Friday, December 27, 2013

Civil Rights Concept: "Indigenous Cultures Sports Team Negiotated Settlement"

Hello All,

With this season of gift giving practically behind us now as we're enjoying the vestiges of our abundance. The role of my blog site "Atrayo's Oracle" is to utilize my internal calling to alleviate suffering, be of practical service, and to bring joy to all. The role of my calling is that of an "Oracle Imagineer" combining my intuitive spiritual gifts with futuristic imaginative innovations as potential solutions to society. That has been the case since 2005 when this blog site launched followed by two self-published books in the spiritual wisdom tradition.

The reason why I make such a declaration is two-fold. One, we are all obligated to attempt to pursue our dreams by means of our internal calling from all we hold of a pure heart. Two, to admire the good in the world no matter how quaint to how sublime it may appear. Gratitude works both ways for the giver and the receiver and I am truly humbled by my soulful gifts.

Today's concept is about the recent dilemma Native American's as indigenous cultures in our great land. Are troubled by the alleged racism of collegiate to professional sports leagues using their likeness at their expense. My personal opinion is I see nothing offensive since whatever the sport in America. Depictions of Native Americans be it in Football for instance as the Washington "Red Skins". Is a display of the nobility and fighting spirit of a very proud people. You can call me naive and up to a point you may be right. However the "National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)" (Link) considers this plain racial mistreatment of Indigenous cultures. By sports teams be they football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, soccer, etc.. Their request if not veiled demand is that such sports franchises change their team names to appease a greater sensibility. Although to do so wipes out in many ways the rich cultural heritage of these sports teams to a degree.

Back in June of 2012 the "University of North Dakota" changed their athletic program name. From "North Dakota Fighting Sioux" to the "University of North Dakota Athletic Program" due to the offense American Indians took to heart.

My concept comes down the middle giving merit to America's Indigenous Tribes and for the Sports Leagues themselves to a limited degree. For I do not have a dog in this race at all so I attempt to be impartial. Below is what follows as my concept to benefit both the Native Americans in economic investments to their future generations in education. Including infrastructure investments and cultural enrichment overall for the Indians and the ordinary American. The sports leagues would be best suited to attend a negotiated settlement out of self-interest in the least. For the Native Americans could easily go for a Legal Class Action Lawsuit Status as a consequence of not negotiating for a Grand Bargain.

Now to understand all sports leagues be they University to full Professional sports franchises have profited using Native American names, likeness, logos, and mascots. Consider the decades of such ill tolerated perceptions by Native Americans or in Canada's case "First Nations Culture". Where these sports leagues benefited in: stadium construction; athlete / coach, misc staff salaries; merchandising licensing deals; sponsorships; stadium ticket sales; etc... For those leagues using Native American Influences in promoting their sport teams overall for decades in many instances. Such profits goes northward beyond the millions of dollars historically to potentially billions of U.S. dollars.

My abstract concept would break down those sports teams in the past and present with Native Cultural namesakes. In the past sports teams like the "North Dakota University" that bite the bullet and changed their athletic department name. They won't necessarily get off the hook as a retrospective consequence. Besides those sports teams to date continuing their long standing traditions with Indigenous cultural namesakes and representations. So those of the Past would be lumped into one camp and those of the Present into another consolidated camp at the negotiating table.

Next this is what I propose understanding Institutions in America of highest learning. Such as Universities are constantly attempting to stretch their overall capital dollars as a means of internal growth. That those of the Past University campuses that changed their Native American namesake. Provide partial scholarships and in campus employment opportunities to Indigenous students within their region of the country. Those University campuses such as the "Florida State University Seminoles" that continue to use Tribal names and representations. To provide prospective Indigenous students full paid scholarships and on campus employment opportunities.

