Arishta (omens)

[Alexander]

Little things, at certain times, can have an extra meaning or weight to them. They can appear to be commenting on a situation you're experiencing; or they can appear to be warning you, or affirming you about something. An event like two dragonflies passing in front of you, or a ladybug crossing your path at the right moment, can have added meaning if you know how to interpret it. Since everything flows from everything else, that there are omens for us to see in the world isn't outlandish.

[Jhanananda]

This is a good point, aglorincz.  I found when I started working on mindfulness in every moment, while keeping the mind still, and being present in the moment, and maintaining a daily practice of meditation, I started noticing the kind of insight, or 'omens' as you are calling them.  You are right.  Sometime just a gust of wind would tell me something significant. Or, when reading a translated religious document, I notice something that was incorrectly translated, which I would would not have, if I had not developed insight. I also just notice more detail in life. 

I recall walking across a parking lot with a friend a few years ago on our way to see displays of gems at the gem and mineral show in Tucson.  We were walking and talking, and I noticed a small, and rather plain looking bird flew down in front of us and picked up something, it hesitated then flew off. 

It was not a sparrow, as I suspected at first, but a very small raptor, which had swooped down in front of us to snatch up a lizard, but it missed, and had to clumsily stop and grab the creature with one of its talons before flying off.  It was just in front of us by a few feet. If I had not been well practiced in mindful self-awareness, then it would have just been a sparrow getting a seed.

So, mindful, self-awareness, plus deep meditation to stilling the mind, produces insight (vipassana), and a more rich view upon life.

[Jhanon]

I, too, have noticed many omens. What has happened more often and more recently, however, is that whenever I ask for something related to the practice, it happens. Maybe I will ask for direction, like I did (and got) the night I finally found the GWV. I have a difficult time knowing if there is any actual connection between my asking and receiving, although there are sufficient coincidences for me to note the possibility here. "Ask and ye shall receive."

I'm not claiming anything, but it does almost seem that there is some kind of benevolence (karma?) which it seems possible to be responding to these requests. As far as I can remember, the more I developed the N8P, the more often they have been fulfilled. I am just briefly throwing down my observations and wondering if anyone else has experienced things like this?

[Sam Lim]

Yes, omens or signs are everywhere for one to see. Just like the death of my god-son. I knew but I ignored it and his whole family dies of suicide. Sad thing.

[Jhanananda]

I, too, have noticed many omens. What has happened more often and more recently, however, is that whenever I ask for something related to the practice, it happens. Maybe I will ask for direction, like I did (and got) the night I finally found the GWV. I have a difficult time knowing if there is any actual connection between my asking and receiving, although there are sufficient coincidences for me to note the possibility here. "Ask and ye shall receive."

I'm not claiming anything, but it does almost seem that there is some kind of benevolence (karma?) which it seems possible to be responding to these requests. As far as I can remember, the more I developed the N8P, the more often they have been fulfilled. I am just briefly throwing down my observations and wondering if anyone else has experienced things like this?

I have been following "Ask and ye shall receive." as a central premise for a long time.  It has paid off in abstract ways, like finding fellow mystics to dialog with, or wisdom, but wealth, or just basic material survival needs, other than where to find the basics, it does not seem to work with.

[Jhanon]

I, too, have noticed many omens. What has happened more often and more recently, however, is that whenever I ask for something related to the practice, it happens. Maybe I will ask for direction, like I did (and got) the night I finally found the GWV. I have a difficult time knowing if there is any actual connection between my asking and receiving, although there are sufficient coincidences for me to note the possibility here. "Ask and ye shall receive."

I'm not claiming anything, but it does almost seem that there is some kind of benevolence (karma?) which it seems possible to be responding to these requests. As far as I can remember, the more I developed the N8P, the more often they have been fulfilled. I am just briefly throwing down my observations and wondering if anyone else has experienced things like this?

I have been following "Ask and ye shall receive." as a central premise for a long time.  It has paid off in abstract ways, like finding fellow mystics to dialog with, or wisdom, but wealth, or just basic material survival needs, other than where to find the basics, it does not seem to work with.

Wow, this makes so much sense. I am shocked by your response Jhananda (and you, gandarloda). Why would the benevolence of the cosmos(?) grant something that is to the detriment of all involved? But it would certainly grant assistance in pursuing the blameless freedom from suffering which could be taught to others?

I look back, and it almost seems like I hit every snag I could until I finally realized what I had to do, and began practicing. From that point forward, things have mostly fallen together (unless I had a lesson to learn.) This is a somewhat comforting feeling to know there are likely some extra 'benefits' to being a genuine mystic. Of course there is no sense in clamping down on how/if it works, but I am certainly employing it when it seems appropriate.

Yes, omens or signs are everywhere for one to see. Just like the death of my god-son. I knew but I ignored it and his whole family dies of suicide. Sad thing.

I almost feel like I should ask you to provide more details. This is a shocking post. I've never heard of a whole family committing suicide (because?) of the death of a sibling. And you say you knew it was going to happen? It's up to you if you want to add more. But I agree that is a sad thing.

[Sam Lim]

Quote from: gandarloda on December 21, 2013, 06:01:49 AM

"    Yes, omens or signs are everywhere for one to see. Just like the death of my god-son. I knew but I ignored it and his whole family dies of suicide. Sad thing."


"I almost feel like I should ask you to provide more details. This is a shocking post. I've never heard of a whole family committing suicide (because?) of the death of a sibling. And you say you knew it was going to happen? It's up to you if you want to add more. But I agree that is a sad thing."


I would say it is an insight. I just know that somebody is going to die but can't pinpoint who exactly that is. Also he exihibited some strange behaviour 1 month before he died. He would call me up and said he loves me very much and I noticed that his emotion was so filled up with that love. A sort of regret. Two days after my last call to him. The whole family commited suicide and murder. The girl was only 2 or 3 years old. Only the son is left now. Cheers

Note : He lives in India and I am in Singapore.

[Jhanananda]

I have often thought of this situation that you described, Sam.  Was this person a contemplative?  If so, did he meditate with any depth?

[Sam Lim]

I would say he meditate on and off but he did reach OBE or out of body experience which indicate that he has reached the 5th Jhana to a certain extent.

[Jhanananda]

I am sorry to hear of this tragedy.  It sounds like he was in the midst of a spiritual crisis.  It is a difficult time for anyone.