--- In ammachi_free_speech_zone (AT) yahoogroups (DOT) com, friend... wrote:
>...
> I am interested in separating myth from fact,
> which, granted, is hard to do if you don't subscribe
> to an ordinary view of the world.
> ...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

namaste dear friend,

it is not only hard to do; it is IMPOSSIBLE to do !

my two cents understanding of Amma's teachings is :
that my world( facts, myths and all ) is simply a projection of my
mind; your world is simply a projection of your mind; etc; etc

if your world is not working for you; then change it from within; why
waste time trying to do the impossible( separating fact from myth )?
Your mind created both.

Basically, my two cents is that "we believe what we want to believe"
and it really does not matter if it's myth or fact that we choose to
believe in , since there is no way of knowing anyway and these
beliefs are also temporary anyway.

SO, IT REALLY DOES NOT MATTER IF IT'S MYTH OR FACT THAT WE CHOOSE TO
BELIEVE IN, imho

What does matter very, very much is ~

how does our belief help us with our ATTITUDE toward others and god?

how does our belief help us treat others with respect, love and
kindness?

how does our belief help us remain humble and innocent like a child?

how does our belief help us awaken to our true nature?

It is said that at the moment of awakening, all our beliefs/thoughts
are surrendered. So, knowing all our beliefs are temporary( not
absolute ) anyway, we should choose our beliefs according to
functionality in our moment to moment life.

As long as we have thoughts, it helps to manage them and keep them
out of mischief by focusing on basic spiritual principles; Amma's
aphorisms are my favorite.

Also remember Amma's warning not to take even the words in scriptures
too seriously.

Especially important to avoid fixating( for or against ) on beliefs
which do not work for us; or perhaps we have outgrown them; these can
become our greatest obstacles to our true nature. Amma offers us so
many options.

To mistake RELATIVE beliefs for the ABSOLUTE truth is the one basic
error creating a cloud of ignorance obstructing the sun of our true
nature

So, use beliefs wisely, lovingly and functionally ~ to inspire others
and yourself ~ to make others happy not sad.

But never forget to seek refuge in the SILENCE and STILLNESS of the
HEART the source of all wisdom, love and kindness

title of new book "Heart is Thy Name, Oh Lord" ~ Ramana

Amma is my HEART.

I choose to believe in what I see Amma doing and saying because it
works for me; it reminds me of my most profound experiences of the
TRUTH OF LOVE and the FALSNESS OF EGO.

Choose what works for you.

"One way for all is dangerous." ~ Amma

Amma's Blessings,
amarnath