Prophecy Dictionary

prophecy: Divination. Act or practice of predicting the future.

(See also: Prophecy , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

Prophecy:

(a) A prediction, usually resulting from a sense of spiritual revelation.

 (b) The ability to receive prophetic revelations.

(See also: Prophecy , Psychic, Psychic Dictionary, Parapsychology, Parapsychology Dictionary)

prophecy

A description of future happenings

(See also: Prophecy , Body Mind and Soul)

Prophecy The power of predicting the future, either by mystic vision or by a knowledge of the laws of cycles. Those versed in the latter can predict future cataclysms, racial events, etc., as surely as astronomers can predict eclipses, and astrology insofar as it concerns prediction, comes under this head. Prophet originally meant one who speaks for another, usually the deity, as in the view of the Hebrews expressed in the Old Testament.

See also PREVISION; PREMONITION

(See also: Prophecy , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Prophecy of future enlightenment

(Skt.: vyakarana; Pali.: veyŸakarana; Jpn.: juki or kibetsu or wagarana)

A Buddha's prediction that a disciple (or disciples) will attain enlightenment in the future. One of the twelve divisions of the teachings, vyakarana is rendered as the prophecy of future enlightenment and indicates the part of a sutra in which Shakyamuni Buddha pronounces that a practitioner will attain Buddhahood in a future existence. Such prophecies are common in Mahayana sutras.

The Lotus Sutra contains a number of passages in which the Buddha predicts enlightenment for his disciples and foretells what their titles as future Buddhas will be as well as the names of their respective kalpas (eras) and Buddha lands.

In the "Simile and Parable" (third) chapter of the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha predicts the enlightenment of Shariputra, and in the "Bestowal of Prophecy" (sixth) chapter, Shakyamuni predicts enlightenment for the four great voice-hearers, Mahakashyapa, Subhuti, Katyayana, and Maudgalyayana. In the "Five Hundred Disciples" (eighth) and the "Prophecies" (ninth) chapters, Shakyamuni predicts enlightenment for other individual disciples as well as for groups of disciples, thousands in all. According to the Jataka, stories of the Buddha's previous lives, in a past existence Shakyamuni himself received a prophecy of enlightenment from the Buddha Burning Torch (Skt Dipamkara).

(See also: Prophecy of future enlightenment , Enlightenment, Buddhism Enlightenment, Buddhism Enlightenment Dictionary)

Prophecy of Enlightenment for Five Hundred Disciples chapter

(Jpn.: Gohyaku-deshi-juki-hon)

Abbreviated as the "Five Hundred Disciples" chapter. The eighth chapter of the Lotus Sutra. At the beginning of the chapter, Purna rejoices at having understood the teaching of the one vehicle by hearing Shakyamuni tell, in the "Parable of the Phantom City" (seventh) chapter, of their relationship in the remote past when Shakyamuni was the sixteenth son of the Buddha Great Universal Wisdom Excellence. In this (eighth) chapter, Shakyamuni predicts that Purna will attain enlightenment in a future existence as a Buddha named Law Bright. Subsequently he prophesies that the twelve hundred arhat disciples in the assembly, including Kaundinya, will also attain Buddhahood. He first bestows this prophecy on five hundred arhats, and then on the remaining seven hundred. All twelve hundred, he says, will become Buddhas with the name Universal Brightness. To show their understanding of the one vehicle teaching, these five hundred arhats then relate the parable of the jewel in the robe.

(See also: Prophecy of Enlightenment for Five Hundred Disciples chapter , Enlightenment, Buddhism Enlightenment, Buddhism Enlightenment Dictionary)

Attainment of Buddhahood

(Jpn.: jobutsu)

To become a Buddha. Several principles concerning the attainment of Buddhahood or enlightenment have been expounded on the basis of the sutras:

(1) Attaining Buddhahood in one's present form.

