Nondescript

In my experience the Dark Night of The Soul waxes and wanes. Shortly after my spontaneous mystical experience I fell into it. I had to google information to even find out what I was going through, and still am. Nice to know I am not the only one. It feels a lot like being homesick as a child, even though my physical environment has not changed. Some days it is very bad, others not so much. External circumstances play no role in how I "feel". If I were instantly rich financially beyond my wildest dreams, it would not cure this, or even matter. I feel like I am just waiting for this life to end to enter the next. I have no goals here. This is not self pity. In no way do I feel sorry for my self. I still (somewhat passively) go to work at the business that I own, though I do see how it could be difficult for some.

No

@MsNobody I have access to a database of natural medicines and can find no legitimate information about treatment of Parkinson's Disease with this. The only natural products with any efficacy are coffee, green tea, black tea (all presumably due to caffeine content) and natural (non synthetic) Vitamin E. Prescription PD treatments all work the same way and have to be increased as the disease progresses, as there is no treatment to slow down or cure PD, only symptomatic treatment. In fact, the disease is diagnosed by giving the patient medication to see if it stops tremors. So if your coworker was diagnosed in this manner, the medication had to work at some point. It is possible the disease has progressed, and the maximum dose of possible medications has been tried, in which case that is very unfortunate. Music Therapy is also listed in my database as a possibly effective treatment, though I do not know what that entails.

@Jack River We are on vastly different paths. The good news is that as long as God puts breath in our lungs it is not too late to change paths. You can use say those same words back to me and it would also be correct from your point of view.

@Jack River I knew quoting the Bible wouldn't change your mind. It never will. It was for anyone here that is open to receiving the truth to see why it can be so difficult for some to receive it. Most people will not. And the Bible says that too, but I won't quote it.

I am happy to hear that. I am sorry you feel this way. 1 Corinthians 2:14 NLT But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 1 Corinthians 1:18-22 NLT The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. [19] As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent." [20] So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. [21] Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. [22] It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 NLT He (Satan) will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. [11] So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. [12] Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth. 2 Corinthians 3:16 NLT But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

Here are a few things that should be known first. We (the church, Christians, the body of Christ) are chosen by the grace of God. We have done nothing of our own merit. It is impossible. That doesn't mean we have no control over being chosen. God knocks on the door of all of our hearts, we just have to open it. The Word of God (The Bible) is precious. It is not to be read like a novel. It is not used to satisfy curiosity. It is not for someone who is merely curious but not interested in finding the Truth. The Word of God cannot be understood for those who are not believers. The truth is hidden from them. Many passages in the Bible refer to believers and can't be extrapolated to the entire population. Once someone is saved and born again the Holy Spirit dwells in him. Then that person is united spiritually with other believers. It is not something you can "feel". It is by faith in what the Word of God says that this is true. The Holy Spirit unites us. Us being the believers. We are not united spiritually with the non believers. That is not to say that you can't ever " feel" anything. I CAN feel the Holy Spirit's presence when I am praying or contemplating the Word of God, especially at church. Are you just curious or are you open to believing?

Yes, the believers were spiritually united. As a church we are a corporate body. Acts 2:1-4 KJV And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. [3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. The above is a turning point in the world. This is when the Holy Spirit first filled people other than the Old Testament prophets. Jesus said that it was imperative that he go (the ascension) so that he could send the great Comforter, which is the Holy spirit).

The NT did not replace the OT. It did supercede any "laws" per se, but not the OT scriptures themselves. One must know the OT to fully understand the NT. When Jesus is talking about unity he is talking about his disciples (and the "church") as a unified body. When he is talking about the seed dying and producing more seeds he is talking about his death on the cross. When he says that we should not love this life he is talking about not loving carnal (fleshly, worldly) things. Dying to the world and experiencing a spiritual rebirth where the focus is on Jesus, and realizing that this world and material things are temporal. But when you are born again through Christ you will have eternal life. Colossians 3:1-2 KJV If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

That's a good movie. I was thinking about it this morning actually. I forgot the name until you mentioned it. And I completely forgot about the top. in this dream within a dream we are in we can make a movie about a dream within a dream within a dream. When in reality there IS a reality and the ultimate illusion is that reality is an illusion.

I am reading my Bible this morning, like I do often and there is a message to me on the first page I turn to. Hebrews 13:8-9 NLT Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. [9] So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas.

