the feed @ blackchicken

Adam, Eve, and extraterrestrial Elohim

Many of you may be familiar with the Raelian Movement from when they made news in 2002.  A biotechnology company with ties to the Raelians claimed to have cloned the first human baby, a girl named Eve.  Obviously, this created some sensational headlines.

The Raelian Movement was founded in 1974 by Claude Vorillhon who claimed that he had a series of encounters with an extraterrestrial being, named Yahweh, that gave him a mission to bring new information to humanity.  From this encounter, Vorillhon (who subsequently became known as Rael) began writing these messages in a series of books.  Raelism is considered an atheistic, UFO religion.  There is no belief in a god or gods, but rather members believe that humans and life on Earth were created by Elohim, a species of extraterrestrials.  A series of prophets, including Jesus, Buddha, and Mohammed were sent by the Elohim to maintain contact with their creation.

Perhaps most interesting is Rael’s reinterpretation of the Bible.   Popular Biblical images are transformed into narratives that rival the best sci-fi epics.  For instance, the Garden of Eden is transformed into a space laboratory where the Elohim created the first humans.  Noah’s ark is said to have been a space craft to escape a flood caused by a nuclear explosion.  The healing powers of Jesus are recounted as laser beams from a far off space ship.  Mary is said to have been artificially inseminated by Yahweh, so too was Rael’s mother (making him and Jesus half-brothers).  Jesus’ resurrection was from cloning of a single cell from his corpse.  The Tower of Babel is depicted as a giant space rocket.  And the list goes on.

If you’re interested in checking out this reinterpretation or the messages Rael received, visit their Web site.  You can download the e-book for free.

There are so many interesting bits of information that I could impart about this particular NRM, but in an effort to keep my post brief, I’ll provide you with some external links in case you happen to be as fascinated as I am about this curious movement.

M. xo

Raelian Official Web site:  http://www.rael.org/ 

Raelian News:  http://raelianews.org/news.php 

Testimonies by ex-Raelians  http://raelian.com/en/

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Guru Nanak’s birthday lighting at Akat Takht near Gurudwara Harmandir Sahib, Punjab

Guru Nanak was the first Sikh Guru, and is considered the founder of the religion.  Sikhs celebrate the anniversary of the births or martyrdoms of the ten Gurus during remembrance days known as Gurpurabs. The festival celebrating Guru Nanak’s birthday falls on the full moon in the month of Kartik.

In preparation for the festivities, Gurdwaras (Sikh places of holy worship) are decorated with lights, flowers, and flags.  Activities usually begin a couple days in advance of the anniversary day.  One important activity is the continuous reading, over two days, of the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book).  This is undertaken by several men and women, each reading for a few hours at a time.  On the day preceding the anniversary, processions are led by five people representing the original Panj Piare or Five Beloved Ones.  Following them are various musicians, singers, and groups displaying martial arts and sword skills.  The actual day of Gurpurab is devoted to early morning hymnal singing, sermons, lectures – many of which are based on the life of the Guru.  Of course, any Sikh celebration wouldn’t be complete without the congregation sharing langar – a free community meal.

The short video below gives a nice glimpse of a Gurpurab procession.  Enjoy!

Happy Gurpurab!

M. xo

Muktsar Nagar Kirtan – Sri Guru Nanak Birthday (3:09 mins):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiWncGX-SZ4

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Diwali Celebrations

Diwali, popularly known as the “Festival of Lights” is an important festival in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism.  All three traditions share this sacred day, however, the significance and meaning of the day differs.  I think many of you will also note some striking similarities around the spiritual metaphors between this revered Eastern holiday with one of similar reverence in the West.

For Hindus, Diwali is similar to Christmas for Christians.  It is the most important holiday and is celebrated with colourful displays of light.  It is also a time to rejoice with family and friends.  Central to Hindu philosophy is an awareness of the inner light (Atman) and the light of higher knowledge (Brahman).  In essence, Diwali celebrates triumph of good over evil or light (knowledge) over dark (ignorance).  For several days Hindus may celebrate Diwali with various traditions including fireworks, worship, colourful sand and light displays, the sharing of sweets, cleaning out of homes/businesses, gambling, the purchasing of new clothes, and the exchanging of gifts.

Jains mark Diwali as their New Year’s Eve.  Similar to Hindu belief, Jains believe in an inner light or awareness.  They celebrate in remembrance of the day in 527 BCE that Lord Mahavir, an Indian sage believed to have established the central tenets of Jainism, reached Nirvana.  Jains also incorporate light into their celebrations, particularly as a reminder of the absence of the light of Lord Mahavir.

Similarly, Sikhs mark Diwali as a day of remembrance.  It is considered the day in 1619 when the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from prison along with 52 Hindu kings, whom he had a part in freeing.  He became known as “Bandi Chhor” (deliverer from prison).  Upon the Guru’s return, the Golden Temple was lit with hundreds of lamps in celebration.  Every year since, Sikh commemorate Diwali to pay homage to the Guru and religious freedom.

Diwali is an extremely important holiday and as such I can’t do it justice in this short blog post.  National Geographic has a fantastic, three minute clip that highlights some Diwali celebrations.  Check it out!

M. xo

Diwali – Festival of Lights