It's been a while...

since I took time out to write down some thoughts that don't pertain to novel #2. I haven't settled on a title yet, for now I'm calling it Dirty Deeds. It will probably change at some point, but DD will work for now. But that's not the point.

The fact of the matter is, I haven't been writing much at all for the last couple of weeks. I've worked on some revision, but I haven't written any new material. I need to get back to it. I've been productive in other ways the last couple of weekends I've painted some interior walls here in the hacienda, and I've been reading and doing some research also, but I haven't been creating. I reached a point in the story where some significant events are about to happen and I'm not exactly sure how I want to play it out, so that kind of slowed me down, and then I started this painting project, so... blah blah blah. Get back to it.

I've been doing some research on different religions. Actually, just one so far. I bought the book The World's Religions by Huston Smith. I'm on the first chapter, which is Hinduism. Pretty interesting stuff, actually. I was kind of surprised to find that I share quite a few beliefs with the Hindu.

I guess I should provide some background to put it in context. I was raised as a Christian, not real strict, we went to church on Sunday when I was young, up until about age 10 I guess, and then it tapered off. But I always believed in God and Jesus and the Bible, though I'd never read much of the Bible until I was out of college. Never could make it through the Old Testament, but I've read the New Testament a couple of times. I can't quote any scripture and I don't know who said what, but I like Ecclisiastes. I believe in much of what is contained in the Bible. And if for some reason I'm unable to complete this thought, it's because I got struck by lightning, but I think some of what is commonly preached in Christianity is bullshit. I don't think the only way I get into Heaven is by accepting Jesus Christ as my saviour. I believe that living a life according to what Jesus preached will get me into Heaven, but I can pick up pretty much the same lifestyle from most of the other major religions, probably some Pagan beliefs as well. Anyway, this isn't a rant on Christianity, but Christianity is the basis of my beliefs on the soul or sprit or whatever you want to call it. So now I'm learning what the rest of the world believes about the concept of the spirit and the purpose of life.

I like what the Hindus believe about karma. I like the concept of karma, always have. I like the idea of cumulative karma, too, because I'm also open to the idea of reincarnation. I don't think Heaven is a place that you go to, I think it is more of a progression of the spirit into something better than where I am now. Hell is a regression into misery. At least, that's what seems intuitive to me, and it fits with my desire for the existence of a spiritual justice system.

I haven't gotten all the way through the Hindu chapter in this book, but I'm dialed in to most of what I've read so far. Buddism is next up. This book has chapters on pretty much all the major religions and some less known ones as well.

Anyway, I guess I've rambled enough for now. Peace and good karma to the ones who earn it...