Translate

Tuesday, August 06, 2013

Out of the Wild, Into Missoula

We're in Missoula, Montana now.  Our tribe of five walked into Missoula on July 24th.

Darby to Hamilton


Last I blogged, our tribe of six was getting ready to walk out of Darby.
Several miles out of Darby, a 60-something fellow we had met at the LDS Church there the Sunday before, named Phil, saw us resting at the side of the road and stopped to load us up with fresh water and some scrumptious cinnamon coffee-cake he had made himself.  It was timed perfectly, as most of us had run out of water.  Phil hung out and chatted with us a while, and even prayed for us before he continued his drive to Hamilton.  He said he admired our faith walk, and called Jesus a rebel, against the current of conventional society.  We also admired his sincere kindness and unique character and unabashed faith.

In our walk through Hamilton we indulged on a plethora of cast-away food there.  It was not only like this there, but all along our entire route.  In Hamilton, we stopped at the public library to use the computers and hang out.  It turned out there was to be a show for children on the library grounds, but some performers didn't show up.  So Mika stepped in to fill in for them, doing some juggling and dancing for the kids!  The next part of the show was a fascinating display of several live wild animals from local animal rescuers.  The librarian was quite friendly and gave us an invitation to stay in her yard, which we ended up declining.  Cody had found a great place to camp outside the park by the river.
Cherry tree in Hamilton, MT
We were toying with the idea of building a raft of logs and floating the rest of the way to Missoula. 






Montana Neighborliness

There was a trail through the area that the public used to walk their dogs and swim, and there were absolutely no signs indicating it was anything but public land, and nothing indicating there was no camping.  We cooked up a nice meal, ate lots of chocolate for desert we had found, and had a good night's sleep.  But in the morning the police showed up.  They said one of the neighbors had called them, and that we were on private property.  They said this even as the public was walking their dogs through there.  They also said the caller had complained that we were walking around naked, which was yet another instance of bearing false witness.  We were by this time feeling astonished at how many times people in Montana were quick to call the cops and see things that simply do not exist, rather than simply walking over and talking to us.  Simply talking to neighbors not only promotes simple humanity but also saves taxpayer expense, if we want to talk money.  The cops themselves even seemed reluctant to respond to such calls.

Bye bye friend

We ended up ditching the rafting idea, since the river was too low.  Mika wanted to walk, not raft, and also felt that her heart was not totally with the moneyless tribe.  She had made this clear from the beginning--a temporary thing to try out--as she didn't want to give up all her money and had other plans.  So she parted ways with us, staying with an old friend in Hamilton, and a couple days later decided to walk by herself to Missoula.  She'd thought she could catch up with us, but we took too many detours.  We took our time, camping along the river, and detoured to highway 269 all the way to Stevensville.

More Montana Neighborliness

Again, somebody called the cops on us, simply for walking along the highway!  The cops came by to talk to us, apologetically, and realized how ridiculous it was that somebody had called them.  This was the 5th time somebody had called the cops on us in not even 2 weeks of walking in Montana! 

We've experienced the very good and very bad in people in this state.

St Mary's Mission in Stevensville, MT
We showed up at St. Mary's Mission, and one of the caretakers was extremely friendly and welcomed us to camp there.   The next day was Sunday, so we decided to attend mass.  The priest, Matthew Huber, happened to preach about providing hospitality to wandering strangers.  Then he asked us to introduce ourselves, and I told them we were on a faith walk without money.  I guess I didn't make it clear that we did not accept money, and people started pouring money into our hands after the service.  We ended up with over $100, and I felt flabbergasted!  So we decided to give the money to the priest, and he said he'd put it into their fund to feed the homeless. 

Later, a couple parishioners brought us enough food to last us several days! There was to be a free concert at the mission later that day of classical and opera music, so we attended and helped clean up.  They gave us their leftover treats.

Meanwhile, Mika made it to Missoula a couple days before us, surprised to not have run into us, then hitch-hiked to Portland, missing us altogether.

Wedding Union & Tribal Parting

Our remaining tribe of five camped at the River near Missoula for a few days.  Then I left my friends for a couple days to attend Mark Sundeen's and Cedar Brandt's wedding.
Cedar & Mark wed

Sallie & Me ringing in
Mark & Cedar's wedding
I was telling people about our tribe family, with feelings of pride, and saying how none of them showed any signs of giving up.  Little did I realize, but I returned and found that Cody and Summer also quietly left for Portland.  I knew Summer previously had been talking about leaving to have surgery.  So Cody decided to escort her to Portland for that reason.  I'm glad he felt responsible enough for her to go with her, even though he's been my right-hand man who gave me the boost I needed to begin this venture.

Then, a few days later, Brandon decided to go back to Las Vegas to help out his family for a month.  So now it is just Javier and me.  They plan to return.  But I have to admit, I go through times of feeling extremely disheartened.  Then I meditate on it and let it go, and feel at peace.  Then I feel disheartened again, and go through that process again (Please, some commentators, refrain from advice).  Quite a few people are telling us they plan to join the moneyless tribe, but we never know until it happens.  This is all good, because it can only be powerful if those who join have hearts totally into this, here and now.  Here's what I posted on the website: Are You Committed to Join the Moneyless Tribe?

I've become intensely endeared to each person who joined our tribe, each so incredibly unique and gifted in his or her own way.  The love I've felt goes beyond description, and I feel deep gratitude that each has been a part of my life, whether for a short or long time.  All things are impermanent, but there is also something permanent, endearingly enduring, too.    
Summer, Cody, Suelo, Brandon
in Stevensville, MT
(Javier no in this this pic since he took it)

More Hospitality

Garden of 1000 Buddhas
Meanwhile, Mark's friends, Michael and Kate, invited us to stay at their house for a few days, since the Missoula police were planning to do a raid at the river to clean out homeless people.  What a great tactic to eliminate homelessness!  It works so well they keep doing it over and over all over the country!  Excuse my sarcasm.
Kate left town for a couple weeks and Michael hosted Javier, me, and Brandon (before he left) very generously.  He also entertained us well, taking us to the   Garden of One Thousand Buddhas north of Missoula, and also to the river. 
Rosie the dog singing
with Michael & Suelo
We redeemed food and he shared eating like royalty with us nearly every day we were there.

Now Javier and I are doing some volunteer work at Missoula's Free Cycles, and we hope to build bicycles to continue on our journey.


Typical cornucopia
of redeemed food





We got more doses of the Buddha way by meditating, for the second Monday in a row, at the Open Way mindfulness center in Missoula.  I got to meet Rhonda there, a person who's been in e contact with me a bit.  There's a good community of about 20 people there.



Esoterica


Javier at the Blackfoot River
Javier (and Brandon, while he was here) are into talking about spiritual esoterica in the Bible & other scriptures.  It's been refreshing for me, since I don't get to discuss these things very often with folks.  Perhaps I can share what we talk about in future posts.  Meanwhile, here's a couple scripture verses we've been mulling over during the past days, considering why they are so mysteriously ignored and explained away by conventional churches, especially those which complain about people "picking and choosing" for or against scriptures they like or dislike:



Now when Jesus was asked by the Pharisees

when the Kingdom of God would come,
he answered them and said,
"The Kingdom of God
does not come with observation;
nor will they say,
'Look here!' or 'Look there!'
For indeed,
the Kingdom of God is within you.'

Then he said to the disciples,
"The days will come
when you will desire to see
one of the days of the Son of Man,
and you will not see it.
And they will say to you,
'Look here!' or 'Look there!'
Do not go after them or follow them."
(Luke 17:20-21)

And, again, a fave I like to quote:

Therefore you also be ready:
for the Son of Man
*comes at an hour when you
do not think.
(Luke 12:40)
*present tense







 





       

62 comments:

  1. your mention of "picking and choosing" biblical scripture passages is a very interesting subject. I often wonder about that..... much scripture is almost completely passed over and ignored.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Even if the tribe fizzles out it doesn't mean youre a failure. Thats just how it goes sometimes. Stay strong. You're on the right path.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Everybody picks and chooses what they want to keep or discard out of the Bible, including Suelo. So why is anybody protesting it, including Suelo? Why is it ok to choose another religion all together, but it's wrong to pick and choose out of the Bible? Is it that you REALLY believe, way down deep in your hearts, that the Bible IS the Sacred Scriptures and so should not be tampered with?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly my point. "Everybody picks and chooses what they want to keep or discard out of the
      Bible, including Suelo". "Why is it ok to choose another religion all together, but it's wrong to pick and choose out of the Bible?" This is exactly my question to those who claim picking and choosing is evil, even as they pick and choose against their own Bible in order to manipulate it into not sounding like another religion. If Jesus' teachings sound too Buddhist, avoid them like the plague, and explain them away, as you'll see all over the internet if you google the above verse. In other words, look around: it's more important to be *against* Buddhism or Hinduism than to be *for* Jesus' teachings. Agree or disagree, but I say it is impossible be pro-Jesus and anti-Buddhist at the same time.

      Delete
    2. No, only when you pick and choose what you like out of the Bible can you make it agree with Buddhism. You got it all backwards.

      Delete
    3. If simply pointing out a sunset is making the sunset agree with the sky, then I am "making" it happen. If you would rather find proof of the sunset's existence in a book rather than simply look at it, what more can I say?

      Delete
    4. God gave us minds and logic, but you say to stop thinking. God gave us emotions, but Buddhism says to become unattached, but bonding and affection are a frequent occurrence in Nature Ghandi preached pacifism, but killing, retribution and death are a part of nature and what preserves its balance. These beliefs are not natural beliefs, but against nature. Humans are the only species not allowed to kill, have territories or defend themselves, by these unnatural belief systems. I'm surprised you take them up, being a lover of nature.

      Delete
    5. Which Buddhist teachings do you pick and choose, the ones which say become unattached or the ones which preach family love? Which Christian teachings do you pick and choose, Jesus' teachings, which say become unattached to family & the things of this world, even to hate family, or the the apostles', which preach family love? Which teachings of Christianity do you pick and choose, the New Testament ones which outright preach pacifism or the early Old Testament ones which preach war? Which verses of Gandhi's favorite scripture (Baghavad Gita) do you pick, the ones that teach non-violence or the ones that teach war? Whose picking and choosing is correct?

      Delete
    6. I pick and choose nature. It enslaves, rapes, kills, commits pedophilia, commits genocide, steals, deceives, nurtures its young (sometimes), defends territories, bonds to one mate, leads and protects harems, fights for supremacy, hits, pecks, butts and bites its young and the unruly, submits, rebels, builds houses and dens, lives as the nomad, defends against intruders and strangers, loves its own, mourns the deaths of its own, cannibalizes its own, fights to the death, has intricate hierarchies, swarms with no leader, mooches off of others, works diligently to store up for the winter, dies during the winter, sleeps all winter and then dies and turns to dust. Can you prove it is wrong?

      Delete
    7. Ah, we agree. You might want to read the website. I pick and choose nature, meaning accepting our own nature. Our own nature picks and chooses - some elements of other animals it likes and accepts for itself, some it abhors. The nature of a mother cat to eat her young has a function for cats, but should we also do the same?
      Did our religions, which teach both pacifism and violence, seemingly contradictorily, arise out of nature? Are they our own nature? If not, where did they come from. Supernatural? If so, should we embrace them all the more (as many religious believe) or should we reject them as unnatural? What is supernatural? The natural we can't recognize, that we are unfamiliar with?
      The nature of a natural creature is that she constantly encounters the unfamiliar, what seems unnatural or non-native, then she and the unfamiliar must adapt to each other or die. This is called natural selection, and it aint easy.

      Delete
    8. Is the pack-rat evil or a phony because it hoards insatiably? Why do we judge the business man as evil and good, but let the pack-rat off scott free? Where does this concept of evil and good arise from? Obviously not from nature. If every man can do what is right in his own eyes (anarchy), then it doesn't arise from God either, that I can see. So, what compels another person to impose an ethical system (moot concept arising out of a philosophy of anarchy)over another person(s)? Hunger for power? If it were from God, there would be one absolute standard, not every man doing what is right in his own eyes and then imposing it on others by various means and tools of power and persuasion.

      Delete
    9. The pack rat takes only what it needs, otherwise it wouldn't take it.
      If by judging we mean not seeing a person for who he is but placing a pre-conceived notion on him, or harboring hatred, then it's delusional to judge the businessman. But if seeing simple cause and effect for what it is, and stating it, is judging, then let the whole world judge! If simply pointing out the simple law of physics that hoarding an excess of positives means somebody else will get an excess of negatives, then let us judge. If simply pointing out that the excess hoarding of our culture (taking more than we need) is destroying our own environment and the cultures of others is judging, then let us judge. I don't see any packrat doing this, except in anthropomorphizing fairy tales.

      Delete
    10. The absolute standard is "the law written on the heart," the Word which existed from the beginning, the same yesterday, today, and forever, before any book was ever written, long before Moses, long before Abraham, long before Gautama Buddha. And we all know it. We only pretend we don't, to shirk responsibility for ourselves.

      Delete
    11. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jer 17:9

      Delete
    12. Obviously you have never lived in any extended period with a packrat. They steal and pile treasures until they have destroyed the whole residence they live in. They are insatiable.

      I've observed piles 4 feet high and the same in diameter and the rat was just getting started. They collect and pile until they die. Their heaps contain builder's and mechanic's tools, silver ware, shredded chairs and cushions, bed mattresses and blankets, wall insulation, electrical wiring, plumbing, wallpaper, paneling, plastic ware, items of clothing.

      What does a rat need with a pair of pliers? A hammer? Tweezers? Eye liner? Eye glasses? Nails? Screw drivers? Clothing? Bedding? Wall insulation? Plumbing and electrical wiring? In the process of "taking what they need" (talk about anthropomorphizing!), they destroy a human home, which shelter the human does use and need. Oh that's right. We should give up our homes and shelters and let the animals have them.

      In fact, everything living takes from some other living thing, until, in nature, populations are so bloated they can no longer sustain themselves. Then they die out, sometimes to extinction and other populations take over. Wolves will kill a whole herd of cattle, just for the fun of it, leaving the carcasses uneaten and never returned to, to hunt down more killing fun. Cats do similar things--destroying bird populations and allowing insect and bug populations to multiply exponentially, which then kill and destroy everything in their path. So do dogs--kill for the fun of it. I suppose your rescuing device for this phenomenon is that they "need" to kill. It is inbred in them.

      Then I propose that the businessman needs to accumulate wealth. It is in his heart. He is only following his heart, as the packrat does.

      Or are you trying to tell us, out of your pure heart that the law resides in, that only humans cannot steal, kill and destroy and take? When a human does it, another pure-hearted human decides it is wrong. When an animal does it, it is simply animal instinct and is immune from the judgments of our self-imposed moral systems. Tell me how this supposedly evolved moral code is the right and advanced one? Does the guy with the most power and/or persuastion to impose his ethics show, simply by his power, that it is the most beneficial one? What benefits does it contain?

      So it is claimed we are evolved from animals. We are simply more advanced animals. The Chimp is now even being considered to be included in the category of homo sapiens. But even so, the Chimp, like the packrat that the business man emulates, can do whatever it pleases with no judgment. WE, the advanced species, have evolved a moral code. It's called, Let every man do what is right in his own eyes, while the rest of us judge him as good or evil. Then we proclaim it is an absolute standard.

      Makes perfect sense. Oh that's right. Logic and thinking is ungodly (it might rescue us from failed systems). We should let our hearts guide us, uh, except in the case of the business man....



      Delete
    13. Again, you might want to read the website before jumping to suppositions of what I think. Who ever said logic and thinking is ungodly? I love logic and thinking.

      Guess who my my closest mammalian neighbor is in that Utah cave I've in for years? A packrat. The canyon is filled with them. I haven't witnessed what you describe, except small items now and then missing, finding them later in the rat's nest, giving me a good chuckle. If you read https://sites.google.com/site/livingwithoutmoney/Home/our-fall-from-grace--our-departure-from-gratis, you'll see maybe I'm not delusional that suffering and violence don't exist in wild nature. They will always exist. In balance. And until we stop deluding ourselves that we can eliminate suffering and violence with our "civilization", our control of credit and debt, we will continue to create and experience unbearable violence and suffering. Unbearable.

      Delete
    14. The packrat needed those items it took from you?

      You didn't believe me when I said they hoard insatiably, did you. Here are some photos other folks took, to help you out. I also have photos of packrat nests, but I have to find them.

      http://ryngargulinski.com/2010/08/27/pack-rats-poised-to-rule-the-world-outlive-humans-cockroaches/

      http://www.mrpackrat.net/nestsinhouses/fullsize/P1030053_fs.jpg

      http://www.mrpackrat.net/nestsinhouses/fullsize/009_2_fs.jpg

      http://www.mrpackrat.net/nestsinhouses/fullsize/100_1371_fs.jpg

      http://www.mrpackrat.net/nestsinhouses/fullsize/4280003_fs.jpg

      http://www.mrpackrat.net/nestsinhouses/fullsize/ducts4_fs.jpg

      http://www.mrpackrat.net/nestsinhouses/fullsize/nest_in_furance_room_fs.jpg

      http://www.mrpackrat.net/nestsinhouses/fullsize/P4180042_fs.jpg

      http://www.mrpackrat.net/nestsinhouses/fullsize/P6030003_fs.jpg

      http://www.mrpackrat.net/nestsinhouses/fullsize/P2260015_fs.jpg

      Delete
    15. Of course I believe you about packrats in buildings. This is my whole point. I've lived near packrats (within 10 feet) in the wilderness, day after day, year after year, observing them, and I don't witness this there. Of course any animal will suffer obesity (bears around dumps), malnourishment (feral dogs in cities), kill without eating (overfed domestic cats) or way out of balance (packrats in cities) when it is in an obscenely unbalanced system imposed upon it. Give an ape heroin and see what happens. The packrat or whatever animal is an opportunist, just like us. But in its own balanced environment, natural selection will hold it in balance, as it would us. Even an animal's cravings will become in balance, as anybody who has gotten off junk food for a month will discover. Compare a domestic dog with any wild dog, wolf, or fox. But we've figured out how to sidestep natural selection, for now. And our suffering is unbearable. Look around.

      Judge for yourself: compare any random population of wild animals outside our "civilization" walls with any random population of humans or animals within our "civilization" or encroached upon by it. How much obesity, malnutrition, chronic illness, and genetic disorders passed from one generation to another do you witness? Again, please read the website.

      Delete
    16. So you DO admit that these animals, outside of their "natural" environment are greedy, hoarding, thieving, (add deceptive, because it takes deception to properly steal) beasts? Are they evil then? If they are intrinsically good, how come their evil takes over their lives? Does good have no power?

      Why is the business man called evil if he is only doing what comes naturally for any living being in those situations, including lusting for power when given the opportunity of popularity? If the "absolute" standard is everyone/thing doing what comes naturally, then where is the evil and where is the good? Where did IT come from? Are you saying that human beings are SUPERNATURAL? Tell me how that logically fits into the scheme of things?

      If the suffering that "civilization" imposes on various living beings is unbearable, why don't they die? That is the ultimate incapacity for bearing. When something becomes TOO unbearable, you die. Yet they live longer. Of course, even within "civilization" disease and genetic entropy select out the least adapted eventually, as you admit above.

      It might take longer, but does that mean that the person/animal seeks death for relief? I observe that the will to live stays intact, showing that their conditions are not unbearable, at least to the point of death.

      Among the atheist community, however, death is sought after by many of them. Atheists and atheist countries boast the highest suicide rates. Is that because they are the most civilized? Or are they closest to nature in their belief systems? What happened to the happy wild state? That is, what happened to physical well-being equating to the happiest state? The suicide rate is very high in Muslim countries also. Is it their lack of physical well-being that afflicts them thus?

      I've observed very sickly Christians full of joy and fortitude, but very healthy folks and those doing what comes "naturally," full of apathy and deep misery. I've seen the rich miserable and the poor miserable. Therefore, joy comes from some place else besides one's happenstance. Or does death come upon wild nature too soon to see the misery? Are you then saying that death is the best cure for misery?

      I've read your website and know that we agree on many things. I wholeheartedly embrace nature as the best way to live one's physical life, as I said above. I do so because I know that God created it. It shows His wisdom day in and day out. If it had come about on its own, by a series of accidents, I could not trust it like I do knowing that God created it and believing His words about it.

      I know it was the Judea-Christian God that created it because He is the only One, by the description given of Him, that has the qualities necessary to accomplish the incredible feat!

      I also agree that some businessmen can be evil, even as whole jungle tribes can be evil, but that is not because all there is is nature. Good and evil make no sense, have no basis in the naturalistic worldview. Civilized versus uncivilized make no sense in a world of only the natural. Everyone is simply doing what comes naturally or according to their nature. You don't like it? Do what YOU please then and leave everyone else alone to kill, steal and destroy, as civilizations and herds and flocks and swarms and packs have done down through the ages!




      Delete
    17. It makes it easier if anonymous commenters would identify themselves. At first I thought the above commenters were one person (they can't be, can they?) At first I thought the person identified as "Christian." But when the commenter made arguments refuting Jesus' basic teachings, I thought, "I'm mistaken," or its somebody playing games. But then the person seeming to identify as Christian returned. I can't wrap my mind around it. I can't see any benefit in going through and answering each argument, getting lost in the tangle, especially when I've already discussed exhaustively all these things. Whoever is open can investigate.

      Delete
    18. You want a label, a name, so you know how to judge and therefore answer? Why not take the questions at face value and the person(s) behind the anonymity at face value? I am a person. The intent of MY questions is to delve into soul issues, because every person has a soul.

      Delete
    19. Which of Jesus' teachings did I/we refute? I thought I was asking questions to see what the basis of YOUR teachings are. Of course, you could answer what the basis of Buddha's teachings are, what the basis of Jesus' teachings are, what the basis of ANYONE's teachings are that take upon themselves the position of teacher, if you like. What authority do any of you have and what is the basis of it??

      Delete
    20. "By what authority..." Familiar question by a familiar spirit.

      Delete
    21. "And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

      "And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

      "And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost." Acts 12:21-23

      Delete
    22. Equating yourself with Jesus Christ and the Great I Am you are walking on very dangerous ground, Suelo. I fear for you.

      Delete
    23. I don't trust you if you don't equate yourself with Christ. Who do you equate yourself with? I am who I am. Who else can I be if not who I am? If being myself makes me the Image of God, let it be. If the son is not the image of the Father, then he is no son. Are you a son of the Father? The only begotten Son--how can this be?

      "Jesus answered them, 'Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?"
      They answered him, saying, "For a good work we do not stone you, but for blasphemy, and because you, being a man, make yourself God."
      Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods (Elohim)" '? (John 10:32-34)

      "In the beginning, Elohim has created the heavens and the earth." (Gen. 1:1)

      "Examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-—unless indeed you fail the test?"
      (2 Cor 13:5)

      Delete
    24. 1. Good. You should NOT trust me if I am not equal to God. I am not equal to God. Trust God and Him alone. "Let God be true and EVERY MAN A LIAR."

      2. I am not The Only Begotten Son of the Father. There is only ONE Begotten Son of the Father. I am an adopted son.

      "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will" Eph 1:5

      3. You showed, yourself, that the gods spoken of in John 10:32-34 are not the same as the Elohim spoken of in Genesis 1:1. We did not create the heavens and the earth, now did we.

      4. Jesus Christ IN us is not the same as BEING Jesus Christ or even being equal to Him.


      "Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

      "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

      "And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

      "And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

      "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

      "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

      "And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

      "They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;

      "And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

      "But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

      "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

      "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip."

      Hebrews 1:4-2:1


      Delete
    25. Some get it, some don't. This is not to argue with those who don't. Nothing I say or all the scripture in the world you or I quote will change that. The sun continues to rise, no whatever words we tack onto it.

      Delete
    26. Watcher! Thank you! I got it! Praise GOD I GOT IT!!! Thank you! We will meet again---in Heaven!

      Delete
  4. Suelo - I am curious if you have read Tolstoy's The Kingdom of God is Within You? I'm sure you have probably read it already, but Tolstoy ends his book with that exact passage (Luke 17:21). Apparently this work inspired Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr. in non-violent resistance. It is a great read for those interested in how practitioners of modern Christianity directly contradict the teachings of Jesus (I say modern, yet the book was published in the mid 1890s, but most of it is still relevant). The end of your post reminded me of many of the themes in the book. I'm interested to hear your opinion of the book if you've read it. By the way, I read Mark Sundeen's book and loved it. You are a magnificient inspiration - keep up the great work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I read that book years ago, & it inspired me! First, I read MLK's 'Strength to Love', saw he was inspired by Gandhi. Then I read Gandhi's writings, saw he was inspired by Tolstoy. Then I read Tolstoy. Imagine if the Russian Revolution had used tools right under its nose, founded itself upon the spiritual base passionately pointed out by Tolstoy, rather than throw out its baby with the bathwater? What genocidal mania would have been avoided? Likewise, what if China had based its revolution on its own like spiritual roots? Can black-clad revolutionaries today learn from that?

      Delete
  5. Suelo! This is all so wonderful! I can only imagine the magic you all are attracting. Keep it up. I can't wait to hear more. I keep telling folks about you. Equally incredible things are happening on my front. Keep the faith: Go Team!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I often talk about you with the tribe. Thank you for your inspiration and energy that you also have imparted to me, Ried.

      Delete
  6. Inspiration!!! Thank you tribe :) Tons of Love&Light
    See you on the road....

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Sioux believe there are 4 qualities we are to develop as beings of higher consciousness:
    Bravery
    Fortitude
    Generosity
    Wisdom

    You have all of these in abundance, Suelo!

    ReplyDelete
  8. All you need *is* Love. Being Love is living in a gift economy. Giving and receiving freely. This is all Abundance. Love provides for us all perfectly.

    Peace, Love & Perfect flow ~*~

    Keep Trusting, Suelo

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Suelo - you are changing the world - you are. I tell everyone about you and absolutely love you to death ! I love all your posts and look forward to the next one as soon as I'm done with the current. I think about you often and your goodness and your light and your truth. I'm with you 100% and if you're ever in Syracuse, NY you've got a friend -

    much light and love to you - gina

    ReplyDelete
  10. dont know what this has to do with anything but was reading about a guy named vissarion in russia and they live moneyless.

    ReplyDelete
  11. this vassirion fellow believes in the unity of all existing religions. he has a huge following in the taiga forest in russia. i just found this interesting. good luck with the tribe suelo. hope to join you someday.

    ReplyDelete
  12. It is getting close to buffie camp season, Suelo, you can live, hang with buffalo, work and eat all with no money if you volunteer at buffalo camp. Head back to West Yellowstone in the fall...they could use ya!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am very happy to know of this! I consider myself a talented musician. And yet, hardship, failure, frustration, criticism and insufficiency of money required to enter the Music Industry and make progress in it/get discovered is what I've encountered most, in my 30 year journey of seeking success as such. This is why I am so inspired by Suelo's money-less journey, new-found lifestyle and blog. Because it shows me that I do not have to be a musician anymore to make a living, but, rather for my own fun and enjoyment alone. :-)

      Delete
    2. How can I find out more information about this "buffie" camp? Like phone numbers, address, and the such? Just searched for it on Facebook but did not find any certain/exact info.

      Delete
  13. I'm still keeping track of your journey. Your faith and courage is inspiring....

