Science of the Buddhist account of Genesis

S. H. J. Sugunasiri; Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, Pat Macpherson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

PHOTONS: fluorescence and scattering light in a calcite crystal (Jan Pavelka/Wiki)

Dhamma Aboard Evolution: A Canonical Study of Agganna Sutta in Relation to Science

Dhamma Aboard Evolution

Author Suwanda H. J. Sugunasiri in Dhamma Aboard Evolution [The Buddha's Dharma or Teachings aboard the Theory of Evolution] seeks to establish that Section 10-16 of the Aggañña Sutta ["A Buddhist Genesis" or "On Beginnings"] of the "Long Discourses of the Buddha" (Dīgha Nikāya) is no "satire" or "parody," as interpreted by some Buddhist scholars.

Drawing on Buddhist cosmology, Darwinism, psychology (e.g., Freud, Piaget), and linguistics, the book paints a historically and scientifically accurate picture of devolution and evolution, going beyond the Big Bang, in which sentient beings emerge along with their latent defilements of craving and passion, nourished by evolving [adapting] plant life.

What if this sutra actually agrees with science?

Compatible with Western science, the breakthrough comes when âbhassara brahma beings ("divinities" or supreme "shining ones") are taken to be PHOTONS, interpreting the Dharmic religion word âbhassara in a literal etymological sense of "hither-come-shining-arrow."

As accurate as the picture may be, the Buddha’s point, however, is that knowledge of the Dharma (Pali Dhamma) overrides it all, explaining the title.

Resolved in the study are a "chronological paradox" relating to lingua [tongue or language] appearing in earthling beings before linga [phalluses] and a "spiritual paradox" of meditative absorption (jhāna) level âbhassara beings still indulging in sex.

• [EDITORIAL COMMENT: These are neither paradoxes nor contradictions. The light body "shining" beings that alighted on the planet, which may have been photons, could speak. Only later did they develop a desire or need for sexual organs such as the lingam or yoni. And while it is true that for a being to be reborn in the (celestial) âbhassara plane of existence, proficiency in one of the jhanas ("meditative absorptions") is necessary, it is not the case that a being stays in that absorptions throughout the lifespan there or even necessarily has the ability to again attain that absorption or at what depth and duration. It seems as if the author is making bad assumptions or simply enjoying his clever alliteration.]

Among other topics treated are the Vedic creation myth, the intended audience for the discourse (two former Brahmins who are now Buddhist monk wandering ascetics), and the structure of the full sutra (discourse) – which is not a Jātaka ("Rebirth Tale") but the Beast fable of Pañcatantra fame.

The Appendix shows the Buddha as the originator of this story within a literary genre.

Going beyond the sutra is an invitation to an "Academically Engaged Buddhism," taking "trust in the Buddha" as a methodological imperative, just as "trust in God" was for Western science from Ancient Greek times up until Einstein.

WHO were the celestial beings who alighted on ancient earth?

The ābhassara brahmas may well refer to photons as the author argues, but generally the word is understood to refer to a class of brahmas (divinities, gods, supremos, superior to ordinary "shining ones" or devas). More

Speed of light varies, science now knows

Sheldon S., CC Liu, Seth Auberon (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

How light travels faster than the speed of light

(Astrum) Oct. 2, 2023: #light #quantumphysics #lightspeed The double slit experiment through time. Listen to the Astrum Sleep Space Podcast on preferred platform by clicking here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2250635/share Displate posters: displate.com/promo/astrum... Astrum merch: https://astrum-shop.fourthwall.com/ Join on the Astrum discord: https://discord.gg/TKw8Hpvtv8 SUBSCRIBE for more videos about other planets. Subscribe: http://goo.gl/WX4iMN Facebook: http://goo.gl/uaOlWW Twitter: http://goo.gl/VCfejs. Astrum Spanish: @astrumespanol Astrum Portuguese: @astrumbrasil Donate Patreon: http://goo.gl/GGA5xT Ethereum Wallet: 0x5F8cf793962ae8Df4Cba017E7A6159a104744038 Become a Patron today and support channel. Donate link above. Thanks to those who have supported so far. #light #quantumphysics #lightspeed #doubleslitexperiment #spacetime

The LIGHT science can't explain (sutra)

Astrum, 6/15/23; Ven. Sujato (trans.); Dhr. Seven, Ashley Wells, Wisdom Quarterly

The attribute of light science still can't explain: Double-slit experiment

(Astrum) Light knows (or in any case behaves as if it knows) when it's being measured, changing in response to the subjective expectations and intentions of observers, which suggests this "reality" is a simulation rather than a reliable (objective) base. The Double-slit experiment and quantum light paradox changed everything. Things are not what they seem because observing, intention, and assumptions change them.