Here is where I mentioned the physical component. Tl;dr version I couldn't talk certain words. It felt like a fist was placed in my mouth and I couldn't talk at times. I was texting some people and something like a forcefield kept me from being able to touch my phone. When I was finally able to touch my phone when I typed it would not show up on the screen. Though none of this came from my own consciousness, I see how it could be argued that I somehow subconsciously prevented myself from talking or touching my phone....but my subconscious cannot render my phone temporarily unable to type. I did not "project" that. THAT is what I am looking for...someone...anyone.... that can relate to this experience.

@Nahm Yes, I have been indoctrinated by a great teacher and prophet of God. After my mystical experience. I went to him to make sense of it. I did not immediately perceive the experience as "Christian" and it felt as some hidden truths were "downloaded" from beyond. The more I seek God and study his word the more of what I discovered during my "experience" is confirmed in the Bible in parts that I had not read before the experience. As in that post of mine that was removed, but that is very very understandable that it was. There have been more synchronicities that I can count that have lead me toward my path. I have a journal of them. What do you make of synchronicities? The reason we as Christians have to believe the Bible uncritically is because it tells us to. It says that Gods ways are higher than our ways, and Gods thoughts are higher than our thoughts. There are many more passages like this. It also says to use the Word of God as a foundation so we are not easily strayed from our beliefs. So that we don't jump on the bandwagon with every new teaching. Jesus's parables address this when he talks about the scattered seed on the ground. TL:DR The Word of God must be planted in fertile ground to grow. Satan will come an steal the Word if you are not careful. Matthew 13:3-23 NLT He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: "Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. [4] As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. [5] Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. [6] But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn't have deep roots, they died. [7] Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. [8] Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! [9] Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand." [10] His disciples came and asked him, "Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?" [11] He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. [12] To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. [13] That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really listen or understand. [14] This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, 'When you hear what I say, you will not understand.When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. [15] For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear,and they have closed their eyes- so their eyes cannot see,and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand,and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.' [16] "But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. [17] I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn't see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn't hear it. [18] "Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: [19] The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don't understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. [20] The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. [21] But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. [22] The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. [23] The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" My thoughts are, even IF the path I am on is not the only one, I still choose this path (Jesus). I can see your point of view Nahm. You may think that I don't get it, but I just choose not to. It is a strange place to be where I am. A Christian mystic so to speak...all I can do is trust in God. There is no Christian mystic forum. I have read 100s or more examples of mystical experiences and no modern Christian ones. Only a few from hundreds of years ago. And NONE that had a physical component like mine, that could not have been projected by my consciousness. , @Rilles I see how that verse can lead one to believe that we are gods. It is lowercase "g" and that is Jesus mocking the Pharisees for trying to punish him for claiming that he was God. Theologians have explained why this is said if you want to Google that viewpoint. I concede that any debate is over. I am not knowledgeable enough for it. It has been a good discussion.

You said that WE are gods. You said there is no good and evil. In that scripture above, there is half truth. Humanities eyes were opened (knowledge of good and evil), but we are not gods.

@Nahm Why did you remove your post? What I posted above in a nutshell is just what you tried to convince me of in that post, is it not? I suspect you've changed you opinions of me that you posted, and that is ok. You said you liked a good debate but then removed your argument, which you are perfectly entitled to do. If you want to remove this, and all of my posts that is fine too. I didn't start the thread.

Genesis 2:9 NLT The LORD God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground-trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:17 KJV But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 3:1-4 KJV Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? [2] And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: [3] But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. [4] And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: [5] For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. The ultimate and first lie that was ever told.

@Rilles Thank you for the link. @Nahm You didn't address my question and that is ok. The pantheistic argument you bring was common in the early church, as they were comingling other religious philosophies with Christianity. Paul addressed it in many of his letters. Nothing we are debating here hasn't been debated before, even thousands of years ago. Except I am not qualified to be at the other end of this debate. I wish someone was here that was. I am out of my league. And I am breaking the guidelines of this very peaceful and friendly place.

@Nahm What would you make of ancient pagan religions that sacrificed children? Following my theory, those came about by an evil spirit. I am not a wise person and I am not a theologian. I am not intelligent enough or articulate enough to argue per se. I genuinely want to know your thoughts on this. Even though I may anticipate your response, it is not a baited question where I plan to follow with another question. This is sincere.

