Students of the "I Am" Activity believe in death as a change, not an ending. The "I AM" activity believe Ascension can mean Entering heaven alive, that is, to "raise one's body"—physically translating to a higher form of existence, as in the Ascension of Jesus.
In many ways this is actually the antithesis of Zen.
Wright's article centers around the story of one of Scientology's most famous "defectors" (former members who have quit the Church), a Hollywood screenwriter named Paul Haggis.
Haggis was a member of the Church, which he now calls a "cult," for 34 years. He ascended through Scientology's various spiritual "levels," eventually rising "all the way to the top." Two years ago, he quit in disgust, after writing a scathing public letter of resignation.
Lawrence Wright's article reveals that the Church of Scientology has been under investigation by the FBI for "human trafficking" (essentially, slavery) for the past two years. The FBI is focusing on a Scientology "camp" in Southern California, in which an elite group of Scientologists known as the "Sea Org" toil for $50 a week.
The article describes in detail how Scientology targets and uses celebrities to raise money, recruit adherents, and spread its "technology" (teachings). And, in Scientology's defense, it also explains why some of these celebrities swear by its teachings as a way to improve their lives.
Hidegard was known for her "visions" that served as the basis for her compositions. She was lauded and revered by many high-profile figures and served an influential role in her time, quite an accomplishment for a women in medieval society.
Mademoisele LUNA, thank YOU too "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" - i used this expres'ion years ago, without knowing "paved" was indeed meaning exactly this... i just did. (i'm romanian & my english sucks...)
Comments
Maybe it has been mentioned before, but aren't yams considered the food of the poor on the island of Taiwan?
Hidegard was known for her "visions" that served as the basis for her compositions. She was lauded and revered by many high-profile figures and served an influential role in her time, quite an accomplishment for a women in medieval society.
http://ks.imslp.net/files/imglnks/usimg/e/e2/IMSLP80324-PMLP162944-Symphonia_et_Ordo_virtutum.pdf
http://sannyasnews.org/now/archives/1408
Mademoisele LUNA, thank YOU too
"the road to hell is paved with good intentions" - i used this expres'ion years ago, without knowing "paved" was indeed meaning exactly this... i just did.
(i'm romanian & my english sucks...)
"The Yoga of Jesus: Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospels" also for my kindle. Handy thing a kindle.
= never heard of it...