• VIDEO: DIY home double-slit light experiment

Light (aloka) in Buddhism

āloka-saññā: "perception of light." The recurring Pali canon passage reads: "Here the meditator contemplates the perception of light, fixes mind on the perception of the day, as at daytime so by night, and as at nighttime so by day. In this way, with a mind clear and unclouded, one develops a stage of mind that is full of brightness."

This perception is one of the methods for overcoming drowsiness recommended by the Buddha to his chief male disciple foremost in psychic powers, Mahā Moggallāna (A.VII. 58).

According to DN 33, this method is conducive to the development of "knowledge and vision." (See "purification," visuddhi). And it is said to be helpful for the attainment of the psychic "divine eye." (See abhiññā). Light can also be a subject of meditation as a kasina.

The Light Sutra

Ven. Sujato, Aloka Sutta (AN 4.143), suttacentral.net; Dhr. Seven (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly

[The Buddha said:] “Meditators, there are these four [sources or kinds of] lights. What are the four? The lights of the:

• moon,
• sun,
• fire,
• wisdom.

“These are the four lights. The best of these four lights is the light of wisdom.”

COMMENTARY

31 Planes of Existence (Ven. Suvanno)

This would explain why this publication is called Wisdom Quarterly, rather than Faith Weekly or Belief Daily or Hope Momentarily. The worst thing of all things is ignorance; therefore, the best thing of all things is enlightenment (bodhi).*

Just some thoughts on light. Loka means "world," and the prefix a- means "not," so is it possible that the word "light" (aloka) means "not-world," not all of this around us -- but the immaterial, unworldly, ethereal, sublime, supersensual?

There are Three Spheres (and 31 Planes) of Existence, and the light in each would seem to be qualitatively different. There is the lowest, where our human plane exists as well as some sensual heavens and miserable subhuman worlds, called the Sensual Sphere (kama loka).

• Buddhist hell as a temporary measure | Mary Finnigan | The Guardian

Above us is the Fine Material Sphere (rupa loka), which is brighter, more subtle, with glorious streaming light of many kinds and apparently more or brighter colors than we perceive in this sphere.

Above that is the Immaterial Sphere (arupa loka), composed of heavens that are so refined as to not be based on matter at all, just mind. Or light may permeate all of these spheres or "worlds" just the same.

Angkor Wat is a yantra, a model of cakkavala.

For example, on the occasion of the birth of a supremely awakened one (a samma-sam-buddha), it is said a magnificent light spreads throughout the universe (or every part of the multiverse) and lights it up.

At that time unfortunate beings reborn in what are called the "interstitial hells" (a sort of 32nd plane of existence as it is not listed among the narakas, nirayas, or avici, the most tormented hell/purgatory of all) see that they are not alone, but others are also there normally steeped in complete darkness.

These places are very interesting for what they say about Buddhist cosmology: The world-systems (cakkavalas), solar systems, galaxies, or individual universes are like bubbles next to one another. As they are not cubes, which would occupy all of space between themselves, there is that portion of unoccupied space outside the bubbles. Light does not reach these places, except on the extraordinarily rare occasion of a supremely awakened one's birth.

That the ancient Gandharans, proto-Indians, Indus Valley Civilization scientists and seers (rishis) -- who were in contact with otherworldly extraterrestrials (called devas and brahmas) who constantly visit and live on this planet -- would know the shape of our world-system, solar system, galaxy, cosmos, universe, or multiverse is startling.

But the ancient Vedas ("Knowledge Books") of the Brahmins and the teachings (dharmas) of the wandering ascetics like the Buddha ("Sage of the Scythians") and buddhas before him were far ahead of their time.

