Ancestors watching over you? (1 Viewer)

[Goshin]

Curious as to what other religious or spiritual-minded folks think about this question:

Are your deceased ancestors watching over you from the afterlife? Do you think about this sometimes, often, never? How do you feel about that? Do you believe they can have any influence on your life?


I am a Christian, and I do believe our ancestors may be watching over us to some degree, and possibly even advocating on our behalf to God. I have some scriptual references for why I believe that, but a lot of it is based more on experiences and dreams I've had about departed loved ones.

We are, to a large degree, the end product of our family lines, of the good and bad that our ancestors passed on to our parents and to us. We owe them a lot, for good or ill.

This came to mind yesterday, when I took note of something my son does. He carries a silver dollar in his wallet that belonged to his Grandfather, my Dad. As well as being a rememberance and a "luck piece", when he finds himself unable to make a decision about something after all reasonable efforts to decide via cogitation (and/or consultation with his LIVING elders) over a period of time have failed, he takes that silver dollar out and flips it... says he feels that his Grandfather will make sure it lands on the right decision.

To be honest, that brought a tear to my eye. My Dad was a wise man, and many is the time in recent years I've thought how much I'd give to be able to confer with him before making a major decision.


It's a little quirky, I know... but its something he only does after much thought and discussion, having narrowed his choices down to the two best ideas available, when he finds he cannot choose between them.



Is this something you think about ever? Have any stories about how you think an ancestor or departed loved one was watching over you? Carry a remembrance of them you consider lucky?




(Remember: Religion forum. Respectful civility pls.)

 

[Helix]

whether it's real or not, my mom believes in this, and i like it. she sometimes apologizes for embracing "woo," but in this case, it does more good than harm. count me in the woo camp on this issue. i have enormous respect for my ancestors, and am proud but unworthy to be standing on the shoulders of giants.

 

[Paschendale]

I would hope that dead people have much better things to do than stare at living people. Wouldn't it be awful if being alive were that much more interesting than being dead, and we'll be dead to sit there jealously forever? Imagine in 200 years when all of your immediate family members are dead. Do you just watch your later descendants? Do you just interact with other dead people? An afterlife sounds like a terrible curse if it's that boring.

 

[Goshin]

I would hope that dead people have much better things to do than stare at living people. Wouldn't it be awful if being alive were that much more interesting than being dead, and we'll be dead to sit there jealously forever? Imagine in 200 years when all of your immediate family members are dead. Do you just watch your later descendants? Do you just interact with other dead people? An afterlife sounds like a terrible curse if it's that boring.

Personally, I don't imagine that is ALL that they do, not by half. :mrgreen:

But I think they may, at least some of the time, for a period of time until their interest in the world of the living wanes.

 

[sawyerloggingon]

My wife is half Indian and was raised on the res with an odd mix of Christianity and Indian spiritualism. Her ancestors speak through her in their native language, it's creepy to watch and hear but there it is.

 

[Van Basten]

No, I don't think they're watching over me.

My pastor used to say that IF there were an observation deck in heaven, surely those that passed on were watching the following generations. But, honestly, I don't know anyone (Christians, to be exact) that believes their ancestors are watching over them. The only time it crossed my mind was when I re-watched Disney's Mulan some years ago.

And what are these scriptural references you mention? I'm curious.

 

[Goshin]

No, I don't think they're watching over me.

My pastor used to say that IF there were an observation deck in heaven, surely those that passed on were watching the following generations. But, honestly, I don't know anyone (Christians, to be exact) that believes their ancestors are watching over them. The only time it crossed my mind was when I re-watched Disney's Mulan some years ago.

And what are these scriptural references you mention? I'm curious.

I'll post 'em when I have them put together... I'm having to hunt for some of them that I remember but can't place ch/verse.

 

[laska]

I believe they do.

 

[Paschendale]

Personally, I don't imagine that is ALL that they do, not by half. :mrgreen:

But I think they may, at least some of the time, for a period of time until their interest in the world of the living wanes.

So when what else do they do?