I believe mystical experiences are the initiators of all of the worlds religions. I see your point of view there completely and I do not know what to make of that either. I thank God that I live in an age where the Truth has been brought to light. My theory is that some of the mystical experiences came from God and some of them came from other (evil) Spirits.

@Consept Last year I had an unprovoked spontaneous mystical experience. I need to give some background on this before I begin because we all know these experiences are influenced by what we've read or studied in the past. I had: - Been saved as a child - Read at some point in the past all of the New Testament, but not really gotten into it or felt like I got anything out of it. I certainly didn't live the life of a Christian. Far from it. I had not: - believed in anything supernatural or spiritual - meditated, studied any other religion or philosophy, nor believed in such. - ever been taught or even thought of The Bible as being divinely inspired, or anything other than an imperfect, perhaps mythical work of literature or fable composed by man. During my experience, when it hit and filled my entire being with the Divine - in an instant I knew that the Bible was actually true and real. As I was in awe with this ineffable experience, I then pictured the Bible being dropped into existence out of sky. And thought WOW ...everything humans need to know has been provided to us in the Bible. Keep in mind that I had no idea that some churches actually teach this. At the church I go to now we absolutely accept the Bible as the inspired Word of God..but this just reinforced what had already been communicated to me. I know this sounds crazy and unbelievable.

@Shanmugam My beliefs are the the complete canon is the inspired Word of God. That if it is omitted, then it is not divinely inspired. Even if the motivations for what was included in the canon were human, and deceptive (I am not saying they were or were not, doesn't matter for sake of my perspective) it (The Bible) was orchestrated by God to be exactly how it is. The Word of God has to be the foundation. Otherwise man interjects his own opinion or twist on Gods word. Or mistakenly sources information from non divine sources and accepts it as doctrine. And that has always been an issue. As for those "Christians" you mentioned hating other groups, those are not true followers of Jesus. Matthew 22:37-38 KJV Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 22:39 KJV And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

I didn't watch the videos, but I haven't watched any of Leo's either. How can people accept ..the kingdom of God is within us...from the Bible and reject other parts? It also says Satan masquerades as an angel of light and seeks to devour and destroy. It says Jesus is the only way to the father. All paths don't lead to the same place. That is a lie that is being believed by even some Christians. The Bible doesn't say that. I am not saying nonduality and Christianity can't cooexist (neither am I saying they can, I do know know.) When ever you are experiencing the Absolute, know that it may not be the true God you are merging with. I only mention these things for those contemplating Christianity. If you are not, just as Pharoahs heart was hardened, you will not believe me anyway, and that is your choice. If this is against forum rules please delete. I will not be offended.

If I would've read or heard about enlightenment or awakening before I had my unprovoked spontaneous mystical experience I would have completely disregarded it as fantasy. I am more way more scientist than caveman in my way of thinking. Concrete, analytical, noncreative, etc. I wasn't looking for anything when I found nothing and everything at the same time. ,,i was just driving down the road. Unlike people who prepare for this and strife for it, I was clueless. Just my particular experience. Though the logic of what OP is saying makes perfect sense.

A few disclaimers... This is my first post, I joined here just to ask this. I only found this forum a few days ago, and it seems like a very active place. I have never meditated or studied or tried to attain "enlightenment" or "awakening". I had a completely spontaneous enlightenment experience (or whatever you call it here, those who know, know that it can't be put it words) last year. I didn't even know what happened until I researched it online later. I have a detailed written account of the several hour event that most of you would not bother reading. However, during this event, there were times when I spoke words that were not initiated in my mind. There was no thought, then a millionth of a nano second later the words were spoken....the words were just spoken. There were certain thoughts and words that I could not put in my mind, nor say aloud. (Curse words) At one point I was in a state of ecstasy, convinced that something amazing was about to happen in the universe and was texting very crazy things in a group text. After a couple of texts, and the recipients responding that I must be on drugs, I tried to type to explain that I was serious, but when my thumbs went to type it there was something like a forcefield blocking them. I just sat back and thought.. No way this is really happening.... I finally got my thumbs on the phone and started typing but NOTHING would show up on the screen. I raked my fingers across the keys (it has physical keys) and nothing happened. I just gave up and put it in my pocket. It had not done that before, or since then. In retrospect I believe I was being protected from whatever I was going to type next. And also I believe this happened to prove to me that this was not all in my head. Thank you to anyone who takes time to read this and provide any thoughts on it. If there are no responses that is fine as well. I just want people to know that there is more than what goes on inside our minds regarding this.