• *The greatest of all non-things is NIRVANA (nibbana), which is the highest, the ultimate, the deathless (amata), "unconditioned element," a compact rather than a composite, since it stands alone, not relying on causes or conditions for its existence. This makes it utterly unlike anything else we meet with or can conceive of -- though we can directly experience it in this very life, because it is complete error to conceive of it as nothingness. It is NOT nothingness and not a "thing," given that the definition of a "thing" (dhamma, ordinary "phenomena") is that which relies on constituent parts for its composite -- and its unsatisfactory, impermanent, and impersonal -- existence. Nirvana alone exists without supports or components.

Get 60% off your Babbel subscription: go.babbel.com... Join the official Astrum Discord server: discord.gg/TKw8Hpvtv8 Astrum merch now available, like apparel (astrum-shop.fourthwall.com) and metal posters. Subscribe for more videos about other planets.  Facebook, Twitter. Astrum Spanish: @astrumespanol Astrum Portuguese: @astrumbrasil, Donate. Patreon. Ethereum wallet: 0x5F8cf793962ae8Df4Cba017E7A6159a104744038. Become a Patron today and support channel. Astrum can't do it alone. Thanks to those who have supported so far. #light #quantum #astrum photon energy, polarized lenses, double slit experiment, quantum #astrum #quantum #light

DIY double-slit light experiment (video)

Looking Glass Universe, Kathy Sarpi, 11/11/22; CC Liu, Sheldon S. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

I did the double slit light experiment at home

(Looking Glass Universe) Supported by Screen Australia and YouTube through the Skip Ahead initiative.

• VIDEO: The LIGHT science can't explain (sutra)

Safety and where to get the supplies

Oh, Buddha, help me understand these maths.
It's too hard for the God of Hosts, who's at war.

I would love for you to try this experiment at home, but please be careful with the lasers. If you're going to buy a green laser then it's crucial that you buy a proper one. Green lasers emit light with a lot of invisible IR light, and in cheap lasers this often isn't filtered out well.

Blue/violet lasers can also be dangerous for another reason. Our eyes are terrible at seeing these wavelengths, so the laser will look much less strong than it actually is, which means you might be playing with a dangerously strong laser without realizing it.

Einstein Questions, Buddha Answers

Red lasers are generally the safer bet. I saw the effect I was looking for even when I used cheap ~1mW red lasers, so it will work for you. If you'd like to invest in a nice laser though, this article has some trustworthy green laser brands: planetguide.net/astronomy...

Another way to buy lasers that are eye safe is to get them from school science lab suppliers.

• (NOTE: In some countries it's illegal to sell lasers over 1mW. Check laws where you live. In the USA the limit is 5mW).

The smoke machine I got used glycerol. I’m very suspicious about breathing in such smoke though, especially since the room can't be too well-ventilated or the experiment won't work. Fine particulate matter is a serious health risk in general. So even though glycerol is nontoxic, I think it may still be hazardous to inhale.

Buddha & Einstein Walk into Bar

I recommend wearing an airtight N-95 mask or similar protection while doing this experiment. I found it a bit tricky to source the double slit cheaply in Australia. Your best bet might be a science lab supplier. In the USA you can get it on amazon.com though.

VIDEO CREDITS: The beautiful animations in this video are made by Kathy Sarpi: kathysarpi.com. Thanks to Screen Australia and Google Australia for funding this project, and to the wonderful people at Screen Australia who helped me throughout the process. Also thanks also to all my beta testers (aka friends)!

"What is Reality?" (film)

QGR, 3/4/17; Dhr. Seven, Pat Macpherson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

What is Reality? (official film)

(Quantum Gravity Research) March 4th. Host Marion Kerr asks, What if the very fabric of space and time isn't made of one-dimensional strings or energy as we think of it, but is instead simply a code or language made of a geometric projection?

ABOUT: Quantum Gravity Research (QGR) is a Los Angeles based team of mathematicians and physicists working on developing a theoretical framework for a first-principles unified quantum gravity theory they call emergence theory. Still in the early stage of development, emergence theory attempts to unify, through mathematical and scientific rigor, the theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, and consciousness.

FILM: This film is presented in layperson terms and explains basics tenets of emergence theory, quantum mechanics, and digital physics in ways that are meant to be communicative and fun. However, if you'd like to read any of the scientific and more technical papers, please visit website. But first enjoy the movie.