For the Professional Sports Leagues the picture is slightly different instead of paying out directly in a settlement worth whatever amount. That they provide Block Grants directly to the tribal partners by the stipulated regions such as those 12 sectors used by the "Bureau of Indian Affairs" (Link). Which is the Federal government department of the Interior of the country since 1824. Using such a national grid map of sorts for those past or present sport league teams utilized or are utilizing a Tribal namesake and representation. These block grants are to be used by each of the 12 regions to develop and maintain reservation infrastructure. Such as housing stock, water / sewer, electrical power grid, roadways, tribal governmental buildings, schools, etc.... Also the block grants can promote cultural enrichment programs of learning within the reservations.

Now you must be thinking why don't the affected sports teams just drop their Indigenous cultural identities and be done with it. Well they could, but I hope the National tribes holds their feet to the fire for their past usage of such cultural likeness. Which obligates them nonetheless at the negotiating table to come at a truce. So those sport teams instead of ripping out their own sports legacy in terms of history by changing their identity. Can enter into the Present camp and for as long as they use the namesake and representation of Native Americans. They get the blessing of their regional tribes to continue as they were whilst providing an economic investment boon to the tribes in perpetuity.

Also, those University campuses and Professional Sports Teams that are given the blessing to continue such a Native likeness. Will offer additional benefits versus those of the Past camp of a negotiated settlement. For instance before the start of every game after the National Anthem is sung. A tribal elder or shaman is invited to give a blessing to the game for all to hear. Be it in English or in their own Indigenous language so as to bless the home team and the fans in general. At the team owners expense offer free standard stadium seating with beverage (non-alcoholic) / meal vouchers to the local regional tribes to attend. Including providing a free shuttle service from tribal lands to and from the stadium. Discounted prices can be offered for higher value seating as well in the stadium for those Indians willing to purchase them. That during half-time Native American's of a particular regional tribe are invited to perform native dances and ceremonies for the stadium fans. As an employment opportunity for tribal members not unlike those utilized in the tourist hospitality industry. This can be included in International exhibition games held abroad as well. What this does is shows how very much alive are our combined native cultures in America. Where before they have been often neglected as out of sight and out of mind in predominant standing in America.

However this concept goes one step further which is to give an Up or Down Vote to each of the 12 Tribal Regional areas in America. All the officially recognized and those Indigenous unrecognized tribal people within a region that have been vouched for by their officially recognized brethren. Will be asked to assemble together under a conference to conduct a straight simple majority "Up or Down Vote". For those collegiate campuses and professional sports leagues to whether keep or remove their team franchise namesake, logos, likeness, and mascots. If the tribes within the region asked for it to become removed than the settlement falls under the Past category. If they're allowed with the full blessing of the regional tribes to keep their Native namesake and likeness. Then the sports leagues and their affected sports team owners enter into the Present category or class of agreed to settlement.

If the Native Americans and "First Nations Culture" in Canada feel unjustly treated by particular sports teams. Then please exercise your grievances in a responsible manner that supports your combined people. Since the practice of Black Minstrels in America was put to an end a long time ago. If each of the localized regional Tribal cultures feels so strongly than choose which direction you should go as a negotiated settlement. Don't let easily off the hook those sports teams that obliged your request to change their team names and likeness. Since they did profit from it for decades and your tribes should see a benefit from it as well economically speaking.

Now I wonder what the "Fighting Irish" of "Notre Dame University" would have to think of Ireland and Irish Americans. If such an Indigenous Cultures settlement like the one I describe above did occur?

*List of Indigenous People Sports Team Mascots (Link)

* NY Times Blog Article Washington Redskins Dispute (Link) Dated Oct. 8th, 2013.


Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Jewels of Truth Statement: "On Joy"

Joy:

Each smile you display with true joy and love helps us express remembrance of our true nature. This is Angelic in epic proportions, so each smile awakens God who is within us always. Amen. ---Ivan Pozo-Illas / Atrayo.

"Jewels of Truth: A Soul Odyssey Within", Volume 1 pg. 38


A very special "Happy Holidays" to my dear readers. Thank you for your patronage of enjoying this blog site with your ardent attention. 

Merry Christmas & Feliz Navidad!


Thursday, December 19, 2013

Jewels of Truth Statement: "On The Philosophy of Reality"

Philosophy:

The physics of any given reality, be it the reality all around us or the reality of our souls substance can be viewed as contrary poles of existence. However it is and has always been one reality, albeit layered into several dimensions of creation.

We as humanity can be in denial to the prowess of our souls environment, and still adhere to the macro dynamics of the physics of our world and the stars beyond. This is still a short sighted approach where science creates an artificial conflict with Spirit. There is no separation, it is all one family of understanding. Only in our ego's and immature sense of justice can we say otherwise, and declare it as the ultimate truth to our own disservice. ---Ivan Pozo-Illas / Atrayo.

"Jewels of Truth: The Wayfarer of the Soul", Volume 2 pg. 130-131

Monday, December 16, 2013

Jewels of Truth Statements & Favorite Quotes of the Month

Season Greetings,

I hope now things are getting close to finally settling down for many of you celebrating Christmas, and other associated religious Holidays. Technically there is also only 2 weeks left until the close of this year 2013 as well. About the only holiday after New Year's for Christians is that of Epiphany on January 6th. Which commercial retailer gift giving took hold fiercely of how the three Magi's paid homage to the baby newborn Christ. With gifts and offerings to the babe born within Bethlehem some 2 thousand plus years ago. By the way I hear two days ago the city of Bethlehem in Israel experienced a rare snow storm dropping up to a foot of snow. (cities of Jerusalem and Ramallah too)

Bloomberg: Mideast Storm Dumps Snow on Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah (Link)

Today I'll be sharing my usual trio of "Jewels of Truth" spiritual wisdom statements in the series #1024-1026. On the topics of: God(dess) times x2 and on Heaven. Written originally in mid March to early April 2010.

As always may you enjoy them as this year comes to a close. Where inner reflection of the topics at hand may give you each a moment of poise in order to expand your spiritual horizons. Independent if you agree or disagree with any of the present to past topics.

Namaste. :o)

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God(dess):

1024)  Across Creation in many spoken tongues and cultural to intellectual concepts of God exist or have existed in another point in time. With so many sincere names of God(dess) having come into fruition no matter how confusing they may be to comprehend. The simplest to understand and yet the most powerful to enlist of them all is "Love".

When "Love" is uttered as a sincere and well intentioned word of power. It can conjure up many sacred acts of benevolence into form and being. A deeper layer than most to such a true name of God(dess) is the very consecrated act of "Loving" as itself. As the "Holy of Holies" is stated in deed be it in common or up to extraordinary actions. Than the "Spirit of God(dess)" has been invoked in kind from the mundane to the majestic. No matter the scale of the intent as it has been materialized upon the world. It is good and just by the impact offered which will be made in absolute according to the "Will of God". All things good whether spoken or performed as acts of "Love" by its purest invocation are of God. As such it has been made flesh through humanity and all other creatures both small to large as children of God throughout the cosmos. Amen. ---Ivan Pozo-Illas / Atrayo.


God(dess):

1025)  The highest power in Creation is also the highest Love we call God(dess). Such a supreme and all encompassing power is the source to all life in the universal cosmos and beyond into the realms of Spirit itself. We as humble onlookers of this great majesty can only be in awe with the sheer fortitude to all the diversity mirrored back at us. Be it by fellow living beings or up to environmental landscapes that confront us all by our limited lifetimes on this Earth of ours. Yet as if tourists for a season we pass through these earthly halls with often more sincere questions than having answers for them.

Know this, that the Highest Love in God(dess) will not surrender us to inequity or calamity without our expressed permission. We who are the righteous children of God before birth chose our lives down to the smallest detail. With the aid of our brethren as Angels we shall walk this Earth and the Stars as mortals with faith. Our lives are shining beacons across the skies of the spiritual heavens themselves. We are not forsaken, but truly blessed in the presence of God in our constant midst. Amen. ---Ivan Pozo-Illas / Atrayo.