    ReplyDelete
  14. Tonight I find myself weeping for beauty, joy. I cry out brokenly "yes!" "yes!" "yes!" as I pound my fist rhythmically on whatever surface is nearby.
    No, not having great sex.
    I am receiving deep truth glimpses from the x-ray peerings of suelo's eyes and brain plus the footwork of everybody taking on the togetherness challenge. Thank you a thousand times for giving me hope and for practicing courage. good night - sigh

    ReplyDelete
  15. Excellent comment thread - thanks everyone for restoring my faith in the internet. Thanks Suelo for blogging - it's a big inspiration to me and many others.

    ReplyDelete
  16. In the following parable, Christ uses the same term, "I think not," as He did when He stated that the Son of Man comes when "you think not."

    Luke 17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

    8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

    9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not (I think not).

    Did that master stop thinking concerning his servant in this parable? I THINK NOT! Neither is the Lord telling us to stop thinking and then He comes to us.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Translate it 'think' or 'seem' or 'suppose', and it's the same. If we just look at ourselves, we know all thoughts are suppositions, images. When we get beyond thought we see reality. You know this and I know it, but the brain ("heart," as old English calls it, which you have pointed out is desperately wicked, the seat of thought) can never know it. Your brain and mine can never know truth, only supposition. You (not your brain) know this, and, in fact, it is the only thing you can ever prove true. This is why I quoted it with the other verse: the Kingdom of God does not come with our observations, suppositions, images of the mind. All thoughts block us from seeing Reality. Thoughts, scriptures, words, testify to Reality. Thoughts are flesh, are John the Baptist, who must say, "I know him not" and "he must increase while I must decrease." Enter into that which eye cannot see, ear cannot hear, nor what cannot enter into the human mind. If your mind, which is flesh, can perceive it, it is flesh, and it will pass away. My mind speaking with you right now will pass away. So, please, don't take my word for it. See for yourself. How can we put faith in anything that will pass away, the flesh?

      Delete
    2. I think that I follow. Money, flesh, material things like gold or silver,..., all not worthy of our faith being put in them. Trust in G-d, rather than in riches, is the way to go. So why have I for so long, and why have so many others up until this very moment, still, trusting and putting faith in money, gold, silver, stocks, bonds, investments, bank accounts, real estate, etc...rather than in the CREATOR of it all? Perhaps, it's due to secret, covert mind control conditioning & tactics applied to our psyches/brains from the time of our birth. A reprogramming of our mental software needs to happen soon and quickly! Obviously, you, Mr. Suelo, have already reprogrammed your brain concerning this illusory belief in the invention or product called "money". :-)

      Delete
  17. A fascinating and must see video documenting interviews with atheists.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0u3-2CGOMQ



    ReplyDelete
  18. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2Pe 3:10

    ReplyDelete
  19. I hope that I am not only prepared, but, also, sufficiently worthy to...by means of the most precious blood of the LORD of lords, be able to enter into HIS eternal rest on that day! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. acts 4:32 all the believers were one in heart and mind.no one claimed that any of his possesions was his own,but they shared everything they had. god bless suelo and everyone else.

      Delete
    2. me too timothy k lawson!!!! meee too... god bless.

      Delete
  20. William Blake echoed the same idea of what constitutes really seeing:

    "This life's dim windows of the soul
    Distorts the heavens from pole to pole
    And leads you to believe a lie
    When you see with, not through, the eye."

    ReplyDelete
  21. So I think, Suelo, that you need not worry about the appearance of the outer when it comes to your tribe. You trust that food will be there. You trust that shelter as it is will be there. You need to trust God in that I do believe you are raising the consciousness of us all by your action. A very small cog when it touches another and another can move a huge piece of machinery. You do not know yet the implications of your actions and you may never know. I think it is a test of faith...

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hey suelo hope you guys are doing well, i want to join up. Where are you now? If youre cool with any random person joining? Im interested

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're ST ILLin Missoula, but bicycling to Portland, OR starting tomorrow.

      Delete