One of my own little rituals is when Im doing something other then reading a book (unless its a textbook) I have to have the tv on in the background or I cannot focus. When I clean I must have music or I get distracted. And if Im watching tv, I must be doing some craft or drawing, something with my hands or I cant get into the show. I guess I just always have to be doing something lol.

(lately it's been for funerals or weddings) I'm instantly

comforted by the ritual involved with it, from reciting

the prayers to communion, the whole thing.

I always leave feeling wonderful inside and

wanting to start going back to church again.

But it always dissipates after leaving the

church, and i never do go back.

I once discussed the importance of ritual and spirituality (because ritual is cross-religious) on an academic panel and the one argument which did made sense to me was from the psychologist; people not only use their brains while worshipping but also their senses. Many religions use incense, oils, water, candles, robes, songs, etc. These trigger primal reactions from the practioners and can "set the stage" for deeper spiritual awareness. Joseph Campbell also championed this idea as a explanation why rituals still exist today but will also continue to be used in the future.

I argued ritual is necessary because we in our societal mentalite, yearn to identify with our ancestors and validate the history of our society through the continuation of the original rituals. Christmas and Thanksgiving are extensions of societal rituals.

It does give me comfort, I was raised catholic but don't practice all their dogma. (dogma may have been a bit harsh).

I require nothing further but repetition.

Hi Crouty,

I agree the Dibbuk Box is pure ritual - the Ark helps me have peace with it in my ownership.

But for serious ritual go to this link and read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S.....r_ha-Razim

Then go online and buy a copy of the Sefer Ha-Razim. Complicated but effective rituals for everything!

Jason

Hi! Jason

I'll check it out. And, let you know what I think. As, others know I read too many books at one time. Bad habit before I go to sleep.

The spiritual end of the conversation is here.

This is very interesting for me at least.

Thanks!

I can only hope I can live that long.

Are you kidding me, lol! I'm not close to that age. And I have all 4's on the floor, dragging myself here and there! /laugh.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':unsure:' />

You sound so much let my aunt that passed away last year at age 95. She was so way ahead of her time. She use to read Fate magazine. She read things about the Indians calling for the Great Spirit. So, she use to do her prayers. And, to the Great Spirit too! I miss her.

I can only hope I can live that long.

As for the Dibbuk Box? I still believe it to be a religious article. And, I always have to see the side of the religious beliefs of the original owners to understand what it is? Like I said in the other thread. The box could have been used for something else later on by the owner. As for an ark? I think that's really a stretch. Then we have to understand about demons (or Shedim). That's another ball game.

Hi Crouty,

I agree the Dibbuk Box is pure ritual - the Ark helps me have peace with it in my ownership.

But for serious ritual go to this link and read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S.....r_ha-Razim

Then go online and buy a copy of the Sefer Ha-Razim. Complicated but effective rituals for everything!

Jason

It's the closest thing to describe what I am. It may be off, Google helped me find the definition. Basically I believe in God but I don't believe in any particular religion. I believe that most of the religions have some true parts but none of them have it all correct yet.

You sound so much let my aunt that passed away last year at age 95. She was so way ahead of her time. She use to read Fate magazine. She read things about the Indians calling for the Great Spirit. So, she use to do her prayers. And, to the Great Spirit too! I miss her.