January 8, 2019
Posted by in Mythology and Mysteries, Videos | 8.15am
The first part of the video is a short extract. But you will not be able to understand the whole theory unless you watch the whole documentary. I strongly advise those with intelligent and inquiring minds that wish to base thoughts on logic and perhaps facts to watch this. Or at least plausible theories.
Short clip
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/v20494803ExHPXrXx.mp4
The full version of the video – Clash of the Gods- Zeus<
Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/v20494880bNrg4TeR.mp4
This is a very interesting documentary of how the one-god theory arose from ancients times. This theory was not the domain of established modern religions but were already existent in pre-modern or pagan religions. This video shows how the one god theory is not the exclusive rights of anyone but in fact was a gradual process taken from Pagan religions. So what we might pre-suppose as modern (non-paganistic) or exclusive of modern religions may not be the case. EXTREMELY INTERESTING.
Please watch this intriguing documentary. But do concentrate and contemplate. It will be helpful for your religious studies. The one god theory may not be all that it is what we are told.
Tsem Rinpoche
(The views expressed in this video may not necessarily be my personal views. It is theories and possibilities I wish to explore. Maybe some of you would like to explore also.)
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Greek mythology has had an extensive influence on the culture, arts, and literature of Western civilization and remains part of Western heritage and language. Greeks regarded mythology as a part of their history. Very interesting documentary…….the ancient Greek do believe in one God even before the time of Christ . That was Zeus who was the god of the sky and ruler of the Olympian gods. Who ever control the sky will control the whole. Zeus was the supreme cultural embodiment of Greek religious beliefs. This ancient religious outlook remains active throughout much of the world today .
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing…..wonderful to know some of the ancient mythology.
Is Interesting to know about Geek mythology. Mankind are beliave power of god who created them and scar to offend them. Yet amount the Greek god are fear of losing their power and position fight with each other. To me god and human are the same living in samsara. We have all the anger, desire, fear and fall in our own ignorance. Before religion existance. Mankind follow the pegan and belieave from the nature of god will protect them. Even different kind of religion came after mankind beliave. Is important to respect each other belieave and not critisize each other religion practice. It will bring harmony living in the same planet.
Zeus who was very powerful was indeed the ruler on Olymp. He was very powerful and smart. So instead of having many different gods, he was the leader and by this showing the example for the Christian “One God”. Yet Zeus was also very human and prone to his desires and anger.
It is amazing that the Greek mythology with the different Gods and Goddesses is still well-known until today. Yet, we are most lucky to know Buddha and His teachings who overcame the worldly emotions and desires and showed us the way to enlightenment.
No offence to any God, if they really exist, they are no different from us, human, overwhelm with desires/sufferings. Hence, all of us reside in samsara within the 6 realms.
May all of us able to see the truth of samsara and strive to free from it instead of
dwell in it.
I always like stories of ancient goddess mythologies. In the documentary, did mentioned that God have anger, fear, hatred, revenge, jealousy which I found quite interesting. Though Gods have supernatural power, they are in human life form and they are living in samsara. Yet, they are unhappy.
Regarding of the one god’s theory, I think it is merely of controlling, ruling. If villagers do not trust or obey God’s orders, disaster will strike on them and forcibly one sacrifice will held to please the kraken that have been release by the God. Therefore, these villagers had to worship the God in order to avoid tragedy happened.
Is a very interesting video, Noted that In the Greek mythology, God still have jealousy and anger . They are still within samsara. Even they are powerful but they are not always happy..In Buddhism, the God will remain in god realm and experience immeasurable bliss and happiness for long periods of time. However, at the same time they will also exhausted their Good Karma and at the end what they left is negative Karma which will lead them to take rebirth in the lower realm. Therefore, Buddha taught us to extract ourselves from the endless suffering of cyclic existence.
Greek Mythology was part of the religion in Ancient Greece. In ancient Greece, stories about gods and goddesses and heroes and monsters were an important part of everyday life. They explained everything from religious rituals to the weather, and they gave meaning to the world people saw around them. Greek mythology has subsequently had extensive influence on the arts and literature of Western civilization, which fell heir to much of Greek culture.
After watching the video and seeing the power of the Gods it seems to be more of power game. With such great power it also come with great responsibility and if this great responsibility to be translate for helping people with compassion with wisdom it would give greater benefit not only for oneself but also to many people.