• QGR WEBSITE: quantumgravityresearch.org
• GET TO KNOW QGR’s RESEARCH SCIENTISTS: quantumgravityresearch.org...
• READ RESEARCH PAPERS & PRESENTATIONS: quantumgravityresearch.org...
• QGR: Facebook.com/QuantumGravi...
• QGR: Twitter.com/emergencetheory?l...
• QGR Instagram.com/quantumgrav...
• KLEE IRWIN'S WEBSITE: kleeirwin.com

QGR's YouTube channel contains various videos and presentations that are far more math/physics-heavy, technical, and detailed. To follow QGR's journey, subscribe. QGR hopes it's enjoyable.

Film credits

• Host: Marion Kerr
• Einstein and Heisenberg's voices: Devin Harjes
• Written, directed, edited by David Jakubovic
• Director of Photography: Tony Ditata
• Cartoon animation and design: Sarah Winters
• Original ,usic by Daniel Jakubovic
• Rerecording mixer: Patrick Giraudi
• Line Producer: Piper Norwood
• 3D Effects by Raymond Aschheim and Matt Beets
• Quantum Gravity Research was founded by Klee Irwin in 2009

There's ET life all over the cosmos (video)

A&E's The Unexplained via Doc Spot; Dhr. Seven, Pat Macpherson, Wisdom Quarterly Wiki edit

Buddhist cosmology is the description of the shape and devolution and re-evolution (in constant cycles called kalpas) of the universe according to Buddhist sutras and their commentaries.

It consists of temporal and spatial maps. The temporal cosmology is the division of the existence of a "world" into four discrete periods (coming to be, enduring, dissolving, chaotic dissolution). This does not seem to be a canonical division, however, but rather a commentarial one.

The spatial cosmology consists of a vertical arrangement of the 31 categories of "planes of existence" in a countless number of individual worlds -- and the beings who dwell there, their bodies, characteristics, nutriment, lifespans, beauty (brilliance of light emitted), and the pleasures available to them. There is also a horizontal cosmology, the distribution of these world-systems into an "apparently" boundless sheet of “worlds.”

The existence of world-periods or aeons (kalpas) is well attested to by the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama or Shakyamuni, the "Sage of the Scythian Clan."

He made reference to the existence of aeons, immense periods of geological time, staggering durations akin to Vedic and Mayan cosmic timespans. The duration of one "great aeon," for example, is explained metaphorically as follows:

Imagine how long it would take to erode a huge rock of pure marble without a fissure if that cube measured one mile in length, width, and height if were brushed with a fine silk cloth only once every century. Well, it is said, that entire mass of marble would be rubbed away and still one kalpa would not yet have elapsed.

The Buddha remembered his direct knowledge of past events, such as the dawn of human life on this (and other) planets. This is explained in brief as a devolution in the Agganna Sutra or the Buddhist "Genesis" story.

Light beings alighted on this planet and ate dense food for delight, and so doing they became coarser and cruder, and a gender-split took place.

There comes a time -- and this is cyclical, repeating -- when more than one sun is seen in the sky, and all dries up, and the planet's surface life is burned up.

The Buddha had the ability to remote view, and he was able to take himself bodily to other worlds to interact with other beings in those worlds. Not only did he possess these powers, this level of self-mastery, other disciples could do likewise.

They could travel vast distances to the brahma world, the many deva worlds, to other human worlds in this world-system (galaxy?), and to know the whole of the universe.

He also had the super-knowledge of being faring according to their karma (deeds and their results), seeing them arise (be reborn) in other worlds after death in accordance with the impersonal law or pattern of deeds-and-results.

He further knew how to bring about this wandering to a conclusion to bring about the complete end of all suffering. More

VRIL and Occult Free Energy (video)

Robert Sepehr (Atlantean Gardens, 6/17/16); Dhr. Seven, Pat Macpherson, Wisdom Quarterly

The Philadelphia Experiment or "Project Rainbow" is said to have been carried out by the U.S. Navy to test invisibility and manipulate space-time. Did Nikola Tesla help create the world's first time machine? Who was Maria Orsich, the Oracle of the Vril Society (Vril Gesellschaft), the gorgeous mystery woman on the cover of Occult Secrets of Vril? Is free energy technology being suppressed?

• Robert Sepehr is an author, producer, and anthropologist specializing in linguistics, archeology, and paleobiology (archeogenetics).

