Do You Know Stephen Gaskin?
Let's Get Spiritual
I first became aware of Stephen around 1980. Long before I learned about him I attended some college classes on comparative religion. I came from a Lutheran background and was interested in the ministry. Those classes were very instrumental
in shaping my beliefs of today.
Let me give you a little background on Stephen: Stephen Gaskin (February 16, 1935 – July 1, 2014) was an American counterculture Hippie icon best known for his presence in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco in the 1960s and for co-founding “The Farm“, a spiritual commune in 1970. He was a Green Party presidential primary candidate in 2000 on a platform which included campaign finance reform, universal health care, and decriminalization of marijuana.[1] He was the author of over a dozen books, a political activist, a philanthropic organizer and a self-proclaimed professional Hippie. Gaskin produced a substantial body of spiritual teaching. His ideas are now contained in books and tapes of the Sunday Morning Services which were published by the Book Publishing Company on The Farm. They speak of life in community as well as of service to humanity.
After I became aware of Stephen I initially purchased his book “This Season’s People” which is a handbook about many religions spirituality and living a good life in harmony with all creation. He was aware that there are many valid religions and beliefs. At the lower levels they mostly were for folks of a certain geographical area or time period. As Joseph Campbell taught in the “Power of Myth” and other works there were and are some enlightened folks around at all times to show people how to live meaningful lives and communicate with with the Creator. These folks were able to “customize” their teachings to fit the needs of their followers and show them how to lead a godly life on a daily basis.
As I learned from my classes and from Stephen, the deeper you go into learning you find out that at the higher levels they are teaching the same spiritual laws. When you find the one or ones that work for you, you will become spiritually aware and fulfilled. Therefore we are all one and need to respect and honor each other at all times.
The practice of real love and impeccable correctness, politeness and care among each other is the beginning stage of the kind of peaceful society in which you may talk seriously about spiritual enlightenment.
What we expect is to be truthful; to be kind and to try to love one another. Some folks don’t recognize that as a discipline, and it may not sound too difficult unless you’ve ever tried it. But if you ever try it, you’ll know it is an exacting discipline.
That’s way past enough for today. I’d love to read your comments and questions about these ideas and if you are interested in learning more I’ll let you know as I expand my site “Sacred Tree Fellowship” now being built on the web. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or a religious practitioner I believe you will find it fascinating. If you would like to know more about Stephen and his teachings ask in the comments and I will give you more information.
Herman Beck-Chenoweth
The REAL Old Buzzard