I find Greek mythology interesting and entertaining. It could be because there are many stories told of their gods’ superhuman powers that have made their way onto the silver screen. One of those was The Clash of the Titans. Others are those superheroes in the Marvel comics and movies made. The Greek’s one good theory does not paint a good picture of their god of universe, Zeus, by portraying him with faults like humans yet the Zeus was supposedly powerful and immortal. Since Zeus was so powerful, how come he allowed humans to subscribe to other religions with the same one god theory? I would think Zeus would have unleashed his wrath on mere mortals like creating volcanoes to erupt, typhoons, earthquakes, tsunami to wipe out those humans who stopped their belief in him. Since Zeus is immortal he would still be alive today yet he does nothing to stop those people from believing other religions, especially those with the one god theory.
I believe in many religions, many practitioners believe in the one god theory. Since there are so many religions in the world, this would be an interesting topic to discuss about. I am always interested in Greek mythology as I find them different, with superpowers. Its like reading the characters in fantasy genre books or watching superheroes in movies. And, there are even movies about Greek gods.
In Buddhism, we do not believe that there is only one Buddha, but many as there are different types to suit different minds but all towards the same goal, Enlightenment. Whatever the god or religion, we should always respect one another’s beliefs.
In Udana Nikaya (viii: 3), Sakyamuni gave His teaching:[4]
“There is, O monks, an Unborn, Unoriginated, Uncreated, Unformed. Were there not, O monks, this Unborn, Unoriginated, Uncreated, Unformed, there would be no escape from the world of the born, originated, created, formed. Since, O monks, there is an Unborn, Unoriginated, Uncreated, Unformed, therefore is there an escape from the born, originated, created, formed. What is dependent, that also moves; what is independent does not move. Where there is no movement, there is rest; where rest is, there is no desire; where there is no desire, there is neither coming nor going, no ceasing-to-be, no further coming to be. Where there is no ceasing-to-be, no further coming-to-be, there is neither this shore [this world] nor the other shore [Nirvana], nor anything between them.”
Pali language for the Almighty God is “Athi Ajatam Adbhutam Akatam Samkhatam” or “the Unborn, Unoriginated, Uncreated, and Absolute One”. The Almighty God is something without ego (anatta), unpersonified, and indescribable in any form. But for there is the Absolute, the unconditioned (Asamkhatam), one can attain the freedom from wheel of life (samsara) by meditating.[5]
even the staunchest atheists have a “God shaped” space in their minds, reverence for “Mother Nature”, an acknowledgement of the power of “Father Time” and for Hindus, Buddhists appear to be worshipping an Avatar of Vishnu who came to teach people to abandon animal sacrifice. The idea of what God is has changed over time as well, in the Old Testament quite strict and authoritarian, then in the New Testament forgiving and compassionate. Buddhism appeals to many atheists because it is not God centred. Jesus said God is Love. Love exists in every language and in every culture, as does respect. God can’t possibly be so cruel to have created so many humans over so many years and only allow entry to Heaven to those who claim their religion/view is correct, and that others are incorrect. Heaven must be full of well behaved atheists, Hell must be full of religious fanatics.
I think the last part of your comment is funny
It seems that in Greek Mythology, the gods are still in samsara, we are in samsara too.
Buddha was in Samsara too, he got out, so can you – his last teaching was:
“Be your own Buddha” & by doing so, you will free yourself as well as setting the example for others to free themselves too.
As a (forced) believer for many years I can testify to the power of the mean theistic system. Many people are totally in check for basically their whole lives. Rational in many other ways but when it comes to this they are completely hand tied for the fear of eternal damnation basically..
Karma much better explains just about every question that I was not allowed to ask..
I see your point – there is a danger of having fatalistic viewpoints – “I can’t help it, it’s just my karma” – you can always do the best you can, Helen Keller –
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Keller
is a great example of someone who didn’t merely accept her status as being blind and deaf, she went on to become an author, political activist, & a lecturer
“As above, so below”” The Greeks believe that the gods and goddesses are very humanlike. The classical divinities are portrayed as vengeful, intensely emotional beings. The struggle for succession between Cronus and Zeus show that the Greeks understood that the family story is the essential grist for the story of mankind. In fact the story of the gods began with Gaia (Mother Earth) who helps the youngest sons (Cronus and Zeus) to overthrow their proud and cruel fathers. Cronus revolted against his father Uranus; Zeus against his father Cronus. Generations fight against each other. They are full of negative emotions: envy, jealousy, fear and suspicion. These are the faults that the gods (and humans) have in the upper realms of samsara. They are not free from karma.
Watching this video shows me why it is so hard for gods to practice dharma and gain liberation. They just have to many distractions and attachments. All they think about is how to protecting their position, gaining more power and sex. The worse part is their attachments are so strong that are willing to do anything to hold onto them. I can’t imagine being immortal if life is that way. Perhaps it’s a different type of hell.
Looking at the world today, with modernization and development, everyone is beginning to act like gods. We are so attached to so many things and are doing so many things to protect our attachments. Are we a remake of how gods became gods? Are we at the pivotal point in time when the dharma will play an essential role?
not just attachment – aversion is just as much of a mental posion
My understanding of “God(s)” and all that the word encompass came crashing down in an instant the day Mr. Ngeow gave me the Karma Chart. It was only then that i realised that the God and Demi-God realms are merely 2 out of 6 sectors of un-enlightened existence.
If i take the Karma Chart to be the correct basis of understanding, it all begins to make sense why there are so many Gods and why Gods and Demi_gods are prone to anger and jealousies. Gods and Demi-gods are still within Samsara. Therefore debating which is the true god and whose god is the right god is like chosing whether to be at the port or the starboard of the sinking Titanic. The focus is totally wrong!
Perhaps i am completely wrong in interpreting Karma and if i am i apologize.
Perhaps “God” or the element of “god-ness” is already in all of us and our focus should be what we do with what we have NOW. What i like about what i have learned [presumably correctly] about the Buddha’s teaching is that we, as human beings, regardless of what state or status we are in, are in the ideal state to attain enlightenment and our focus ought not to choose which God to worship but what we must do with what we have now and how we should conditions our thoughts and actions.
God can’t help us out o Samsara but we can if we acknowledge the truth and practice the dharma.
I don’t know if i am even close to being somewhat right. Anyone care to comment/teach?
Buddhist teachings also say to be careful not to turn Gods into Demons – Buddha on his deathbed said “with mindfulness strive on, be a lamp unto yourselves” – which I take to mean be your own Buddha – he gave us a map, up to us to follow it to get where we want to go – merely praising him for his “map making” abilities AND YET not taking up the journey would seem unwise – like having piano lessons, never practising, always praising your piano teacher – buying them chocolates and flowers then never learning to play the piano at all – silly. Some people play piano, some play violin, some play the harp – boring if there was only 1 instrument to play, different teachers come in different ages to different people in different cultures to help them evolve, arguing about whether there is a God or there isn’t one – this kind of metaphysical speculation was discouraged by Buddha Shakyamuni as he considered it futile.
I was always fascinated with Greek Mythologies and their legends at a tender age. I love to read about all these gods, titans and monsters with their given personalities and how they are worshipped. They are usually illustrated in books as beings much like men and women dwelt together in a community of light and pleasantness. The difference between them and us is that they are immortal and possesses the gift of powers. Hmmnnn.. nevertheless they are also endowed with many human weaknesses like lust, jealousy, envious, spiteful, wrathful, vindictive and petulant… aiyahhh~such dysfunctional childish bunch just like us mortals.
In a well known story of Medusa, she was once a beautiful priestess to Athena, the Greek Goddess of war before she defiled the temple with the God Poseidon which is a terrible violation of a sacred place . Athena punished her by transforming her into a hideous monster with snakes for hair whose gaze could turn men into stone. Medusa was later killed by the hero Perseus, who looked at her only in the reflection of his metal shield.
Why did Athena punished Medusa alone and not Poseidon after all it was Poseidon who enticed Medusa into such actions. Either way, if they are Gods, shouldn’t they abstain from such activities? My conclusion is bad judgement and the possibility of Athena being jealous of Medusa’s beauty and was too weak to confront God Poseidon of his actions thus leashed out her anger on a weaker being with no possibility of compassion and forgiveness by mercilessly changing Medusa into a being that would petrify anyone, forcing Medusa into seclusion, experiencing extreme loneliness and fear of what had happened to her which is beyond her control. She was probably trying to reach to people and other beings for companionship but turned them into stone instead (not her intention but had no control). For being such a threat to living beings, stories of terror spreaded far and wide to have her slayed. If only the GODS were told the truth about Karma and being aware that karma would take care of all individual actions. I guess they would not be so obscured, would they?
Actions of sheer stupidity but highly entertaining.
all mythologies are the ways that ancient people tried to explain the world as well as teach them morality – symbolic/allegorical, not meant to be taken literally – we can argue that Gods exist or not – in any case – we only have to look to ourselves – there was a time we didn’t exist, now we exist, there will be a time when we cease to exist – are Santa Claus, Mickey Mouse, The Tooth Fairy real? & yet we all know who or what they are . . .
I was taught that there was only one God from the time I was a little kid. Since it was that way for the most part of my life, I never questioned the theory but just accepted it as the truth. You never question what is written in the book but accepted it as the “word of God”. I learnt that he was a god of love though he exhibited wrath at times. So far so good.
But then in the last 3 years or so, I allowed myself to venture out into forbidden territory, to question my faith in what I thought was the “word of God”. If he is all omniscient, surely he would have known that the man he was about to create would end up a sinner. Why then did he create man in the first place only to punish him and sentence him to hell, that is if he was a god of love? Did he do that intentionally which would mean he’s not a very nice god, or did he make a mistake which means he’s not omnicient? Even if it was a mistake, why didn’t he arrest it instead of letting the suffering continue? How can he stand by in heaven and bear to see the suffering in the world he created and do nothing? After all he’s omnipotent and can make everything perfect again. Why did he choose not to? “Free Will” they quickly say. Maybe he shouldn’t have created free will and there would be no problem.
If you follow me and do as I say, you go to heaven, if not you go to hell. That sounds too patronizing for me. It creates fear. Where is the love?
The whole theory became murkier and murkier for me at least, till I decided it doesn’t make sense. But I’m not omniscient that’s why I can’t see the truth. Yeah ok, whatever.
That completely fell through the cracks for me. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong, but it just doesn’t work for me anymore.
p/s This is my personal observation. In no way am I representing anybody by presenting these views. I believe I am entitled to my own opinion and so is everyone else.
This is brilliant. Nowhere have I read something that mirrors my own experience and my thoughts so completely.. Wow!
Jeffery Dahmer the serial killer accepted Christianity in prison – I don’t think he’ll be swooped up into Heaven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rps3YdXAc3M
Science flies you to the moon, religion flies you into buildings
For me, the focus I have put on “God-centered” religions has always been: “does God exist, or not?”
If he does, I believe; if he does not, I don’t believe.
And I mean here, does God exist as:
1. the only one,
2. the one that created the universe,
3. the one that will eventually judge us.
I have never been able to build up conviction in such a definition of God.
Yet, the Gods as described in the greek mythology, I can relate to easily, and I can easily accept that they exist and that their reality is actually pretty much in line with the myth.
Nevertheless, to believe in them does not mean that I would think of them as appropriate objects of refuge. They look more like mafia “grand-fathers” than a being in which I want to put my spiritual aspirations.
The fact that I could never believe in A God, as described in items 1, 2 and 3 above did put me OFF my spiritual path for a very long time, until I finally came across the spiritual path in which I could develop faith, that is the path of the 4 Noble Truths as taught by Shakyamuni Buddha.
As a teenager, I used to read volumes on Greek and Roman Mythology. I used to love them and admire them. They were so supreme to me, at that time. Now, I hold a very different view though I still have all the books.
I am sorry but it would be very difficult for me to worship some God who killed his own father to seize power to control, and seems intent to indulge in his own desires, fears, lusts and etc. Then this God is no different than me. Then I may as well worship myself.
However, if I look at these mythologies as a way to educate me NOT to follow in their path, then it is a different thing. If their stories are meant to teach and remind us, then it makes more sense.
No matter how powerful we are, and we may even control the skies, but what good would that do us when we can’t even control our own emotions?
There is no logic and point in controlling everything outside of us, when we have zero control within. That is where the real chaos reigns – inside us.
The Clash of the Gods is a mirror to the clash of humanity that is evident in our world. It is like a “magnified” version of our world – within and without.
Buddhism is a very different path. It spells out the ways for us to kill the Gods of the desires within us. In this respect, I always find Buddhism logical, empowering and most liberating.
Strength is when we over-power others in brute force, but true power is when we conquer ourselves. This is the path I rather take refuge in.
I always did not know where the “One God” theory come from until now. This video shows how the “one god theory” is not the special rights of anyone but in fact was a gradual process taken from Pagan religions a long time ago. That is why I find the video useful. In Buddhism, a god is a valid realm in samsara. That means there must be many. I want to ask, if the chances of a human rebirth would be that of a blind turtle floating to the top of the ocean every hundred years to go into the ring of a life buoy, what are the odds of becoming a god or a demi-god, is it stated in the scriptures?
being born as a god or demi god is often cited in scriptures as a reward for good actions, doing good just for its reward seems mercenary, also, be careful that your meditation/religious practice doesn’t become a form of self indulgence – the bliss of mental absorption – very nice – does it really help you or anyone else? Like going to the gym and eating healthily – so you can work, have a good income, provide well for yourself & family, stay healthy for a long time, leaving doctors free to combat serious diseases and ill health- or flaunt and flex and show off to attract many sexual partners?
Pure Land Buddhists wish to be reborn in the Pure Lands so they no longer suffer and where they believe they can attain enlightenment if they’ve not done so during their lives – “O Mi To Fo” Amitabha
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amit%C4%81bha
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebirth_(Buddhism)
Buddha’s Mama was reborn in Trayastrimsha after soon passing away when Buddha was born https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tr%C4%81yastri%E1%B9%83%C5%9Ba
at a later stage, he went there and taught her & other devas Abidharma (Buddhist metaphysics/psychology)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhidharma
which puts forward the theory that Buddhist teachings are available in god realms
Zeus being the most powerful ruler and King of his era in Greece may have wanted his reign to lasts eternally. He was even fearful of his sons taking over him or became even more powerful and influential than he was. The delusion of greed or desire for power may have instigated him to create the notion of “one god” for men to create fear in his subjects and instilled loyalty to him alone.
Obviously, there is no right or wrong about this controversial theory but it is something that we should think deeper about and ask the billion dollar question “Is there really A God only”?
Terima Kasih Rinpoche!
Monotheism, as I have read, owes its long history to civilizations and primitive sources that pre/postdates it and the Greek one is one of its legacies. When I was in the Protestant/Catholic Traditions, I used to debate/discuss these ideas with the Jesuit Fathers and one local Bible Professor in exploring these and few amongst them agree. the Catholic Church owes its many liturgical and festive ideas besides certain doctrinal ones their past Greco Roman heritage in Rome but of course the traditionalists would flip at that thought.
One question I used to ponder was, ‘Did God made man in His Image or was it the other way round?’
Perhaps, as civilizations/societies no longer struggle with the basic fundamentals of life and became more refined, so did their God(s)…
I cannot agree with you more David! Isn’t all so strange that “GOD” would create people who suffer just to teach those that are not suffering a lesson? How unfair is that? That was what I always thought when they gave me those theories.
I am also uncomfortable with the FEAR tactics used to convince people that “GOD” is great. It just goes to show that God is full of anger and insecurities. This has never really worked for me. Also they always say that all you need to do is pray and repent your sins and all will be fine. Well ok, does that mean I can go out and robe and kill and then go sit in confession and wallah, I’m ok and my sins are washed?
A lot of it just doesn’t make sense and that is why I guess Buddhism has a bigger attraction to the modern thinkers of today.
I am attracted to Buddhism because it gives you logic and clear understanding on why things happen the way they do in your life and it answered a lot of the questions I had about life that other “religion” seem to just say “Trust and believe in God”. Sometimes you just need to see some real action and results.
As a (forced) believer for many years I testify to the power of the whole system. Many people are totally in check for basically their whole lives. Rational in many other ways but when it comes to this they are completely hand tied for the fear of eternal damnation basically..
Karma much better explains just about every question that I was not allowed to ask..
nobody knows when your karma begins or where it comes from – just do your best to interact/engage with the Universe in the wisest, most compassionate, and active way that you can – Life is not a TV show for entertainment
It is so apparent to me that God, whether it is the Greek/Roman variant or the Judeo-Christian one, they seemed to be man-made. Man-like personality of power-obsessed individual hell-bound to keep mankind under his thumb so they would worship him. The link mentioned in the film is very thought-provoking and points at a possible creation of the monotheitic Judeo-Christian God.
The God theory always insists that God created us and whatever bad happens, it is God working in mysterious ways or his way to test us or make us fear him. Therefore, I like Buddhism because it offers a figurehead of a Buddha, not as an almighty creator being but a compassionate guide. Buddha don’t punishes us or takes away our sins when we commit evil but he blesses us with his teachings and image of inspiration. The central theme of Buddha’s teachings is taking charge of our destiny through understanding and contemplation. I find that exceptionally liberating!
I agree with you, David.
upon taking Buddhist refuge vows, it is discouraged to make others’ gods into demons.