Monsters, "hidden people" of Iceland (video)

Song of the Sang Real; Amber Larson, Dhr. Seven, Pat Macpherson, Wisdom Quarterly

Elves, Ghosts (spirits of the departed), Sea Monsters, Extraterrestrials (fairies, devas, the hidden folk or huldufolk) in Iceland: Investigation into the Invisible World

 

Our "mythologies" are real, more real than our ordinary corporate state nonsense. But we have been taught the opposite. Only the state is real; everything else is a big fairytale.

There are unknown lands (terra incognita) on earth right next to known lands -- lands, that is, we are told about.

Buddhist "fairies" are devas.

And in these lands, to this day, there are "giants" and others, ogres, hidden people (huldufolk), unseen beings, spirits, shapeshifters.

They need not be scary. They walk around us. It is nothing new. Poets, seers, literary folk have been writing about them for millennia. What a shock that they were talking about something real, which we had been convinced was just "childish" nonsense to outgrow.

Shapeshifting in "The Frog Princess (Tsarevna)" by Viktor Vasnetsov  (1848-1926)

Fairies (bhumi-devas) and ogres are real? (Beauty and the Beast by Anne Anderson)

My ears? What about them? We have remained hidden for good reason. Children see us.

Engraving showing a man jumping after a woman (elf) into a precipice. It is an illustration to the Icelandic legend of Hildur, the Queen of the Elves (George Pearson/Icelandic Legends: Collected by Jón Arnason: Translated by George E. J. Powell and Eiríkur Magnússon, Richard Bentley, London, 1864. This illustration faces p.88).

Science: Humans GLOW with visible light!

Charles Q. Choi (LiveScience.com, 2009); Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

This is a schematic illustration of experiments that found the human body, especially the face, emits visible light in small quantities that vary during the day. B is one for the test subjects. The other images show the weak emissions of visible light during totally dark conditions. The chart corresponds to the images and shows how the emissions varied during the day. The last image (I) is an infrared image of the subject showing heat emissions (Kyoto University; Tohoku Institute of Technology; PLoS ONEa).

The human body literally glows, emitting a visible light in extremely small quantities at levels that rise and fall with the day, scientists now reveal.

 

Human devi, Maria Orsic (Vril)

Past research has shown that the body emits visible light, 1,000 times less intense than the levels to which our naked eyes are sensitive. In fact, virtually all living creatures emit very weak light, which is thought to be a byproduct of biochemical reactions involving free radicals.

 

(This visible light differs from the infrared radiation — an invisible form of light — that comes from body heat.)

 

To learn more about this faint visible light, scientists in Japan employed extraordinarily sensitive cameras capable of detecting single photons. More

Buddhist "shining ones" (devas)

A deva (literally, a "shining one") can refer to a woodland fairy or an angelic/godly inhabitant of many of the more exalted sensual, fine material, and immaterial "heavens" (sagga, akasha deva lokas) among the 31 Planes of Existence. Deva is a broad category like the term brahma.

Ancient Buddhist deva carving

The word is related to the English diva, deity, and divinity from the Latin deus, "god" in the Greek and Roman sense, "demigod" or "godling" or "angel."
 
The devas are beautiful, like Pleiadians and Lyrians, Venutians and the women (particularly Maria Orsic, the Oracle of the Vril Society shown above) of Aldebaran. The bodies of devas -- whether lowly fairies or magnificent celestial bodies brighter than stars -- are more subtle and luminous than humans.

SUTRA: Fairy in "The Wilderness" (video)

John D. Ireland (trans.), Arañña Sutra (SN 1.10); Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, Wisdom Quarterly

Thus have I heard. Once upon a time the Blessed One (the Buddha) was staying near Savatthi, at Jeta Grove in the millionaire's monastery.

When the night was nearly past, a certain fairy (deva) that lit up the entire Jeta Grove with her surpassing splendor approached the Blessed One.

Having drawn near and bowed, she stood respectfully to one side.*

Classic fairy (Luis R. Falero, 1888)

Standing there the fairy said:
 

Those living in the forest,

Peaceful, calm, of pure livelihood,

Eating but one meal a day,

How is it they appear so radiant?
 

The Blessed One replied:
 

They sorrow not for what is past,

They long not for the future,

The present, now, is sufficient.

So it is that they appear so radiant.
 

