Robert Waxman Ph.D.

Many similarities and correspondences are found in Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah) and Hindu mysticism (Vedanta-Advaita). In both traditions, the ultimate goal is to experience communion with a Divine Source. To reach this level of transcendence, each system speaks of an individualized soul with three characteristics that merge with a Godhead. Through deep meditative practices, the soul experiences a divine influx of the Infinite. The Hindu Upanishads and the Jewish Zohar speak of similar methodologies for achieving a mystical experience. Vedantin Adi Shankara and Kabbalist Abraham Abulafia created esoteric systems for advancing mystical practices. Additionally, metaphysical beliefs on Being and Non-Being are comparable in both traditions. The cyclical nature of universes and transmigration of souls offer a unified theory of microcosm and macrocosm. Throughout the centuries, spiritual leaders contributed new knowledge to cosmology, esoteric interpretations, and daily practices for attaining higher consciousness. The contextual evolution of Vedanta and Kabbalah has been corroborated and finds support in modern scholarly discourse. Conclusions are offered on the benefits of mystical experiences including assimilation of wisdom, achieving transcendence, and living in a continual state of illumination.

Over the past 2500 years, the concept of free will has been debated by some of the most brilliant minds in ancient and modern history. This paper discusses landmark theories by five well-known philosophers. There are several definitions of free-will. Sometimes, it is described as an innate characteristic possessed by human beings. In juxtaposition, causal determinism states that free will is limited or does not exist. Philosophical arguments are presented by: Plato, Hobbes, Hume, Leibniz, and Hegel. Plato offers a dual theory offering limited support for free will. Leibnitz includes theological tenets to make the case for predetermined outcomes. Hobbes and Hume contend that moral beliefs and ethical standards are conditions that support causal determinism. Hegel’s treatise on “freeing of the Will” aligns with Taoist philosophy and links the evolution of the universe to human spiritual development toward self-realization.

Many individuals have experienced a transformation of their spirituality after a near-death experience (NDE). Some of these near-death experiencers (NDErs) have reported an incongruous spiritual experience (ISE) during their NDEs. An incongruous spiritual experience occurs when NDErs perceive certain communications and/or visions that are incompatible or inconsistent with their previous religious/spiritual beliefs. In the present study the researcher examined NDE and ISE-related phenomena utilizing the qualitative techniques of heuristic analysis. An initial pool of 84 survey participants completed Greyson's NDE Scale and a questionnaire developed by the researcher to measure various elements of an incongruous spiritual experience. Subsequently, eight participants were interviewed utilizing Moustakas's heuristic analysis to investigate their NDE/ISE-related experiences. The results indicated that each participant altered or changed their religious/spiritual beliefs after coping with varying intensities of cognitive dissonance. Therefore, it was concluded that the participants' reports of incongruous elements during their NDEs were spiritually transformative.

According to the ancient Mayan prophecies, a major event is going to affect the entire world on December 21, 2012. In this book, many theories, possibilities, predictions, and prophecies are discussed for the purpose of uncovering the true meaning behind the end of the Mayan Long Count Calendar. Why did the Mayans believe they came from the Pleides? Why did their astronomical calendar revolve around the star Alcyone? Why did this advanced civilization build pyramids that are equal in stature to the Egyptian pyramids? Why did the ancient Mayans suddenly disappear in 900 CE? How did they obtain such vast knowledge in art, science, mathematics, language, hieroglyphics and sports? In this book, an investigation into the mysteries of the Mayans is revealed that includes meaningful answers to these questions and many more. As 2012 approaches, many Doomsayers are insisting that the Earth is headed for destruction. Nothing could be further from the truth. Even so, with frightening prophecies of crystal skulls, disastrous accounts from ancient codices, and other alarming “signs of the time,” many people are convinced that Armageddon is just around the corner. In fact, the Mayans had no intention of predicting the end of the world and their greatest secret has been suppressed for centuries. Read this book to discover the ultimate meaning of 2012. "Why the obsession over the date of December 21st, 2012? 2012: The Meaning and the Message offers author Bob Waxman's take on the phenomena as he tries to separate the facts and fiction about the Mayan people to help gain a better understanding of 2012 and what it really means. Could it be the Apocalypse or something far less, perhaps something different altogether? 2012 is a different take on the debate, well worth considering." --Midwest Book Review TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Introduction Chapter 1 – Early Mesoamerican Cultures Chapter 2 – The Mayas Chapter 3 – Religion Chapter 4 – Mayan Accomplishments Chapter 5 – What Happened to the Mayas? Chapter 6 – Mayan Ruins Chapter 7 – Astronomical Ages Chapter 8 – Galactic Alignment Chapter 9 – How Many Ways Can the Earth Be Destroyed? Chapter 10 – Crystal Skulls and Other Predictions Chapter 11 – Ancient Astronauts Chapter 12 – A New Age for 2012