Interests Meme

[avad]

Hmmm...not a bad one. I learned a lot reading the notes to her entry so i'll put it out there as an invite:
taken from boxcarbecca

1. scan my interest list and pick out the one that seems the most odd to you.
2. i'll explain it.
3. then you post this in your journal so other people can ask you about your interests.

Comments

[artisticdork.livejournal.com]

sufism and cyburbia

[avad.livejournal.com]

:) ok, let's start with Sufism,which is often referred to as Islamic MYSTICISM, in great contrast to 'fundamentalism':
"Essentially a Sufi is one who recognizes that an aspect of truth is contained in all the authentic religious traditions. Therefore the various spiritual teachers of humanity are equally respected by one who lives from this belief. Hazrat Inayat Khan envisioned the Sufi as a person who appreciates the beautiful diversity celebrated in the various paths while discerning in them an underlying unity. The Sufi's way of life is to continually seek to recognize the divinity contained in all human beings and the inherent sacred oneness of life.

There are, of course, many who live according to this essential definition of a Sufi, who have never heard of the name but who are a living expression of this spirit. According to Hazrat Inayat Khan, the Sufis have no official date or place of origin, for in essence they represent those mystics who have sought the truth in all ages. However at a certain time in history the name became associated with various orders which developed spiritual disciplines.

The Sufi Order International accents the note of universal spirituality found in the teachings of many of the Sufi masters of the past while seeking to make the teachings and practices of the past relevant to the needs and consciousness of our time. Our universal perspective goes beyond traditional Sufi Order Internationals as exemplified in our inclusion of spiritual practices gleaned from various traditions. Our prayers and Universal Worship service are a new expression of a vision of unity so necessary now as humanity begins to awaken to a planetary consciousness. In sharing a message of love, harmony and beauty, the Sufi Order International hopes to foster a vision of one human family." from risingtideinternational.com (http://www.risingtideinternational.org/sufism.htm)

Both Rumi and Hafiz are Sufi poets and I love their works and find them very inspirational. I also loved the book Awakening by Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1585420387/qid=1106612125/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-2234855-6079155?v=glance&s=books) and if you read the first few pages that are offered in the 'search within this book' section..you might see why. so beautiful. I relate much to the sufi path/philosophy and find it one of the most inclusive.

[avad.livejournal.com]

cyburbia is a term I've heard once or twice and that fits something I'm referring to in much of my artwork...the mimicking of familiar spaces and communities in cyberspace but with greater connectivity and freedoms inherent in the new medium. Issues of density and organization online fascinate me and I can find ENDLESS inspiration in just contemplating this aerial map (http://www.digitalspace.com/avatars/book/chtu/bigal.gif) of the online virtual world 'alphaworld' and it's growth patterns over the years.
Parts of secondlife.com (http://www.secondlife.com) have been built in this way attempting to control and order growth in certain areas to achieve a specific aesthetic...much like suburban planning in real life. Similar concerns come to the fore. Zoning etc. interesting to watch.