By longing for the future,

By sorrowing about the past,

By this fools wither up

As a tender reed cut down. 

Buddhist fairies

*NOTE: A "fairy" or deva (literally, a "shining one") in this case refers to a woodland denizen or an inhabitant of a lesser heavenly plane. Deva or "light being" is a broad category. These beings exist on many planes.

The word is related to the English words diva, deity, and divinity from the Latin deus, "god" in the Greek and Roman sense of the word, "demigod" or "godling," and Western religious "angel" or "archangel." When the term is applied to a human, it usually designates a royal (a legendary hybrid human-deva left behind to rule mere mortals, an honorific title like the one applied to the Buddha's mother Maya Devi).

The devas are angelically beautiful, like Pleiadians and Lyrians, Venutians and the women of Aldebaran. The bodies of devas -- be they lowly fairies or magnificent space beings more brilliant than celestial bodies, planets and suns -- are more subtle and purer than human bodies. They radiate more light. (Auras? Western science now confirms that human bodies emit light, not just devas).

The period before dawn-- the third watch of the night -- is the usual time for such beings to visit the Enlightened One, the Buddha. One of his titles, after all, is sattha deva-manussanam, a "teacher of gods (devas) and humans.

Woodland FAIRIES are real (video)

John Walker (Noah's Dove); Dhr. Seven, Pat Macpherson, A. Larson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Fairy-human hybrids?

[In Buddhism this diverse class of more subtle beings -- often shapeshifters with the "power of transformation" -- are called devas, garudas, kumbandhas, nagas, petas, narakas, asuras, rakshasas, yakkhas, or shining ones or elementals, nymphs or avians, dwarfs or gnomes, dragons or reptoids, ghosts or ghouls, hellions, titans or giants, demons or inimicals, ogres and wildmen, and so on.]
 

Fairy Faith: Evidence, Reality, Origin Theory

John Walker (Noah's Dove, Oct. 8, 2015)

In the lore of Ireland (sidhe), Scandinavia, and Scotland, when God cast out the arrogant angels from heaven, they became the evil spirits that plague humankind, tormenting us and inflicting us to harm.

Disney has done harm and good by its depictions.

The ones who fell into hell and into caves and abysses became devils and death-maidens.

However, those who fell onto the earth became goblins, imps, dwarfs, thumblings, alps, noon-and-evening-ghosts, and will-o'-the-wisps.

Those who fell into the forests became the wood-spirits who live there: the hey-men, the wild-men, the forest-men, the wild-women, and the forest-women.

Finally, those who fell into the water became water spirits: water-men, mermaids, and merwomen. These angels were condemned to remain where they were, becoming the faeries of seas and rivers, the earth, and the air (sacred-texts.com/neu/celt...).

III. IN SCOTLAND
The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries by W.Y. Evans-Wentz, 1911, pp. 85-86, Intro. by Alexander Carmichael, Hon. LL.D. of the Univ. of Edinburgh; author of Carmina Gadelica

Water maiden, sea devi, Golden Mermaid on Prince Frederick's Barge, 1732 (wiki)

 
The belief in fairies was once common throughout Scotland -- Highland and Lowland. It is now much less prevalent even in the Highlands and islands, where such beliefs linger longer than they do in the Lowlands. But it still lives among the old people, and is privately entertained here and there even among younger people; and some who hold the belief declare that they themselves have seen fairies.

Various theories have been advanced as to the origin of fairies and as to the belief in them. The most concrete form in which the belief has been urged has been by the Rev. Robert Kirk, Minister of Aberfoyle, in Perthshire.

 

Another theory of the origin of fairies I took down in the island of Miunghlaidh (Minglay); and, though I have given it in Carmina Gadelica, it is sufficiently interesting to be quoted here. During October 1871, Roderick Macneill, known as 'Ruaraidh mac Dhomhuil, then ninety-two years of age, told it in Gaelic to the late J. F. Campbell of Islay and the writer, when they were storm-stayed in the precipitous island of Miunghlaidh, Barra:--

Faeries by Brian Froud and Alan Lee

The Proud Angel fomented a rebellion among the angels of heaven, where he had been a leading light. He declared that he would go and found a kingdom for himself. When going out at the door of heaven the Proud Angel brought prickly lightning and biting lightning out of the doorstep with his heels. Many angels followed him -- so many that at last the Son called out, "Father! Father! the city is being emptied!" whereupon the Father ordered that the gates of heaven and the gates of hell should be closed. This was instantly done. And those who were in were in, and those who were out were out; while the hosts who had left heaven and had not reached hell flew into the holes of the earth, like the stormy petrels. These are the Fairy Folk--ever since doomed to live under the ground, and only allowed to emerge where and when the King permits. They are never allowed abroad on Thursday, that being Columba's Day; nor on Friday, that being the Son's Day; nor on Saturday, that being Mary's Day; nor on Sunday, that being the Lord's Day.

