe that this world is created and ruled by a God

• We consider that the purpose of life is to develop compassion for all living beings without discrimination and to work for their good, happiness, and peace; and to develop wisdom leading to the realization of Ultimate Truth

• We accept the Four Noble Truths, namely Dukkha, the Arising of Dukkha, the Cessation of Dukkha, and the Path leading to the Cessation of Dukkha; and the law of cause and effect (Pratitya-samutpada)

• All conditioned things (samskaara) are impermanent (anitya) and dukkha, and that all conditioned and unconditioned things (dharma) are without self (anaatma).

• We accept the Thirty-seven Qualities conducive to Enlightenment (bodhipak sa-dharma) as different aspects of the Path taught by the Buddha leading to Enlightenment.

• There are three ways of attaining bodhi or Enlightenment: namely as a disciple (sraavaka), as a Pratyeka-Buddha and as a Samyak-sam-Buddha (perfectly and Fully Enlightened Buddha). We accept it as the highest, noblest, and most heroic to follow the career of a Bodhisattva and to become a Samyak-sam-Buddha in order to save others.

• We admit that in different countries there are differences regarding Buddhist beliefs and practices. These external forms and expressions should not be confused with the essential teachings of the Buddha.


I checked out the acceptance of the above statement especially with regards to point #3 with several Buddhist monks I personally know (Sri Lankan, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese) and they all agreed with Rahula's assessment of the interpretation of the Buddha's teachings.

Yet, at the same time, aside form the Buddha's followers most other religions indicate that mankind desperately needs and seeks God or at least some form higher Power. Even if belief in God is only a belief, or sometimes an intuitive knowing, feeling or understanding) and even if God's existence can not be proven scientifically, a large portion of mankind (probably up to 90%) believes in something greater then themselves may that something be called God, Higher Power, Supreme Being, The Great Spirit and so on.


In summary, if there wasn't a "God" (or if God didn't exist) we would need to invent one, for it is in human nature to wanting to turn to something higher then ourselves at times of adversity, intense difficulty, danger, disease, calamity and predicament. Mankind (most of us anyway) needs someone higher then himself to pray to and to find solace in.


As for the statement by the the great Buddhist scholar Rahula that "We do not believe that this world is created and ruled by a God" I can only quote my Master's admonition "Man wants to measure the Ocean of Truth with the cup of his mind"

Rev. Peter A. Somogyi



*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.



Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar