Category: 1. Spirituality
SPHOTA-MERAKI – 2019
SPHOTA: “That from which the meaning bursts forth”
In Hindu linguistics “sphota” relates to the theory and understanding of what words and phrases represent when someone reads them and relates them on a deeper level. It is the ‘light-bulb effect’, that ‘Ah-ha!’ moment of understanding aspects of words, sentences, mantras etc.
MERAKI: “The love one puts forth into something. The creative essence of putting yourself into your work”
In Greek, “merkati” represents the passion and soul one puts into their work.
Sphota-Meraki.com represents the drive and passion individuals feel in making change in their personal life as well as putting it forth out into the world. It is that moment of clarity before, during and after when one puts their whole essence into creating something anew.
This is that process….that moment of thought, turned into reality. The belief of doing what you love and how it enhances others in the process. Continue reading “SPHOTA-MERAKI – 2019”
Meaning of Sphota-Meraki
SPHOTA-MERAKI is the continuation of Along Your Path.
SPHOTA – “That from which the
meaning bursts forth.”
MERAKI – “The creative essence of
putting yourself into your work.”
Meaning behind SPHOTA:
The word sphota can be traced back to various Indian philosophers such as Pânini and Patanjali, but is most notable through Bhartrihari (450—510 C.E.) and his theory associated with it in his writings, Vākyapadīya (treatise on words and sentences).
In a discussing with Steven J. Rosen, Continue reading “Meaning of Sphota-Meraki”
“Relax….and dream up a good life.” – Jim Carrey
A beautiful and moving view of living life we can all inspire to create….
TWO STONED BIRDS – Vendor Dates
Updated: 5\-16-19:
At this moment we are not doing any shows.
We plan on working our way to doing more shows in and around Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Corpus Christi either later this year or in 2020.
At the moment you can check out the few items we put up each week on ebay.
Fish Daddy Glass and Top 5 Ways to Help You Get Inspired
Fish Daddy Glass and Top 5 Ways to Help You Get Inspired
Fish Daddy Glass is the collaborated effort of “two guys looking to make great glass art” (aka Michael Fisher and Xavier Juarez) from the central Texas region. Saw these guys blowing glass a few days back at Art Haus@Pour Haus in New Braunfels (Between San Antonio and Austin) and was impressed by the quick items that were created, including glass pipes, necklace pieces and little animals. Continue reading “Fish Daddy Glass and Top 5 Ways to Help You Get Inspired”
Hip-Hop and Consciousness
Hip-Hop speaks about the struggles and issues within a given community, as well as the expression of accomplishments in life. For many it is a representation of their world and their vision of reality. Below are a variety of Hip-Hop artists that infuse the plight, as well as the powers, in their lives to express humanity with positive vibes.
FERAL THE EARTHWORM – YouTube – Website – Facebook
Caught this guy both times in Houston at For The Community. Great Spoken Word Hip-Hop artist out of Austin.
Continue reading “Hip-Hop and Consciousness”
Krishnacore and Music of Devotion
Krishnacore: A sub-genre of punk and hardcore music that is influenced heavily on the teachings and traditions of the Hare Krishna movement, a spiritual practice within Hinduism that practices the devotion toward Divinity.
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Music has the ability to create the energy of transformation. Everyone has their own genre of taste when it comes to their music of choice. Below are some bands that bring together the heavier side of music with the love of devotion to God. These are in no particular order in relation to when the genre came to the collective consciousness. Continue reading “Krishnacore and Music of Devotion”
Rock/Metal Spotify/Soundcloud Playlists
Here is my growing collection of Rock and Heavy Metal songs that I feel have a ‘spiritual/conscious’ edge to it. Music ranges from light Rock to Metalcore to Thrash/Death/Black Metal. Some are Christian artists, others Hindu, others, etc.Always adding to both. Enjoy…
Along Your Path / Two Stoned Birds Vendor Booth
Updated 7/27/17:
New photos at bottom show off my new paintings! Yeah, those are ceiling fan blades. Ill have a post soon enough showing off a few more fan blades as well as other paintings Im working on.
Info on where we are vending and setting up shop located here
Check and like our pages…
Along Your Path Facebook Pg
Two Stoned Birds Facebook Pg
Continue reading “Along Your Path / Two Stoned Birds Vendor Booth”
New Page {sphota} and other endeavors…
First to direct you to {sphota} which you can find in the drop down menu section above or by clicking HERE. This is the direction I have been taking for some time now and now, I am including it here and will add to it in the weeks and months to come.
Pages and posts will be revamped in a way that is more suitable to what {sphota} will become.
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Each MENU PAGE above will be revamped and started anew, which all content within each Continue reading “New Page {sphota} and other endeavors…”
Heavier bands that are of interest at moment 12/16/16
BETRAY MY SECRETS
This band is no longer together but I found them while doing search on another band associated with this band, SHIVA IN EXILE as well as a band called SpiRitual. Formed in Germany in 1997 . Favorite song from them is “From the Goddess” which is a heavier version and a mix of “We All Come From the Goddess” from Moving Breath (YouTube) and the “Witches Chant”, which I remember from the band Inkubus Sukkubus (YouTube)
IN HEARTS WAKE – (Website) (Facebook) (Twitter)
Band out of Australia. Fell in love with their Earthwalker CD which came out in 2014. Really looking forward to seeing them when they come to the states in 2017.
TIMES OF GRACE
Another band that is no longer together and only put one album out. Original singer for KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and is now re-singing for them. This was one of the side albums before going back to Killswitch Engage. Had an opportunity to interview him when he was in Times of Grace. Great vocalist.
THE HEALING (Bandcamp) (Facebook)
Actually just found this band today when I was looking up links for previous bands listed above. Their “Elevate” CD came out earlier this year. From Canada. Really enjoying this first listen to them.
Three bands Im totally digging at moment….
Havent posted any new music in a while so here I am posting on a few bands I caught live a few weeks back.
TRUNIVERSAL – (Website) (Facebook) (Soundcloud) (Twitter)
Met these guys back at a community festival in Houston a few weeks bank. Spoken Word/Hip-Hop/Ambient/Chill out of California. Really cool vibe all around.
POSITIVE DISTURBANCE – (Facebook) (Reverbnation) (Youtube)
Another band I caught at that Houston festival from Houston. Consciousness Alternative Hip-Hop.
THE DIGITAL WILD – (Website) (YouTube)
Austin based three piece I caught at a Standing Rock #nodapl benefit. Beautiful slow ambient Soulful music. Really digging their music especially Tall As Trees
More music can be found on your Soundcloud Page and Our Spotify Page Spotify URL
#NODAPL 12/5/16 – IT WILL CONTINUE
#NODAPL 12/5/16 – IT WILL CONTINUE
Posted on December 5, 2016 by alongyourpath
So, yesterday the Department of the Army denied the approval of the easement in North Dakota ( 1 ). 
Sacred, yet to the applause of a lot of people that have been aware of this issue, this isn’t a victory, but a slight reminder that “this is the government and these are powerful oil and gas companies.”
Back in September, stemming from a federal judge declining the project (2). , Continue reading “#NODAPL 12/5/16 – IT WILL CONTINUE”
A Revolution of Consciousness
A 16min compilation of various clips relating to aspects of human and spiritual nature.
Bought to you by Educate-Inspire-Change – YouTube Channel – Facebook Pg
MUSIC – SUPREME BEINGS OF LEISURE
Ambient Trip-Hop from SUPREME BEINGS OF LEISURE
I just love the name of this band. Check out their song below and well as their facebook page.
Supreme Beings of Leisure are an electronic/trip hop band from Los Angeles, California. Current members of SBL are singer/songwriter Geri Soriano-Lightwood and multi-instrumentalist/programmer Ramin Sakurai.Wikipedia
MUSIC – BLISS GODDESS
From their Facebook Page:
Bliss Goddess music, visual art and temple dance is an alchemy of the ancient, future and eternal present. As sonic shamans, they blend live instruments and ethnic percussion with remixes of the hottest tracks from the best tribal dub and world electronic dance music artists. The music is brought to your eyes by projected visionary art and sacred geometry, while radiant Temple Dancers invoke and embody the Divine Feminine, leading the listener/dancer on a journey across exotic, lush landscapes.
I first discovered BLISS GODDESS earlier this year while doing a Soundcloud search for artists and bands that relate to spirituality in one form or another. I found a live recording of their Jan. 29th show in Austin earlier this year. Continue reading “MUSIC – BLISS GODDESS”
UNITED AS ONE BEACH CLEAN-UP & MUSIC FEST – MATAGORDA BEACH, TX
The Fifth Annual UNITED AS ONE Beach Cleanup and Music Festival will be going on Oct. 14-16th at Matagorda Beach, TX. Information on artists and performers can be found on their Facebook Page as well as their FB Events Page. This event is a 3 Day, free event (except in buying a beach parking pass that goes towards the community). This is an all volunteer event with multiple stages with artists from across Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. This is a Community Approved Texas Beach Festival.
LEAVE NO TRACE BEHIND
Continue reading “UNITED AS ONE BEACH CLEAN-UP & MUSIC FEST – MATAGORDA BEACH, TX”
SACR3D – Gayatri Mantra (Hip-Hop Rendition)
SACR3D – Gayatri Mantra (Hip-Hop Rendition)
http://soundcloud.com/sacr3dmusic/gayatri-mantra-hip-hop-rendition
PLAYLIST 006
MORCHEEBA – Rome Wasnt Built In a Day
Light and Beautiful Trip-Hop
GUYS WE F****D Podcast – Why Don’t You Like Talking About Sex
http://soundcloud.com/guyswefucked/lance-weiss
Weekly Comedy Podcast about Sex and Sexuality. Explicit Content.
History Teacher Denies Native American Genocide, Native Student Disagrees, Gets Expelled
http://countercurrentnews.com/2015/09/history-teacher-denies-native-american-student/
BETRAY MY SECRETS – Shamanic Dream
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TohFk9qkePQ&sns
Tribal and World Ethnic Metal
Playlist 005 (Mix) 09-13-15
MIRABAI CEIBA – Gobinda Hari
https://youtu.be/onf5vsGj2XM
Ambient Hindu Mantra
8 Things The History Books Don’t Tell Us About Native People
http://everydayfeminism.com/2014/11/history-books-dont-tell-natives/
SPIRAL DANCE – Goddess And The Weave
http://soundcloud.com/spiral-dance/01-the-goddess-and-the-weaver
Pagan Light Rock
NATURE BY NUMBERS: THE FIBONACCI SEQUENCE GETS ANIMATED
http://timewheel.net/Video-Nature-By-Numbers-The-Fibonacci-Sequence-Gets-Animated-In-This
ASH DARGAN – Invoking the Spirits
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE6Iv12I7Mw&sns=em
Tribal Didgeridoo
Playlist 004 (YouTube/Soundcloud/Web) 09-09-15
OM – God is Good (Full Album)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEFPtG4dP0k&sns=em
Esoteric Doom Metal
COSMIC DISCLOSURE
http://www.gaiamtv.com/seeking-truth/lp-cosmic-disclosure
Inside the secret space program with Corey Goode and David Wilcock
SHIVA IN EXILE – Anibus
https://soundcloud.com/junior-ten-rio/shiva-in-exile-anubis
Exotic World-Tribal-Electronica Music
Playlist 003 (YouTube ) 09/03/15
MUSIC VIDEO: JANA MASHONEE – The Enlightened Times
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yKxXo75wXk&sns=em
MUSIC VIDEO: A TRIBE CALLED RED – Electric PowWow Drum
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyP94nBy2sg&sns=em
AUDIO BOOK: CARLOS CASTANEDA – THE TEACHINGS OF DON JUAN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO_Go4hc4Qs&sns=em
DOCUMENTARY: NATIVE AMERICAN – VOICES OF THE FOREFATHERS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FDt180GgO0&sns=em
Playlist 002 (Soundcloud) 09/02/15
MUSIC: VEZYR (CRYSTAL MANTIS) – About Human Beings
http://soundcloud.com/vezyrsounds/abouthumainbeings
Ambient Electronic Chill music
MUSIC: REBELUTION – Feeling Alright
https://soundcloud.com/rebelutionmusic/feeling-alright
Californian Reggae band that brings you to a state of ‘feeling alright!’
PODCAST: BEYOND BELIEF: Karma
http://soundcloud.com/bbcr4beyondbelief/belief-karma-29-sep-14
A discussion between a Buddhist Nun, a Hindu Scholar and a Religious Studies Scholar on the meaning of Karma
PODCAST: ON BEING: Hinduism and Science
https://soundcloud.com/onbeing/the-hearts-reason-hinduism
Theoretical Physicist and Hindu Scholar A. V. Raman talk about the inner-connection between Science, Philosophy and Hindu Spirituality
MUSIC: LELECO 22 – Do Hip Hop Ao Mantra
https://soundcloud.com/leleco22/do-hip-hop-ao-mantra
Brazilian Rapper throws together a mixture of Hindu Mantras and Brazilian speaking Rap.
MUSIC: KRISH ASHOK – Doom Mangalyam
http://soundcloud.com/krishashok/doom-mangalyam
A beautifully melodic, yet foreboding, composition turns into a heavy Doom Metal style track with chello and a Hindu wedding mantra.
Playlist 001(Soundcloud) 09/01/15
MUSIC: KUCKA – Divinity (Mazda Remix)
http://soundcloud.com/mazde/kucka-divinity-mazde-remix
Soothing and dreamy Trip-Hop vocals over a chill and Ambient soundtrack.
MUSIC: XYLO – Afterlife
https://soundcloud.com/xylo100/afterlifeAnother soothing track with another female artist. Very catchy and you’ll be singing along soon after hearing it.
PODCAST: HERE AND NOW Episode 79
http://soundcloud.com/ramdass/here-and-now-ep-79-danny-goleman-and-hh-the-dalai-lamas-vision-for-the-world
Interview with Danny Goleman on his book with H.H. the Dalai Lama called “A Force For Good”
MUSIC: TRUTHSEEKAH – Back to That Life
http://soundcloud.com/truthseekah7/back-to-that-life-feat-jellyHip-Hop Rap Artist throwing out some esoteric rhymes that are deep and meaningful.
MUSIC: SACR3D – Gayatri Mantra
http://soundcloud.com/sacr3dmusic/gayatri-mantra-hip-hop-renditionBridging ancient sacred mantras with modern day Hip-Hop. Very smooth and enlightening.
Picture: Previous drafts for Along Your Path Magazine. Coming 2015
Previous drafts for Along Your Path Magazine. Coming 2015
A Little Quote to Ponder Upon
“He whose mind is enslaved to his bestial instincts is philosophically not superior to the brute; he whose rational faculties ponder human affairs is a man; and he whose intellect is elevated to the consideration of divine realities is already a demigod, for his being partakes of the luminosity with which his reason has brought him into proximity.” Manly P. Hall (The Secret Teachings of All Ages)
The Art of Letting Go by Dixie Clark
Each of our lives has its own unique rhythm. There is an ebb and flow, and a time for stillness that continues to repeat itself throughout our lifetime. The art of letting go is about honoring this rhythm. It’s about knowing when to hold in stillness, and when to move forward, even if the way isn’t clear. Letting go is really about opening to receive. It is living in this moment, honoring who you are. It is a process of trust.
Continue reading “The Art of Letting Go by Dixie Clark”
Quick Finds: BRINA – Jamaican Reggae
Brina – Jamaican Reggae
links: Website Facebook YouTube
Reggae Music has always had a strong spiritual connection in their music. Whether your listening to the early sounds of Bob Marley and the Wailers, Gregory Isaacs, and Lee Perry to the more modern sounds of Shabba ranks or Buju Banton, somewhere, within the music is a spiritual connection to God (Jah). I came across Brina awhile back through a Bahai Faith Facebook page, which lead me to the video below, which is a montage of pictures and quotes while her soulful voice singes about peace and love as well as the essence of harmony. Really nice and soothing and hitting the spot.
Brina has five CDs with the most recent, released Sept 2014, being “Reggae Sauti Za Kiswahili,” an EP that brings Brina’s Jamaican Reggae to Africa while sung in Swahili. You can check out her music at her Bandcamp page.
For more info check out the video below and check out her Facebook Page.
QUOTES
“Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.” ~ Lao Tzu
“Never talk defeat. Use words like hope, belief, faith, victory.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” ~ Dalai Lama
The Physics of Consciousness by Jason Lincoln Jeffers
Quantum physics posits that nothing really happens in the physical world unless a conscious mind observes it. In other words, consciousness must perceive what it creates in order for that creation be real. This theory can be corroborated in the dream world. When we dream, we create our dream and perceive our dream at the same time. We do it so seamlessly that we are unaware that we, are in fact, the dreamer.
Continue reading “The Physics of Consciousness by Jason Lincoln Jeffers”
God’s Not Dead Movie Review
Just watched Gods Not Dead and thought it was a great movie, especially for it being Christian based. While most movies from the Christian camp seem to be watered downed in substance and fluffed up, this one has a bit more of a bite to it and has substance in the revelance of what it means to have faith, question doubt and be a believer in Christ.
The Mystical Meaning of Life by David Almeida
We all have different belief systems, religions leanings, personal philosophies, and ways of explaining the mystery of life.Some people are determined to push their beliefs on others. A number of these individuals feel so strongly about the superiority and correctness of their beliefs, that they are willing to pay the ultimate price of death to defend them. We need to understand and respect that all beliefs have value to the person expressing them. This essay represents my current understanding and my truth. Continue reading “The Mystical Meaning of Life by David Almeida”
Spiritvine Snapback Hat Sale from Timeless Creations
NEW SPIRITVINE SNAPBACK
http://timelesscreations.us
We have been working hard here at the Timeless Creations studio to bring you some fresh next level new gear! Deep in the Amazonian jungle an ancient ceremony was birthed, A Plant Ayahuasca, was and still is offered by shamans & healers when the timing is right.
(Read on for chance to win a hat from Timeless Creations)
Continue reading “Spiritvine Snapback Hat Sale from Timeless Creations”
Summaries of World Religions by Paul Chehade
Summaries of World Religions by Paul Chehade
The world’s principal religions and spiritual traditions may be classified into a small number of major groups, although this is by no means a uniform practice. In world cultures, there have traditionally been many different groupings of religious belief. I don’t wish to turn you away from your religious beliefs or traditions. I see all religions as part of human history – Paul Chehade. Continue reading “Summaries of World Religions by Paul Chehade”
Zen in America Documentary
Filmmaker and practicing Zen Buddhist Adam Kō ShinTebbe is working on a documentary series that examines the history and role Zen Buddhism has had in America. The documentary will traverse throughout America, going to different centers and talking with many teachers, practitioners and scholars in bringing a comprehensive view on Zen Buddhism in America.
Relaxing Tibetan Music| Zen Meditation Music| Singing Bowl Music for Reiki & Spa
Tibetan music has been used for deep relaxation and meditation since ages. The sounds of Tibetan singing bowl and gong have proven relaxing and healing effects. Listen to this relaxing and rejuvenating music created by use of Tibetan Singing bowl, Tibetan Gong and meditation bells and feel peace and bliss within.
How Important Are Your Beliefs? by David Almeida
Summary
Each person has beliefs about themselves and the world. Most of us have adopted our beliefs from people and organizations who are now or were at one time significant to us. Our beliefs are certainly important. This article reminds us that beliefs are not so critical that they should keep us from having meaningful relationships with those people whose beliefs and ideas are different from our own.
Continue reading “How Important Are Your Beliefs? by David Almeida”
What is the Nature of Consciousness? by David Almeida
Summary
This article discusses some of the aspects of the concept we refer to as “consciousness.” The nature of consciousness is difficult to pin down. It does not conform to the rules of the physical reality, or for that matter, the nonphysical dimensions. Consciousness resides within these frames, and yet seems to exist apart from it.
Continue reading “What is the Nature of Consciousness? by David Almeida”
