The mendicant lifestyle

[Jhanananda]

The mendicant lifestyle, historically, is how many mystics survived in a culture that is typically hostile to mystics, such as western civilization is today.  Siddhartha Gautama called himself a 'samana,' which means 'mendicant,' and his lifestyle was wandering from place to place, teaching the contemplative life as he understood it, which led him to enlightenment as a mystic.

Since Abraham lived in the wilderness as a sheep herder there are definite mendicant qualities to his lifestyle; however, he was married and had children.  However, if he was a genuine enlightened mystic, then, by definition, he must have led a rigorous, self-aware, disciplined, contemplative lifestyle.

Moses lived in the wilderness as a sheep herder for 40 years, which propelled him into spiritual enlightenment.  The description of his lifestyle sounds like a mendicant lifestyle.  If he was a genuine enlightened mystic, then, by definition, he must have led a rigorous, self-aware, disciplined, contemplative life.

According to the Gospels the lifestyle of Jesus and John the Baptist sounds like a mendicant lifestyle, or what was called 'Nazarite' in the Bible. If they were genuine enlightened mystics, then, by definition, they must have led a rigorous, self-aware, disciplined, contemplative life.

My lifestyle choice of poverty, homelessness, and service to the community of rigorous, self-aware, disciplined, contemplatives is in many ways a mendicant lifestyle; and the persecution that I experience on a daily basis drives me into the wilderness, but my meditations drive me back to civilization to rescue anyone who is inclined to lead a rigorous, self-aware, disciplined, contemplative life.

The inspiring story (below), which I found on Nick's wall on FaceBook, reminds me in some ways of the mendicant lifestyle, and the lengths that people feel they have to go to follow their religious convictions.  However, the way I have been treated by this culture only proves that rigorous, self-aware, disciplined, contemplatives and mystics are as much persecuted today as they have ever been; and history shows mystics have been persecuted throughout history.
For 40 Years, This Russian Family Was Cut Off From All Human Contact, Unaware of World War II

[Cybermonk]

Aloha to ya Jeffrey,

Fascinating story! Thanks for the link. When I lived in Juneau, Alaska, once
in a while a true mountain man would be driven from the wilds, usually looking
for medicine.

I would meet these folk usually down at the boat docks, where I lived. They
were a study in self reliance lifestyles. Most of them were single, believing that
any family was a liability. Most loved to talk stories until you burned out. They
were usually slightly paranoid of civilization. Most believed if you had to have any
type of license, or identification, then they were too close to society and
would move deeper into the wild. They, like the Russians in Siberia, were
usually very staunch in character and correctly ascertained that they would
lose in a confrontation with the powers that be, so wisely retreated to sustain
their beliefs and lifestyles.

Is there a happy medium for beings who have these characteristics? I believe
there is. Someone who has come close to this is you, Jeffrey.
Fortunately... the resources available to you, have made possible a chance to
blend the many realities you come in contact with, which is to the
definite advantage of beings like myself, who are utilizing what you've
discovered. Again....thanks for what you do Jeffrey. I, for one, appreciate it.

Yes... I enjoyed the link to the Russian story. Today we are, as usual, faced with
the robber barons basic desire to rule the world. Corporate poisoning of the
world for greed, is in our food supply, ie monsanto's poison works.
The "banksters",
ie, money changers of old, want the earth for themselves and their slaves
who blindly worship them. All the four horsemen, war, death, pestilence and
famine, continue to ride and have been riding since existence began. Humans
just noticed them only recently in time.
So... we keep heirloom seeds stored, weapons sharp and clean, basic tools,
clothing, shelters, manuals, on hand, just in case mother nature, mankind or
some unforeseen thing storms in on us. We've given thought to our retreat
and/or our community solidarity. No... we're not survivalist, more like realist.
Later,
Kimo       

[Jhanananda]

Thanks, Kimo, yes I run into fellow "mountain men" a lot.  When I lived in the Inyo I met them at the only internet cafe in town.  It was a local mom & pop shop where all of the locals would check in.  I went there weekly to post to my forums. 

In Prescott I meet "mountain men" as well.  Most of them are prospectors, and for them prospecting is just an excuse to spend as much time as far from everyone else as they can get.  Most of them drive trucks, and you know them by the pile of junk they carry lashed to every side of the vehicle and there is always a shovel.

Most of us "mountain men" come to town once a week for groceries. I have been stuck in these small Norther AZ towns for 3 years trying to get my free-fuel gig going so I can spend more time away from civilization.

The story of the family who had not been to town in 40 years is very unusual.  I thought about them yesterday, and the fact that the lone survivor was a women in her 70s and she wanted to stay where she was.  I think for her she may have blamed contact with the outside world for the death of her family who died shortly after contact.  And, at 70 she had no interest in civilization, she knew she would be dead soon, and dying in her home near her dead family was surely on her mind.

For me, I have absolutely no interest in becoming decrepit and dependent upon civilization to squeeze out a few more hours on this hell-plane. So, do not be surprised if I am eaten by a large predator one day. I would rather feed the natural predators, than feed the civilized ones, because the civilized predators are far too successful.

[Jhanananda]

I was just reflecting upon the Family in the Taiga, and recalled a movie I saw almost 20 years ago, Nell.  I found the movie excellent and inspiring for my recluse existence, and somewhat reminiscent of the Taiga family.

Nell
Film
Nell is a 1994 drama film starring Jodie Foster as a young woman who has to face other people for the first time after being raised by her mother in an isolated cabin. Wikipedia
Release date: December 14, 1994 (initial release)
Director: Michael Apted
Language: English
Screenplay: Mark Handley, William Nicholson
Awards: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, People's Choice Award for Favorite Actress in a Dramatic Motion Picture

[Cybermonk]

Hi,
Ok.... when the time comes, we'll miss ya. Some cliff climbers I met, say a
fall from a great height, accent on great, was the way to go. They also
insisted the ground one lands on is hard rock. No chance of being saved as a
vegetable, so hospitals can get state funds.

They also mentioned that the one's they knew who survived the fall, due to poor
planning, experienced an OBE state 3/4th the way down, then splat.
Also a blue light surrounded them. Odd, but hey, its their story to spin.

Hopefully... your ebook venture will put enough money in your pocket,
you'll be plagued with philanthropic opportunity's. Thanks for the movie tip.
So it goes,
Kimo

[Cybermonk]

Hi Jeffrey,

Malia, my wife, mentioned that drinking quinine water will instantly
help leg cramps. Perhaps you've already tried it... if not, chug a lug.
Later,
Kimo

[Jhanananda]

Thanks, Kimo, no I have not drunk quinine water since I lived in the tropics decades ago.  I will pick up a bottle today and try it for my joint pain.  Thanks.

[violet]

I was just reflecting upon the Family in the Taiga

Here is a short documentary about it : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt2AYafET68

She starts her day with prayers and we start our day with coffee.

[Jhanananda]

Well, I start my day with meditation, but modern people tend to not know better.  Thank-you, Violet, I very much enjoyed watching the movie you provided the link for.  I hope others share such movie links.