In reality we own nothing!

[christine.P]

The cycles of growth - spring, summer, fall, winter.
The cycles of the human being – baby, youth, adult, elder.
Our earth continues to grow by cycles and seasons.

It is through these cycles that we all experience changes. Things will come and things will go. In reality we own nothing, the Creator owns all.

All too often I label things as mine. I say this belongs to me, but in reality everything belongs to the Creator/ universe. All we are all doing is taking care of things.

Thoughts.
Bow...

[China Cat Sunflower]

I own all of my stuff. I paid for it, it's mine. Me, mine,... don't touch!

Chris

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by China Cat Sunflower

I own all of my stuff. I paid for it, it's mine. Me, mine,... don't touch!

Chris

Ah, but can you take it with you on the final journey?

[Jeannot]

"The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine. You are but aliens and sojourners with Me." (Leviticus 25:23)

Reverence for God and reverence for the Earth go hand in hand.

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by Jeannot

"The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine. You are but aliens and sojourners with Me." (Leviticus 25:23)

Reverence for God and reverence for the Earth go hand in hand.

See? You and me, two peas in the same pod... (you just express it better)

v/r

Q

[flowperson]

If I recollect correctly the human race was designated in Genesis to be "vice regents" (stewards) in care of the earth until G-d's return.

What kind of a job does anyone think we are doing ? What does anyone believe G-d will think and feel about how we've done our assigned tasks upon "the return"?

Thinking out loud again...

flow....

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by flowperson

If I recollect correctly the human race was designated in Genesis to be "vice regents" (stewards) in care of the earth until G-d's return.

What kind of a job does anyone think we are doing ? What does anyone believe G-d will think and feel about how we've done our assigned tasks upon "the return"?

Thinking out loud again...

flow....

Also called to "conquer" the earth...control it, regulate it...so I guess we have half the task completed...

[wil]

In the US our deed indicates we currently have the right to use...allows eminant domain, which most think is the Gov't taking your land but actually just returning it to them...same with our cars in MD, our registration and title is an indication that we have the right to use our cars. drive them sell the right, but not own...

So the Gov't thinks they own everything....despite our notions.

Tolle's 'A New Earth' delves heavily into this mine concept and its detriment to our psyche.

[flowperson]

Originally Posted by Quahom1

Also called to "conquer" the earth...control it, regulate it...so I guess we have half the task completed...

Well that covers one half of the two threads in the creation saga in Genesis, but it's the other thread I'm concerned about. Which half do you consider to be completed ?

Conquering, controlling, regulating the earth simply is not compatible with the rules of nature and acts of G-d. It's a worthy goal, but likely unattainable in the context of events like Katrina, Rita, and the earthquakes in Pakistan. Caring for something can be considered to be controlling it's destiny in a sense. But over the long term that's mostly an illusion. Better, perhaps, to strive to to live in harmony with one's neighbors and environment to the extent possible.

Which of the two halves of the Genesis theme do you consider best fits the definition as acting as steward and vice regent ? Or both halves whenever compatible ?

flow....

[Raz0rClean]

Wow. That is a very interesting perspective. I, however, like to think that I CAN own things. However, ownership is a very fine line. Perhaps - I am in control of it. I get to say how it is used. And of course if someone doesn't respect my wishes, they can easily steal it/use it or anything like that. Surely I will grow old and die, and it is obvious by the fact that items aren't constantly dissapearing into thin air that I cannot take my items with me. However, any items that I "own" are indeed mine to use during this life. When I lose it, give it, sell it, or it is taken from me, it breaks, it gets thrown away, or I die, then I lose ownership. That's the way I see it. But I can definetely also understand what you are saying.

-I do completely agree that the world revolves in cycles. It has forever and it will forever. The cycles might change, but there will always be cycles.

-The above is my opinion. I don't claim it as fact. I hope it lets you see from a different perspective as your opinion has done for me. Thank you

May you all find peace within yourselves.

[Jeannot]

Originally Posted by Quahom1

See? You and me, two peas in the same pod... (you just express it better)

v/r

Q

Well, Leviticus does anyway.

[China Cat Sunflower]

Originally Posted by China Cat Sunflower
I own all of my stuff. I paid for it, it's mine. Me, mine,... don't touch!

Originally Posted by Quahom

Ah, but can you take it with you on the final journey?

See Razorclean's post.

Look, I agree with the sentiment expressed in the OP, but I think that it's nice but unrealistic. Can I borrow your car for a while since it really belongs to God? Hmmm, thought not. I'm pretty cynical when it comes to spiritual fuzzywuzzies because they don't translate into meaningful action. It's all well and good to express these nice ideas, but let's be honest about our intentions: who here is ready to give up their possesive nature for the sake of some make-nice spirituallyness? What really happens, I think, is that sentiment serves as a substitute for action. It allows us to feel enlightened without having to give anything up.

I'd rather just be honest. I'm not poor, but I'm a long, long way from being rich. I work hard to provide my family with a modicum of comfort. I'm pretty frugal, not a blatant hedonist. I paid for my stuff, I like my stuff, I'd like a little more stuff, and I ain't givin' it away. Not to you, not for God, not for nothin'.

Chris

[Eudaimonist]

Originally Posted by christine.P

It is through these cycles that we all experience changes. Things will come and things will go. In reality we own nothing, the Creator owns all.

What does "own" mean in this context?


eudaimonia,

Mark

[Vajradhara]

Namaste all,

interesting thread.

i own my actions, thoughts and words.

metta,

~v

[seattlegal]

Originally Posted by Quahom1

Also called to "conquer" the earth...control it, regulate it...so I guess we have half the task completed...

I prefer the terms "subdue" or "tame" the earth. {Which would, of course, also include ourselves. "Adam" means "red clay," and we will all return to the dust of the earth after we die.} Our ability to tame or subdue "earth" is a product of our thoughts, actions, and words, like Vajradhara wrote. It is our "charge," so to speak. {Our spiritual credit card?}