14.9 C
Byron Shire
April 24, 2024

Editorial: Messiah of the week

Latest News

Sweet and sour doughnuts

Victoria Cosford ‘It’s probably a good thing I don’t have a sweet tooth,’ says Megan. I’ve called in at the pop-up...

Other News

It’s MardiGrass!

This year is Nimbins 32nd annual MardiGrass and you’d reckon by now ‘weed’ be left alone. The same helicopter raids, the disgusting, and completely unfair, saliva testing of drivers, and we’re still not allowed to grow our own plants. We can all access legal buds via a doctor, most of it imported from Canada, but we can’t grow our own. There’s something very wrong there.

Press release vs Save Wallum views

The Echo editor (page 1, 10 April) might need to consider the role of a journalist – particularly that...

Editorial – What are the people doing in your neighbourhood?

If you are stuck for something to do this Thursday, why not take part in local democracy?

A grim commemoration

US President Jo Biden, responding to a question, made the comment that the US is considering the dropping of...

Connecting people, rivers, and the night sky in Kyogle

The youth of Kyogle were asked what their number one priority was and they said it was ‘is looking after the health of the river and they want to be involved in healing it’.

Having fun in the Playground

Playground is a well-established event that will go off at Coorabell Hall on Saturday. For over two years, three long-term local DJ’s – Pob, Curly Si and Halo – have been curating this rhythmic happening. Their pedigree is assured and they guarantee the best underground electronic music and a loyal crew that bring a big-hearted vibe. On Saturday they’ll be bringing the dance to the hills.

It would be safe to say philosopher Alan Watts would not have liked to be thought of as a messiah, and that is a good thing.

Hans Lovejoy, editor

Messiahs! They are everywhere, especially in Byron Shire.

You know the messianic type – they yearn to be followed and admired for their wise words and good deeds.

Some are religious or political, while others have built up a cult following based around spirituality (for example).

And then there are many who are just small fry with only a few followers.

Fun fact – the name messiah comes from the Hebrew word Mashiach, which means anointed one, which could be a priest or king or both.

It’s always impressive to see how one person can manipulate others with their Jedi-like hypnotism and charm.

The yearning to follow is perhaps a natural state of being for most humans, given that society appears to be made up of around 15 per cent of critical independent thinkers and 85 per cent who aren’t (you are a critical independent thinker btw, that’s why you live here).

Yet it’s easy to be misguided and misled by messiahs – not all have a desire to impart wisdom to raise the collective frequency. A good example is that some curanderos, or native traditional native healers, are compromised. Or just plain fake.

It’s a big, wide world out there, and it’s important to know where to get quality psychic protection from.

As critical independent thinkers know, the messiahs who need an audience should be treated with suspicion or ignored.

Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895–1986) reputedly hated the attention. A gem of his wisdom was, ‘It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society’.

Another philosopher of high repute who didn’t appear interested in fame was Alan Watts (1915–1973).

He is widely credited as the first to bring the knowledge of Eastern religious and philosophy (Chinese, Indian, and Japanese) to a Western audience in the 1960s.

Having dabbled in psychedelics, Watts was malleable and didn’t take life too seriously, which are perhaps two of life’s greatest lessons.

Watts once said, ‘I have realised that the past and future are real illusions, that they exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is.’

So let’s not waste time with the second-rate messiahs – there are enough of the good ones about. Swapping Jordan Peterson for Terrence McKenna would be a good start.

News tips are welcome: [email protected]


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

1 COMMENT

  1. I like to paraphrase that quote of Jiddu Krishamurti, and state that it is no measure of sanity to be well-adjusted to a profoundly insane society.

    I am available for interviews to explain how and why the Earth is flat. In fact, iconic Julian Rocks is my go-to number-one favourite proof for it.

    Simply go to the beach, and see it entirely above the horizon. This is the point where traditionalists will claim the curvature begins, because boats start disappearing bottom-first from this point.

    However, a vanishing-point is merely a limit created by the angular resolution determined by the height of the viewer. Walk up to the light-house to an elevation of just under 100 metres, and see for yourself, that Julian Rocks is surrounded by miles and miles of perfectly flat and level water.

    I will say, however, that I was always of the belief that Messiah translated as Messenger, and Christ or Christos referred to Anointed One. I make my own version of blended essential oils which work brilliantly to keep my skin and hair in excellent condition, is a mild sunscreen, and prevents insect bites of any kind.

    As Jesus once said: the time will come when all men will do as I have done, and much more.

    4 and 8 are the numbers of fate and destiny. If I survive to this year’s Winter Solstice, I’ll be turning 48. Coincidence? Most likely.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Foodie road-trip paradise: Harvest Food Trail

Calling all food and farm enthusiasts, the iconic Harvest Food Trail is happening soon, over four days from May 2-5. It’s your chance to...

Buzz Byron Bay, brewing unforgettable moments with a tuk-tuk twist

In the charming coastal haven of Byron Bay, where laid-back vibes meet bespoke experiences, there’s a new buzz in town – literally. Enter Buzz...

Cape Byron Distillery release world-first macadamia cask whisky

S Haslam The parents of Cape Byron Distillery CEO Eddie Brook established the original macadamia farm that you can see from the distillery at St...

Heart and Song Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra with soprano, Gaynor Morgan

Join us for an enchanting afternoon as Byron Music Society proudly presents ‘Heart and Song.’ Prepare to be immersed in a program meticulously crafted by the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra, showcasing a world premiere composition. Well-known soprano, Gaynor Morgan, will be premiering a setting of poems by Seamus Heaney and Robert Graves, skilfully arranged for soprano, harp, cello and string orchestra by prominent Northern Rivers musician Nicholas Routley.