This means to attain Buddha-hood just as one is, without discarding the body of a common mortal. Also referred to as attaining Buddhahood as a common mortal, this principle was formulated by the T'ien-t'ai school on the basis of the Lotus Sutra. According to many of the teachings other than the Lotus Sutra, one can attain Buddhahood only after having discarded the body of a common mortal that gives rise to earthly desires and illusions.

In contrast, the Lotus Sutra teaches that one can attain Buddhahood in one's present form, or as an ordinary person. This principle is often illustrated by the example of the dragon king's daughter who, according to the "Devadatta" (twelfth) chapter, attained Buddhahood in a single moment without changing her dragon form. The concept of attaining Buddhahood in one's present form contrasts with that of attaining Buddhahood through transformation of sex and character. The latter means, for example, that a woman must be reborn as a man in order to attain enlightenment.

(2) Attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime or in a single lifetime.

This concept contradicts the idea that one must practice over a period of many kalpas in order to attain Buddhahood. This concept is essentially the same as attaining Buddhahood in one's present form.

Other principles concern the attainment of Buddhahood by certain categories of people and derive from the Lotus Sutra per se:

(1) Attainment of Buddhahood by persons of the two vehicles.

In the first half of the Lotus Sutra, persons of the two vehicles-voice-hearers and cause-awakened ones-receive a prophecy from Shakyamuni Buddha that they will attain Buddhahood in future ages. This prophecy refutes the view of the provisional Mahayana teachings, which deny persons of the two vehicles the attainment of Buddhahood, for they seek only personal salvation and do not strive to save others. The Lotus Sutra says that they will practice the bodhisattva way and attain Buddhahood.

(2) Attainment of Buddhahood by women.

In the first half of the sutra, the dragon king's daughter attains Buddhahood, and Yashodhara, Mahaprajapati, and other women receive Shakyamuni's prophecy of their future enlightenment. Almost all sutras deny women the capacity for attaining Buddhahood and insist that they must be reborn as men in order to attain enlightenment. The Lotus Sutra, however, teaches that both women and men are equally endowed with the potential for Buddhahood, based on the teaching of the true aspect of all phenomena.

(3) Attainment of Buddhahood by evil persons.

Even those who oppose and slander the correct teaching of Buddhism, such as icchantikas, or persons of incorrigible disbelief, can attain Buddhahood through a reverse relationship. That is, because they establish a connection with the correct teaching by opposing it, though they receive the negative effect, eventually they profess faith in it and attain Buddhahood. In the Lotus Sutra, this idea is illustrated by the examples of Devadatta and those who ridiculed and attacked Bodhisattva Never Disparaging.

See also: enlightenment

(See also: Attainment of Buddhahood , Enlightenment, Buddhism Enlightenment, Buddhism Enlightenment Dictionary)

A Dictionary of Spiritual Terms. From Acupuncture to Zoroaster.

Please note that all words in grey, like "yoga", "enlightenment" or "kundalini" are hyperlinked to archives further explaining the term. At the corresponding archive you will also find articles related to the term.

Apollo:

Both a Greek god and a Roman god. Apollo was the God of the sun. Each day he rode his chariot led by fiery horses across the sky to give light to the world. He was the most beautiful god. Apollo is also the God of healing. of prophecy, of musical and artistic inspiration, and of archers. The Goddess Diana was his twin sister.

(See also: Apollo , Body Mind and Soul)

A Christian theological definition of Incarnation according to CARM - The Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry:

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Incarnation

See also: Incarnation , Christianity, Body Mind and Soul

Inspiration

The belief that human actions of extraordinary insight, worth or power are due to inspiration - an inflow of psychic force, life-giving breath. The idea of inspiration in Christian theology may be traced to Hebrew prophecy and to Greek philosophy.

The most important theological problems of inspiration concern the subjects, the sources, the means and the criteria of true inspiration as distinguished from false, rather than the reality if inspiration itself.

The question of the proper subject of inspiration - whether a person, a community or a book may properly be said to be inspired - has been greatly confused in history by getting involved in the problem of church authority,. thus the doctrine of the inspiration of scriptures was largely developed to secure the Roman church against Protestantism when the Protestants made claims the inspiration for their special leaders.