 

[clownboy]

I sometimes believe they are, but then in the same moments I'm hoping they're not. :mrgreen:

 

[MMC]

My thought is that within the Journey of Soul.....that the Death of the Physical Body is but the beginning. Why I feel at times they may take the time and have a thought of their past lives. Wherein they may have left a bloodline. Like us after adapting to what the reality of Soul is......with time wherein affecting only us. They move on to what they must face within the Heavens. Planes. Dealing with that which may not be of the Physical realm. As the veil is lifted and the discovery of soul and the lives it has lived comes to fruition.

For some the journey is not complete even after death and again it is my belief until they have taken the path that leads back to which is the Creator of all things. That they will continue on in the That which is of the Physical Realms and the Tree of Life. Now those there may be able to still be directly linked to whom they once were part of. As they have not risen above the Causal Plane of Time and are still on the path, and are still with the Physical planes of heaven.

I do not think that any that were created have ever been destroyed. As Soul is made out of the same thing as the Creator. That In the Journey of Soul that we each live a life in each month of what the Hindus call the Wheel of Awagawan or Wheel of Births and lives. Buddhists call it the Wheel of Samsara. The West calls it the Zodiac and astrology. Lives led as both the masculine and feminine principles of Soul to bring each to it's completeness within the laws that govern such. Until totally complete with union as one. In order to move into the Higher reals of Soul and above the 5th plane and or heaven of the mind. Wherein All is with Soul-form. No sheaths brought forth to the creator, complete and laid whole.

In the journey of Soul it is said it the woman is the Head of man, and man the head of God. In Soul this is as interpreted as to be complete. It takes two which was meant to be having both the feminine and masculine principles that would complete the Soul. In given free will.....that soul must choose to take the path freely and of its own accord.

 

[Goshin]

So when what else do they do?

Fellowship with God, commune with Infinity, cast their minds into the vast corridors of knowlege available in the Beyond; feast on the sublime fruits of the Tree of Life, wrap themselves in joy and serenity as they contemplate the depths of the Cosmos...


... and, y'know, hang out and stuff. :mrgreen:

 

[Goshin]

No, I don't think they're watching over me.

My pastor used to say that IF there were an observation deck in heaven, surely those that passed on were watching the following generations. But, honestly, I don't know anyone (Christians, to be exact) that believes their ancestors are watching over them. The only time it crossed my mind was when I re-watched Disney's Mulan some years ago.

And what are these scriptural references you mention? I'm curious.

I have to wash clothes and cook supper, so in the interests of time I cheated a little and used the Interwebz... sorry. :mrgreen:

First, in (Rev 6:9-11), it seems clear that those in Heaven who are previously
martyred during the Tribulation are fully aware of what is happening on Earth. They
ask the Lord, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our
blood on them that dwell on the earth?" They are aware they were murdered and they
know that those who murdered them have not yet been dealt with.

Second, in (Lk 9:31), during the Transfiguration Of Jesus, when Moses and Elijah
appeared to Jesus, they knew God's plan for Jesus to go to Jerusalem and be
sacrificed for our sins.

Third, it is interesting to note that in (Lk 15:10) it says, ".... there is joy
in the PRESENCE of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." I have always
looked at this as meaning that the angels rejoice when someone repents, but, could
it mean that the saints, who are with the angels in Heaven (in their presence)
rejoice too?

In addition, some people use (Heb 12:1-2) as a proof when it speaks of
Christians running a race and being surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses." It
is said that the witnesses are those in Heaven who are watching us run the race.

 

[Lutherf]

It's really pretty simple. Would you want a picture of mom and dad hanging over your headboard?

 

[Goshin]

It's really pretty simple. Would you want a picture of mom and dad hanging over your headboard?

Depends. With or without those googly-eye things that look like they're following you as you move around? :mrgreen:

 

[Grand Mal]

My wife is half Indian and was raised on the res with an odd mix of Christianity and Indian spiritualism. Her ancestors speak through her in their native language, it's creepy to watch and hear but there it is.

My wife's Metis also. Her Native mother was Catholic but her grandmother gave her that Indian ancestor-worship thing. She often refers to 'the grandmothers and grandfathers' in places where a Christian would use the word 'God'.

 

[nota bene]

Curious as to what other religious or spiritual-minded folks think about this question:

Are your deceased ancestors watching over you from the afterlife? Do you think about this sometimes, often, never? How do you feel about that? Do you believe they can have any influence on your life?