Heaven:

1026)  As souls we do not age since we are of God in the eternal form and substance of his almighty being. We do continue to grow and learn from the combined lifetimes we are exposed to as a form of grace. Those souls seeking to sojourn back to their source can not travel there alone, but only grow back into heaven.

How does one grow back into heaven you ask?

It is by our intentions and our sacred deeds combined by how deeply we love in moderation through the creative forces of life itself. Without "Love" in our hearts for each other and for all other entities as environmental beings within Creation. We forestall our good from being received on an appropriate basis of grace. Where we succumb to a consciousness that is contrary to all that is wholesome and divine in our lives. Our strength lies in our unity with God and his "Holy Will" for the highest good to be always accomplished.

The glory of God(dess) within us would not require anything less than obedience to what we hold most sacred or of greatest benevolent importance. Otherwise we delay the inevitable bounty of the "Kingdom of God", but delay does not ever mean denied. Cultivate your souls before the eyes of God in order to maintain the steady stream of blessings in your lives. That is how one grows to heaven right now and not after we have departed from this world. Amen. ---Ivan Pozo-Illas / Atrayo.

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Never give out while there is hope; but hope not beyond reason, for that shows more desire than judgment. ---William Penn.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ---Matthew 6:21

For it is not you who speaks, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. ---Matthew 10:20

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Jewels of Truth Statement: "United In Faith, We Change For The Better"

Season Greetings,

I hope many of you are pacing yourselves for your respective religious holidays beyond that of Christianity itself. Taking care of your health, since without the presence to enjoy what's going on. The holiday's become more a chore to please others at your own expense. Sacrifice is good, but not to the degree you nearly burn yourselves to a crisp of the seasonal preparations for your family, friends, and strangers alike. Pinch yourself, inhale the fragrance of the season, gaze at the beauty in mother nature and within humanity. Return back to the basics living in full circle appreciating this moment at least. Now share what is yours alone to give with joy and the gratitude of living right now.

Today's "Jewels of Truth" spiritual wisdom statement dwells into the trinity of Abrahamic Faiths being: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. How remarkably all three mono-theist religions are Reforming in our contemporary age. In history it was either one or the other experiencing a reformation unto itself alone. However all three from what I see is in the full throws of convulsing reinventing itself. To meet some of the needs the worshipers are demanding for change to occur. Each one is undergoing a power struggle from centralized or decentralized seats of authority from the clergy. All of them self-consumed into what ails them the worst. Life is a struggle, but what prevails before us in our current historical epoch coming alive in front of us hasn't been witnessed to this scale.

Only the truly devout be they scholarly theologians and the mystics of this era are seeing the signs from the "Lord God". By the appearances looking from the outside in because of all three faiths are under going reformation. It almost appears like a life and death struggle, each faith in ecstasy and turmoil with itself. Dare I say we are witnessing the transformation of the Phoenix in each of them in our times.

In my view this is a miracle from Moses, Christ, and Mohammad come to bless the faithful. We must take things in stride as they happen each one at a time. Every turn of circumstance we must not lose courage, and especially not panic by losing our combined faiths.

Please enjoy "Jewels of Truth" statement #1572 written this past mid-September of this year.

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Reformation:

1572) All prominent religions go in cycles of change within a society to a full civilization. Expectations change where norms shift with the maturity or lack thereof of all particular worshipers. Theology falls into favor with sporadic mystics pin pointing much needed truths to the established rulers of a faith.

All long lived faiths in both religious and spiritual traditions that constantly break apart and reform under a different banner as holy orders. Are extensions of both the clergy and the worshipers in essence expressed in a specific fundamental form. Or in other words newly minted traditions within an overall faith persuasion become expressed in the Image and Likeness of its worshipers. Each according to their own predominant psyche at the time.

