Self-Immolation

In ancient Hellenic religion, it was understood that the Gods reside in an eternal state of happiness. This eternal bliss is one of the many unique features distinguishing the Gods from mortal-kind. Thus, happiness should be seen as an integral part of humanity’s service to the divine as the most appropriate attitude one should have when providing the Gods with worship. In this essay, I will argue that, similar to Judaism, happiness is key to receiving the presence of divinity in Hellenic religion, being a vital component of Roman concept of the Pax Deorum. Not only is a happy state of mind seen as something mortals need to maintain a healthy relationship with the Gods, but in line with the reciprocal nature of Hellenic religion often denoted as do ut des, it is something, in turn, gifted to humanity by the divine. I will argue this by addressing two primary points: first, the nature of divine happiness in ancient Graeco-Roman religion. Second, the consequences of how divine happiness influenced spectacle in the Roman world. I will conclude by discussing its implications for contemporary Hellenic religion, and how happiness is an essential value in how we approach the divine in worship. https://hellenicfaith.com/2021/08/09/the-divine-are-happy-appropriate-attitudes-to-worshipping-divinity/

"Unlike the concept of God in some theistic religions, the Dharma-Body is not an all-powerful, interventionist deity remote from its creation; neither does it will the world into existence... The universe is simply a spontaneous disclosure of the boundless that the constitutes the eternal Dharma-Body." John Paraskevopoulos, "Call of the Infinite"

The Vedanta recognises no sin, it only recognises error. And the greatest error, says the Vedanta, is to say that you are weak, that you are a sinner, a miserable creature, and that you have no power and you cannot do this and that. Every time you think in that way, you, as it were, rivet one more link in the chain that binds you down, you add one more layer of hypnotism on to your own soul. Therefore, whosoever thinks he is weak is wrong, whosoever thinks he is impure is wrong, and is throwing a bad thought into the world. This we must always bear in mind that in the Vedanta there is no attempt at reconciling the present life — the hypnotised life, this false life which we have assumed — with the ideal; but this false life must go, and the real life which is always existing must manifest itself, must shine out. No man becomes purer and purer, it is a matter of greater manifestation. The veil drops away, and the native purity of the soul begins to manifest itself. Everything is ours already — infinite purity, freedom, love, and power. Swami Vivekananda

– O corpo, Nāgasena, é querido por vocês, reclusos? – Não, grande rei. – Então, por que vocês o nutrem e esbanjam atenção sobre ele? – Nós o nutrimos e cuidamos dele como você cuidaria de uma ferida, não porque a ferida é querida por você, mas simplesmente para que a carne possa crescer novamente. Por isso, disse o Afortunado: Esse corpo imundo fede completamente Como excremento, como latrina; Esse corpo que os homens que têm entendimento analítico Condenam, é objeto de deleite para o tolo. Um tumor onde habitam nove buracos Enrolado em um casaco de pele pegajosa E escorrendo sujeira por todos os lados, Poluindo o ar com fedor em toda parte. Se por acaso acontecesse Que o que está por dentro saísse Com certeza o homem precisaria de um chicote Para colocar os cachorros e corvos para correr

https://youtu.be/mKyQxI1Q3UU

Willful abortion and hatred of the husband are great sins in women without any expiation. (Garuda Purana 1.105.48)

"And now I am eager to die into the deathless. Into the audience hall by the fathomless abyss where swells up the music of toneless strings I shall take this harp of my life. I shall tune it to the notes of forever, and when it has sobbed out its last utterance, lay down my silent harp at the feet of the silent." ―Rabindranath Tagore

https://youtu.be/lkadzDqkYOo

https://youtu.be/JY8bJQFeL7c

https://www.hellenion.org/rituals-and-practices/garland_drewcampbell/