1. Place of Bliss A Mythic Journey with Joseph Campbell

2. Paradise Where is paradise? Christian view In accord with nature? Eastern religion: Going beyond ego, and opposites

3. Hinduism The mythology that fits science is Hinduism The universe is energy; gods its personalization, and matter its concretization Expanding the notion of time diminishes our notion of the importance of the present moment, and see it as just a flash on the water of eternity. Forest Books: You are It. Disengage from the vortex of birth and death, and engage in meditation to achieve Nirvanic harmony.

4. Buddhism Order of Elders(Theravada): Renounce the world and step into the ferryboat of monkhood to the Other Shore. Great Vehicle (Mahayana): 1st century in Northwest India. An analogy: one way ferry to Berkeley from SF; we identify with things that come and go, when we are illusions of consciousness The culmination of consciousness is in accord with the (serpent) power of universe.

5. Buddhism (2) The Buddha taught the 'way'(yana) to transcend duality. Why mythology? How else do you speak of the transcendent? Is wonder best expressed in mystical terms?

6. Death & Resurrection Death of animal instincts & birth of spiritual rapture. Reincarnation

7. A sacred place is where eternity shines through time. The net of Indra: we are all gems in the great net. All the characters in the dream has their own dream.

8. Pure Land of Infinite Radiance Vow: I'll not accept illumination myself, unless I can bring illumination to all beings. If a person in pure land is not yet illuminated, the lotus will be closed. Surrounded by the sound 'all is impermanent, not self' The Goddess of Compassion willingly comes back and joyfully participate in the sorrows of the world.

9. Destiny Are you master of your own life, or victim of destiny? Joyful participation in the sorrows of the world. Spiritual rapture every step of the way. Your being is what it should be.