Ramana Maharshi said that deities are as real as you and me.

If I remember rightly Mantak Chia mentions this and says something about standing on you tippy toes while peeing. And another author suggests clenching your teeth to prevent aggravating vata.

Either way, I think this fellow would do well to drink it.

Quite troubling considering I believe in reincarnation. My understanding is that humans can definitely be reborn as animals.

Also, I saw an advertisement for condoms that said "not tested on animals".

I have basil plant growing in my kitchen. When I pull some of its leaves off to eat I feel that I am inflicting suffering upon it and I feel bad about that. The Secret Life of Plants made me aware of this, so I know it is not just in my head. What is the solution?

Good comment. I had some reservations about it too until I heard a Muslim on the radio who was involved in the project. I realised that he was a regular ordinary American and that my view of Islam was too narrow. Why should a regular born-and-raised American be chased out of town because of the actions of a few terrorists from Saudi Arabia? That's not right. There's a lot of bigotry towards Islam and it reminds me of what happened to the Jews in Europe in the 1930s and 40s. Obama is right to stick to the constitution.

Lasara Allen, the author of the post The Lost Art of Masculinity, said in the comments:

"Although I found my path to healing by stepping ...into most likely the most gender-polarized culture on the planet - Islam - and learning what it meant to be taken care of by a man. he taste of it left me with recognition of a deep yearning to have that in my life."

I thought this was a fascinating comment about lost femininity.

PS Very good reading, Candice.

I read your work and attempt to engage with you about it, but instead you brush me off in a pugnacious and condescending way. That says a lot about your masculinity.

>First, I want to say that I’m really happy this page feels like a safe enough space in which to have this debate. Other places I’ve been, it would quickly devolve into name-calling and nastiness. I’m glad I associate with people who have cooth.

Yes, these comments reflect very well on you Lasara.

Just a friendly tip - I read a lot and enjoy this topic, but found your site and writing style difficult to read. Perhaps an editor would help in getting your message to an interested audience.

This experience with Islam sounds fascinating, Lasara. Have you written about it somewhere?