WHO IS SATAN

Here is the first topic I would like to suggest as the opening of our discussions:

After a brief talk we had today, I could not help but think of the fact that from all God’s creatures big and small, human beings are the only ones that belong to various religions/cults and follow something or someone blindly; yet seem to be the most lost and confused.  All other animals seem to be enjoying a life filled with love, gratitude and faith.

One topic in specific that was quite interesting was “Satan”.  The origin of this word comes from the Hebrew language.  "Satan" in Hebrew means "enemy" and/or "adversary."

Now, the word "Satan" goes back much further than the Hebrew definition. In India there was once a town named "Satana."  "Satnam" and "Sa Ta Na Ma" are sacred mantras used in kundalini meditation. The five primal sounds in Ancient Sanskrit, one of the oldest known languages are "SA-TA-NA-MA." "Sa" means infinity; Ta means life; Na means death; and Ma means rebirth. All variations of the name "SATAN" mean TRUTH in Sanskrit, which is one of the world's oldest and most ancient of languages.

Before I come to what my understanding of Satan is I like to discuss some other points to consider.  The true Bible/Quran/Torah teachings of the Satan are very far removed from the popular idea that the Satan is an immortal monster with a tail and a pitchfork, tempting man to rebel against God. Our religious books teach that the Satan is actually sin/act which manifests itself in individuals and groups.

The idea of a “fallen angel” is an idea which has its roots in paganism and was adopted in to other theologies. The ancient Greeks and Roman pagan religions proclaimed the idea of good and evil Gods who would work together over the souls of men. So who is this created creature that we are so afraid of and try to avoid at all costs?

Most people are brought up with the idea that Satan has a hideous, grotesque appearance.  This is not the case; the Bible tells us Satan is an angel of the highest order, created in perfection in all his ways.  Paul writes that Satan transforms himself into “an angel of light”.   So, if we saw Satan, he might actually be the most beautiful creature we had ever seen.  We are taught that Satan is limited in what he can and cannot do.  His power is limited in scope, however his power is more then we could comprehend in our mortal being.  

Here is where my head is:  whether Satan is just an idea to serve a purpose or really is an angel of higher order; who or what is Satan without God?  Where would it be without God? Would it exist? What is its purpose? Why can’t God – Almighty – get rid of it? Why can’t God make this life, temptation/fear/evil-free? These are the questions that I think we should have asked and gotten a solid answer for when we were 5-6 years old.  Whatever we would find about this entity, would greatly shape the route we take in life.

Satan to me is a creation.  A creation of God.  Just like any other creation, it cannot be or exist without God’s allowance.  It cannot function or choose options other than the ones offered on God’s menu.  The introduction of Satan to this beautiful and perfect environment that God has created would be necessary to allow for the creation of unlimited variety of experiences.  This physical world of ours is based on duality.  Our brains function that way.  For everything, we have an opposite so that we can understand the concept.  Not having Satan is like not knowing what night looks like.  A day without a night is non-functional.  In order for us to understand what is good for us, we also have to understand what is bad for us.  In order to understand happiness, sadness comes in handy once in a while.

To me, I feel as if when God was creating the menu for the restaurant called Earth, he created two menus to pick from. One for meat-lovers and one for vegans.  But both meat-lovers and vegans can actually order from the opposite menu.  Usually when we do this, the next day – because we have gone against what we believe should be – we regret the choice and we say that we made a mistake; hence the word “sin.”  But at times we have those that completely change their lifestyle and live with the opposite menu choices happily ever after.

We, as humans, consider one menu angelic and the next satanic.  God, the ALL, the one that encompasses both menus does not see it our way.  Both menus offer an unlimited number of mixtures and variety and we are free to mix and match and create what we see as pleasing to us.  We are cautioned however not to mess with other people’s food.  

Meaning, if I add beef to a food that a total vegan will be eating and lie about it, I am violating that other being’s choice of menu.  That’s a sin.  Why? Because we can only and only choose our “own” menu without forcing anyone else to choose the same.

Having said all that, the funny part is that choosing to “sin” is also a part of that same menu.  Try to wrap your head around that….LOL

Following the religions and the cults is like joining Jenny Craig™.  She has a certain diet that she has adopted, that works for her and few others and now she would want as many people on it as she can so everything else is preached as “road to hell” and “the way of Satan.” No other regimen and diet will get you what you want but that. No other beliefs will do. Every other thought or consideration is work of Satan.  Close your mind to all else and follow full-heartedly and you shall see results. Do not deviate from the rules and point system. Now there is nothing wrong in following a system like that if you find it easy and satisfying.  But I don’t believe if one chooses a different diet and achieves the desired results that “they” want in their lives, that’s pure Satan in action.  Is it? (BTW- the use of the name Jenny Craig was solely for the purpose of the example, in no way she considers non-followers Satanic…LOL)

My basic arrival from all this is: there is only one source.  There is only one creator and all else is created carrying the capacity of the creator.  We have the option to make any choices we want and one thing that we need to understand is that due to the fact that we are all one, in our chosen paths and actions, we are affecting all and not just ourselves.  So whether you want to blame Satan or not, we are accountable to act conscientiously and sensibly towards our fellow living beings.

Live in Light!

EL