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Complete submission to God - how?
- Thread starter Onkara
- Start date
strikeviperMKII
Well-Known Member
Let go. Don't ask how, don't ask if you're doing it right or wrong. Just do it. You'll trip, you'll stumble, but you'll get there. As for maintaining that state of mind...you don't need to. This only happens for a fraction of a second and that's it. But it's all you need.
Same as above
Try it. If you're worried that doing this whole 'God' thing is a waste of time, don't. It's not. It will help you see more clearly, and logically. You'll be calmer, and more centered. All you have to do is try.
Rainbow Mage
Lib Democrat/Agnostic/Epicurean-ish/Buddhist-ish
I think if God, as in the universal force is within everything, then submitting to it is kind of an oxymoron. If you mean personal manifestations of it, IE: God, Goddess, etc., then I suppose by worship, offerings, and good deeds.
This is a good point Senedjem, one which affects the monist/nondualist as you capture above.
We could say what is the point in doing anything if the the "universal force" is within everything. Surely our thoughts and deeds are already a part of a bigger plan, so lets just get on with it?
The question was open for any interpretation as I am interested in this topic
We could say what is the point in doing anything if the the "universal force" is within everything. Surely our thoughts and deeds are already a part of a bigger plan, so lets just get on with it?
The question was open for any interpretation as I am interested in this topic
Midnight Pete
Well-Known Member
To hand our life over to God is to sublimate our individual will to His greater will, yet without becoming some sort of unthinking robot. But of course there are degrees of submission, aren't there? IMO it isn't necessary to become a monk or nun to be part of the body of Christ. Likewise, you don't have to be a priest or a scholar. To function as the hands, feet, mouth, eyes or ears of Christ, you can find yourself in any social class or walk of life.
Even someone like me can be a member of that body.
:yes:Anyone can answer that call if they hear it.
I agree with you Midnight Pete
It makes more sense to see that God's will includes diversity of life, roles and abilities than to conclude it means a life of monasticism or inaction alone.
If we submit to God's will, what is there really left to say is our own? Surely we want to give completely, not think that there is a part of us operating independently or contrary to His will?
I ask, because don't we reach a point where even our thoughts must be considered His will, as we submitted completely? This is perhaps a tricky topic.
It makes more sense to see that God's will includes diversity of life, roles and abilities than to conclude it means a life of monasticism or inaction alone.
If we submit to God's will, what is there really left to say is our own? Surely we want to give completely, not think that there is a part of us operating independently or contrary to His will?
I ask, because don't we reach a point where even our thoughts must be considered His will, as we submitted completely? This is perhaps a tricky topic.
Midnight Pete
Well-Known Member
I agree with you Midnight Pete
It makes more sense to see that God's will includes diversity of life, roles and abilities than to conclude it means a life of monasticism or inaction alone.
If we submit to God's will, what is there really left to say is our own? Surely we want to give completely, not think that there is a part of us operating independently or contrary to His will?
I ask, because don't we reach a point where even our thoughts must be considered His will, as we submitted completely? This is perhaps a tricky topic.
Since we are aware of ourselves as individuals, we can know that we have something to give. We know we have limited minds with limited perceptions. Not even the saints experienced a complete nullification of their limited mortal selves. I don't knowe how to best explain it, but it's like God can take you over while leaving your individual ego-mind intact.
I understand. The correct words are the challenge. In my words, there is a significant change but yet everything remains as it was. Life has more value and everything that occurs has purpose.
The divine descends on the individual and the individual realises themSelf as a larger circumference than before, one which is now permeated with divine being.
Midnight Pete
Well-Known Member
Awesome! :woohoo:
YmirGF
Bodhisattva in Recovery
By suspending disbelief. Not the wises move, as a game plan, but many seem to think so.
By elevating your every action several steps beyond your pay grade. IF you are not doing something for the common good, but rather, because it's what "god wants", you really have succeeded in flattering your ego that you are far more important than you actually are. Just see to the common good and forget all the god nonsense, imo.
It can serve as a powerful impetus to push you to do things you might otherwise not. Again, if that is for the good, all is very well, but quite often this sense of empowerment is not used in a positive, constructive fashion.
The whole question, of course, is based on the idea that the will of the individual is worth nothing which puts the whole "god's will" game plan into question, imo. The very idea overlooks how, exactly, anyone would know just what "god wants" to begin with.
I'm just sayin' ....
Interesting and an alternative reply, YmirGF
Picking up on your last paragraph. Suspending disbelief is not the real challenge for some dedicate theist on this forum it seems. The challenge is how do we know what "god wants" from what we actually do and think?
Practically the thinking and acting continues and I would say it is what God wants, simply because it is all that there is.
Would your or anyone disagree and why, would be interesting?
ninerbuff
godless wonder
People will adopt the religion they are exposed to when they are young, or convert to one that doesn't impose too much on their current lifestyle. I have yet to meet any religious person who has totally handed their life over to god, obeying every commandment, relinquishing everything they have except necessities to live, etc. I've met very religious people, and don't doubt that there are some that do devote everything they have to their god, but I'm sure this is a very small percentage compared to our population in the world.
YmirGF
Bodhisattva in Recovery
In order to claim to know "what god wants" the onus would be on the individual to prove that such a being existed. If they could not do that their assertions of what said being "wants" are little more than infantile babbling and have zero intellectual merits.Interesting and an alternative reply, YmirGF
Picking up on your last paragraph. Suspending disbelief is not the real challenge for some dedicate theist on this forum it seems. The challenge is how do we know what "god wants" from what we actually do and think?
Practically the thinking and acting continues and I would say it is what God wants, simply because it is all that there is.
Would your or anyone disagree and why, would be interesting?
Good point, thanks. The problem because what if every twist and turn is due to God, it may not be down to following a set of rules, it could be a question of going with the flow for better or worse.
So what is the answer my friend, live without definitions? Stop thoughts and witness what happens?
That part of the mind that sees itself as separate is dreaming of union.
There is nothing asleep. Even the child playing knows she plays.