God be between me and every fairy,
Every ill wish and every druidry;
To-day is Thursday on sea and land,
I trust in the King that they do not hear me.
 

On certain nights when their bruthain (bowers) are open and their lamps are lit, and the song and the dance are moving merrily, the fairies may be heard singing lightheartedly:--

Not of the seed of Adam are we,
Nor is Abraham our father;
But of the seed of the Proud Angel,
Driven forth from Heaven.

The real Stonehenge discovered! (video)

Amber Larson, Pat Macpherson, Wisdom Quarterly; Ian Sample (The Guardian, 9-9-14)

The dawn of Stonehenge research: site comes to light (ALAMY/telegraph.co.uk)

(University of Birmingham) It's massive, it's huge, most of it is invisible, hidden underground!

• Stonehenge researchers on Salisbury Plain discover site is much larger than ever thought.
• Researchers find series of hidden chapels, burial mounds [like Scythian Buddhist stupas], and ritual shrines, transforming view of historic area.
• It's getting to be almost as amazing as Turkey's 12,000-year-old Gobekli Tepe (history's first temple) and Buddhist Afghanistan's Mes Aynak

VIEW: Table of Contents

Stonehenge stood at the heart of a sprawling landscape of chapels, burial mounds, massive pits and ritual shrines, according to an unprecedented survey of the ancient grounds.
 
Researchers uncovered 17 new chapels and hundreds of archaeological features around the neolithic standing stones on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, including forms of monuments that have never been seen before.

 

Dry spell reveals elusive Stonehenge secret

Brought together for the first time in a digital map of the historic site, the discoveries transform how archaeologists view a landscape that was reshaped by generations for hundreds of years after the first stones were erected around 3100 BC.

• Dry spell at Stonehenge reveals secret that has eluded archaeologists

"This radically changes our view of Stonehenge," said Vince Gaffney, head of the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project at Birmingham University. "In the past we had this idea that Stonehenge was standing in splendid isolation, but it wasn't...it's absolutely huge." More

Stonehenge, a Druid, Pagan, Wiccan site in England (Geert Verhoeven/University of Bi/PA)

.

Underneath Stonehenge, "A map of what was there in the past"

Krishnadev Calamur (NPR.org)

Magic place (MPanchenko/livescience.com)

There's much more to Stonehenge, it turns out, than meets the eye (or, for that matter, Spinal Tap).

 

Researchers from Birmingham University used high-tech equipment to map 17 ritual monuments in the area. That's in addition to the iconic circle of stones that have stood there for thousands of years.

 

Professor Vincent Gaffney, the project leader, tells NPR's Robert Siegel that researchers found a large amount of new archaeological sites dating to the period of Stonehenge, as well as later and earlier periods. They were, he said, small "henge-like" monuments like Stonehenge, "but perhaps better interpreted as small chapels."

 

And what stands underneath the World Heritage Site that attracts more than 1 million visitors annually is more numerous than what we can see.

 

"The results," Prof. Gaffney said, "actually look like a map of what was there in the past."

 

What buried world's spiritual treasures?

A statement from the Birmingham University said: "Work also revealed novel types of monument including massive prehistoric pits, some of which appear to form astronomic alignments, plus new information on hundreds of burial mounds, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman settlements and fields at a level of detail never previously seen."

 

The project was a collaboration between the university and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology.

 

Gobekli Tepe was purposely buried in sand

Archaeologists think that Stonehenge, about 80 miles southwest of London, was built between 3000 B.C. and 1600 B.C. It is believed to be a temple, but who it was built by and who it was dedicated to is unclear. The new, underground discoveries are only likely to add to the mystery.

 

Of course, if you're a Dr. Who fan you knew there was something underneath all along. More + NPR AUDIO

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