The doctrine that ecumenical councils or popes are inspired when speaking on matters of faith and morals was developed partly to deal with the Protestants' rigid scriptural Òconst itutionalismÓ. The problem of the source of inspiration was raised in Hebrew thought by the appearance of false prophecy, and by the consequent question for monotheism in what sense such inspiration came from God. In Christian theology the questions were to what extent the inspiring principle in the Godhead was distinct from the creating and redeeming principle, in what sense it proceeded from one or both of these. The question about the means of inspiration has been dealt with indirectly and in confusion with the question of subject and criteria.

The orthodox Protestant and Catholic churches have emphasized the importance of Scriptures, of church discipline and instruction as the ordinary means through which inspiration comes.

Mystic and sectarian groups have shown a larger interest in other means - asceticism, the practice of silence, etc. In the Protestant doctrine of the Òtestimony ~ the Holy SpiritÓÓ which must accompany the reading of the word if there is to be true inspiration and in Roman as well as Eastern Catholic acceptance of monasticism the great churches have made some approach to the interests of the sects and mysticism.

Among the criteria employed by religious thought to distinguish true from false inspiration the most important are:

1)    the consistency of the product of inspiration not only in itself but also and primarily with accepted norms, i. e. , with the moral laws, the Òspirit of Jesus Christ,Ó the Scriptures, the common understanding of the community.

2)    the test of true inspiration is the truth of prediction. This test, which the basis of modern science, has been used apologetically rather than critically, to validate the inspiration of scriptures, as in the argument from prophecyÓ;

3)    disinterestedness, that is the extent to which personal interests and opinions are absent or negated in the ÒinspiredÓ utterance; in the extreme form,

4)    Intelligibility might be added as a fourth criterion of the validity of inspiration though not a test of its truth, since the unintelligible cannot be said to be true or false. Also, the Protestant doctrine that the Bible was written by the influence of God. It is, therefore, without error. It is accurate and authoritatively represents God's teachings. It is an illumination in that it shows us what we could not know apart from it. Believers know that the Bible is inspired, because it says so.

(See also: Inspiration , New Age Spirituality, Body Mind and Soul)

Ymir (Icelandic, Scandinavian) In the Norse creation tale, the primeval frostgiant from whose substance the worlds are formed by the aesir (gods) at the beginning of time. According to the Voluspa (sibyl's prophecy) in the Edda, Ymir was "slain" -- transformed -- by the creative deities Odin Allfather (spirit), Vile (will), and Vi or Ve (awe, sanctity) into the substances that form the worlds in space.

One version relates that sparks from Muspellsheim (realm of fire) fell among the droplets of water vapor in Niflheim (realm of mists or nebulae) creating vapor in Ginnungagap (the yawning void). From this arose the likeness of a man, Ymir, who was nourished by the four streams of milk flowing from the udder of the cow Audhumla -- symbol of fertility. Ymer represents the frozen immobility of non-existence when the universe is not.

The Vala (sibyl) relates in Voluspa that the frostgiant's two feet mated with each other and that from them arose all the matter-giants from which all physical creation was formed. She describes poetically how the blood of Ymir became the oceans of water, his bones became mountains, his skull the heavenly vault, but "from his brain were surely all dark skies created." Midgard (central court), the earth, is surrounded and protected by his eyebrows and each quarter of space is governed by one of the four ruling powers, named for the four cardinal points, North, South, East, and West.

(See also: Ymir , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body mind and Soul)

A dictionary of parapsychology. Please note that words in grey are hyperlinked to a corresponding archive with articles related to that particular topic.

Spiritual Gifts

According to Christian doctrine, special abilities given by God to worthy believers. Every Christian has at least one

Following is a list of the gifts arranged in two groups.

• The first are gifts that require supernatural intervention and are possessed only by true Christians.
• The second are gifts that do not require supernatural intervention. Even non-Christians can have the second group of gifts.