All religions teach actions have consequences, who knows why people are born disabled or in poverty? Collateral damage? God’s joke? Or an opportunity for others to help them? Best not to judge
upon taking Buddhist refuge vows, it is discouraged to make others’ gods into demons.
All religions teach actions have consequences, who knows why people are born disabled or in poverty? Collateral damage? God’s joke? Or an opportunity for others to help them? To count our blessings, be thankful, and do our best to help others? Best not to judge
After watching this video it has made me realize how much the Buddhist way of life and philosophy suits me and that the logical basis behind enlightened beings it resonates with my type of thinking. For example a Buddha or enlightened beings will never harm you because they have developed their compassion to such an advanced degree they are incapable of harming you, only benefiting you.
Whereas theistic religions that believe in Creator God theory more often than not, complete submission is necessary for the God not to squash you like a bug or send you to a bad place after you die. That does not sound like God is unconditionally compassionate to me. Anyways the fact that there is disparity in the world is prove to me that the karma theory holds water. On what basis does a God chooses some people to have much bounty, some have none isn’t it very unfair to those who are downtrodden?
“My thoughts are completely different from yours,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55: 8,9
The verse from the Old Testament is a common verse quoted by many Christians when things don’t go well or cannot be explained..it is a reflection of the one-god/almighty god relationship with his children (believers)
One of the contradiction is that the Bible is meant to be a handbook or guideline for believers…but how can the Bible be a handbook for people to comprehend in order to follow if God’s thoughts are stated to be different from ours… hmm…
Dear Pastor Susan,
You’ve highlighted a very interesting point. It is very contradictory. Since humans can’t understand God’s thoughts, then why does God punish those who do not follow his teachings? So what do the Christians learn from? Furthermore, isn’t God supposed to be compassionate and forgiving? If this is true, then how can God punish people? There are so many contradictions to the God theory. My Christian friends always say to just have faith because God’s wisdom is beyond ours. But I just find it difficult to follow because how do I know what to do if I don’t even understand it?? I find it very confusing, with no offence to Christianity.
It has never made sense to me that this one god is always portrayed as angersome, jealous and revengeful – why would you take refuge and worship that?! Why would god be so petty?!
Rinpoche also recently showed us a cute extract from Star Trek, The final frontier, where they trek all the way across the galaxy to find “god”… only to find out that he’s this crazy, angry, power-hungry alien who wants to take their starship and go out to other worlds to gain more control. It was hugely revolutionary at the time, when this movie was out, because it totally challenged people’s idea and concept of god. It was downright blasphemous! hehe
I don’t think these theories are meant to be in any way offensive to religions who do believe in a God – but rather, it is to encourage to think about what they are really worshipping or paying homage to, and how this “figure” and “personality” has arose. I appreciate Rinpoche’s kindness very much in always giving us these videos to watch and learn. It does help us very much in our understanding of pursuing a spiritual journey and gaining a clearer concept of WHAT we are really praying to: some angry bearded man in the sky? Or the enlightened, compassionate, wide qualities that are embodied by the “gods” we worship? I choose the latter because it is far more real, and makes so much more sense. Isn’t that what all religions encourage? To take refuge in peace and understanding, not revenge/anger and sending down thunderbolts when we’re pissed off at someone
Thinking of it, to worship a God that would reflect my own limited ability and understanding….scary!
I have the impression, but pls correct me if i’m wrong, that people are only able to comprehend their “God” in the context of their own ability and understanding. It is like a reflection of the extent that they can ever be or comprehend. In ancient times, I believe there were more physical hardships and pressures, such that these emotions/characteristics of being “angersome, punishing, expecting worship, expecting no questioning”, as mentioned by Rinpoche, were very present amongst themselves, dictatorships of those kings/ rulers that were powerful and apparent. Hence, whenever they were to imagine God, who is suppose to be most powerful, they would imagine and comprehend one which has such characteristics.
I don’t know if this is relevant or a possibility, but just a thought..
The personality of the modern so called god as affixed by people makes him seems very much like zeus is the message of this documentary I conclude.
This documentary points that out very clearly that zeus and the modern day god is angersome, punishes, expects worship, expects no questioning. This video suggests that the modern day god arose from pagan origins such as zeus.
Tsem Tulku
the behavior of the greek Gods and Titans looks as of those of “devas and “asuras” as described in the lamrim.
Powerful, yet vain or jealous.
It makes them easy for us to relate to.