With this understanding in hand today's trinity of Abrahamic Faiths of: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are in a state of flux or reformation. This early 21st century has the remarkable period of history where the Great Monotheist God worshiped in three different manners. Is encountering a rebirth amongst its worshipers. Because of oft neglected changes in our present civilization now only being finally addressed. A Miracle will be wrought in the end, but at what cost?  ---Ivan Pozo-Illas / Atrayo.

Monday, December 09, 2013

Jewels of Truth Statement: "On (Un)conditional Love"

Love:

To love truly one must let go of conditional responses. Not by making demands upon those who you adore. Including what terms you seek to govern them within your viewed measure of what is acceptable. Such forms of conditional love are constricting and often smother out many forms of grace that were in the relationship to begin with entirely. To love truly, is to love unconditionally without dictating. Guidance can be considered a grace, but it only works when it is permitted to be openly received. ---Ivan Pozo-Illas / Atrayo.

"Jewels of Truth: A Soul Odyssey Within", Volume 1 pg. 48

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Jewels of Truth Statement: "Worship Is Where The Heart Is"

Hello All,

Today many of us find ourselves at a cross roads in life. Struggling to make ends meat and often asked to cut corners in order to skirt on by. Many will not notice, which makes it the worse on us who become accustomed to accomplishing things by the wrong manner. Until that awful day our routine forsakes us and we're called to task for what has been prior the most effective outlet to reach our daily bread. We blame the one with authority because of their hypocrisy by making demands on us. That there would be no other way to achieve without short cuts.

Truth to be told, it is our own behavior become habit form that led us astray. If you bend and bend like the bamboo shoot and finally break in two. Than find yourself another line of work, where your efforts are appreciated with kindness and rewards. Otherwise you'll toil away in a prison of your own miserable making. Live your dharma, be alive in harmony with your truth. Only such a love will set you free from any hardship where you'll find yourself in the most sublime sanctuary ever to be created.

Today's "Jewels of Truth" spiritual wisdom statement was written just today in the series #1623. On the topic of Worship. Where we find our maker in union with us if we dare create such a space with our sublime divinity.

Enjoy.

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Worship

1623)  The greatest place to worship God is from within your heart. So church is where the heart is. The temple is where the heart is. The mosque is where the heart is. All shrines on Earth is where the heart is in living truth.

To worship God means not to forsake your fellow humanity to bloodshed. Your actions in worship must mirror your good intended deeds to all who are your siblings in the "Holy Spirit". To divorce yourself from your place in worship is to undo the grace you have sought initially. Be not afraid to declare the truth when wrong doers run amok. But, to raise your hand in anger and hate will make you be like them in principle. Your combined divinity is greater than such intended punitive actions. Instead raise your voices in praise to God that he will Shepard the willing to a heavenly solution. For a worldly solution often belongs more to the damned than truly to the divine in nature.

Remember this often when you choose to mistreat your fellow humanity and the Earth itself. You will be watched by the Angels constantly. Although forgiveness is always available to the repentant in spirit. Love with conviction according to the "Will of God" that seeks goodness in moderation for the living. All else surrender to the Angels to redeem through your concerted efforts in order to create grace where it was lacking. Be not dismayed by appearances, follow your heart and not your eyes.

Worship in the "Now" moment, living in awe to what has gone before and will come again in the "Circle of Life". Amen. ---Ivan Pozo-Illas / Atrayo.

Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Jewels of Truth Statement: "On The Great Mystery"

Great Mystery:

To those who seek the meaning of life with all  its wonders and secrets. The seeking isn't in the destination nor in the journey. It is truly in the meaning it is prescribed to in one's own heart. If one truly sought the totality that life is, than one is seeking God in his infinite outlets. The intention of the sacred is what will bind you to awakening the Divine within. Thus the "Book of Life" will no longer read as gibberish to one who is devout filled with the "Spirit of God". Amen. ---Ivan Pozo-Illas / Atrayo.

"Jewels of Truth: The Wayfarer of the Soul", Volume 2 pg. 66