A further issue is whether or not the gifts are still in use today. Some believe they ceased with the apostles and the completion of the writings of the Bible) and they are no longer needed for the building up of the body of Christ (Eph. 4: 12). Others believe the gifts are still in use but not in the pure apostolic sense. In other words, they are still in use but not in the same way possessed by the apostles. Instead, they are available to the believer if and when God decides it is beneficial to use them.

The first group of spiritual gifts are: Salvation, Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Distinguishing of Spirits, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues.

The second group of spiritual gifts are: Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leading, and Showing mercy.

(see Psychic Gifts)

(See also: Spiritual Gifts , New Age Spirituality, Body Mind and Soul)

An Irish Myth Concordance

The following concordance is based on 'Gods and Fighting Men' by Lady Augusta Gregory, first published in 1904. Page number references are to the 1976 trade paperback edition published by the MacMillan Company of Canada Limited. Breif supplimentary material is taken from 'Dictionary of Irish Myth and Legend' by Ronan Coghlan, published in 1979 by Donard Publishing Comapany, and referenced as 'DIM' in the following text.

Precognition:

The paranormal awareness of future events.

See also Prediction, Premonition, Prophecy.

(See also: Precognition , Psychic, Psychic Dictionary, Parapsychology, Parapsychology Dictionary)

Manticism, or Mantic Frenzy. During this state was developed the gift of prophecy. The two words are nearly synonymous. One was as honoured as the other. Pythagoras and Plato held it in high esteem, and Socrates advised his disciples to study Manticism. The Church Fathers, who condemned so severely the mantic frenzy in Pagan priests and Pythie, were not above applying it to their own uses.

The Montanists, who took their name from Montanus, a bishop of Phrygia, who was considered divinely inspired, contended with the mavnteiz (manteis) or prophets. "Tertullian, Augustine, and the martyrs of Carthage, were of the number", says the author of Prophecy, Ancient and Modern. "The Montanists seem to have resembled the Bacchantes in the wild enthusiasm that characterized their orgies," he adds. There is a diversity of opinion as to the origin of the word Manticism.

There was the famous Mantis the Seer, in the days of Melampus and Prœtus King of Argos; and there was Manto, the daughter of the prophet of Thebes, herself a prophetess. Cicero describes prophecy and mantic frenzy, by saying, that "in the inner recesses of the mind is divine prophecy hidden and confined, a divine impulse, which when it burns more vividly is called furor", frenzy. (Isis Unveiled.)

(See also: Manticism, Mantic Frenzy , Theosophy, Spirituality, Body mind and Soul, Spiritual Dictionary,)

Premonition, Presentiment A warning of an impending event, used mostly for warnings of danger or misfortune; a prophetic feeling that some calamity is about to happen. It differs from prevision in that it is a feeling rather than a picture.

An event on the physical plane may be preceded by causes not perceptible to our physical senses, yet of which our more subtle inner senses are aware. Some people and many animals may have a presentiment of an earthquake, through sensitiveness to certain astral and physical conditions which precede the actual earth-shock.

Explaining such a case as that of avoiding a doomed train brings up the general question of prediction and the problem of time. In these cases the inner sense may perceive an event before it has happened on the physical plane, and such cases are too numerous for them to be lightly dismissed as imaginary or mere coincidences.

See also PROPHECY

(See also: Premonition, Presentiment , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Psychism, from the Greek psyche. A term now used to denote very loosely every kind of mental phenomena, e.g., mediumship, and the higher sensitiveness, hypnotic receptivity, and inspired prophecy, simple clairvoyance in the astral light, and real divine seership; in short, the word covers every phase and manifestation of the powers and potencies of the human and the divine Souls.

(See also: Psychism , Theosophy, Spirituality, Body mind and Soul, Spiritual Dictionary,)

CRYSTAL - a mineral capable of receiving storing, transmitting or amplifying vibrational energy and often used as a tool for healing prophecy or communication. (NAD)

(See also: CRYSTAL , Wiccan Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)