I am a Christian, and I do believe our ancestors may be watching over us to some degree, and possibly even advocating on our behalf to God. I have some scriptual references for why I believe that, but a lot of it is based more on experiences and dreams I've had about departed loved ones.

We are, to a large degree, the end product of our family lines, of the good and bad that our ancestors passed on to our parents and to us. We owe them a lot, for good or ill.

This came to mind yesterday, when I took note of something my son does. He carries a silver dollar in his wallet that belonged to his Grandfather, my Dad. As well as being a rememberance and a "luck piece", when he finds himself unable to make a decision about something after all reasonable efforts to decide via cogitation (and/or consultation with his LIVING elders) over a period of time have failed, he takes that silver dollar out and flips it... says he feels that his Grandfather will make sure it lands on the right decision.

To be honest, that brought a tear to my eye. My Dad was a wise man, and many is the time in recent years I've thought how much I'd give to be able to confer with him before making a major decision.


It's a little quirky, I know... but its something he only does after much thought and discussion, having narrowed his choices down to the two best ideas available, when he finds he cannot choose between them.



Is this something you think about ever? Have any stories about how you think an ancestor or departed loved one was watching over you? Carry a remembrance of them you consider lucky?




(Remember: Religion forum. Respectful civility pls.)

Well, Goshin, I believe every word of the Apostles Creed and the "communion of saints," so yes, I am hopeful that my loved ones who've gone home are praying for me and mine.

 

[digsbe]

I believe that after death people are judged and sent to heaven or hell. I do not think any ancestors in hell would be able to observe/watch over us. I don't necessarily think that ancestors in heaven watch over us either, but I do think that sometimes God may allow those in heaven to interact with us on earth as had happened a few times in the Bible. I think for the most part that they do not watch over us but I don't think it's impossible or that it has never happened.

 

[mbadii]

Here is my understanding of this topic from the perspective of the Baha'i Faith expressed poorly by yours truly:

1) Essence of man is his spirit which is not bound by time or space;
2) There are infinite worlds of God. This physical/material world serves as the first world for the human soul/spirit to "develop". In this world our bodies act as the instrument for the development/growth of our spirit;
3) All the worlds of God are within each other. Eg the mineral "kingdom" is within the same world as that of man but because it lacks the faculties needed it is incapable of "properly" seeing/hearing/understanding the "kingdom" above it. The same is with all the worlds of God.
4) The closer the spirit of a departed soul is to God, the more powerful and capable he is in that world. Example given is that of the baby in the mother's womb who develops limbs and organs for use in this world. Not developing those limbs and organs could severely limit the capabilities of the baby in this world. The same with us in this world. The limbs and organs needed for next world are: knowledge of God, love of God, good intention and good action.
5) In all the worlds of God, spiritual progress is essential which means movement towards God and acquiring more of his virtues ==> so all are busy!
6) Each world needs to be experienced with the faculties given for that world. In other words one should not make effort to reach/communicate with the next world(s);
7) Those close to God in the next world can influence this world, even great discoveries and beautiful works of art are influences from those souls.
8) All departed souls retain their experiences and memories from this world;
9) All departed souls can pray for us as we can pray for them;
10) Those close to God in the next world can assist anyone in this world (through the mercy of God)
11) One should pray for ones ancestors each day which brings greater blessings for the one praying!

So to summarise: when I turn to them for assistance they do help but I do not try to forget about God either!

 

[lizzie]

Curious as to what other religious or spiritual-minded folks think about this question:

Are your deceased ancestors watching over you from the afterlife? Do you think about this sometimes, often, never? How do you feel about that? Do you believe they can have any influence on your life?


I am a Christian, and I do believe our ancestors may be watching over us to some degree, and possibly even advocating on our behalf to God. I have some scriptual references for why I believe that, but a lot of it is based more on experiences and dreams I've had about departed loved ones.

We are, to a large degree, the end product of our family lines, of the good and bad that our ancestors passed on to our parents and to us. We owe them a lot, for good or ill.

This came to mind yesterday, when I took note of something my son does. He carries a silver dollar in his wallet that belonged to his Grandfather, my Dad. As well as being a rememberance and a "luck piece", when he finds himself unable to make a decision about something after all reasonable efforts to decide via cogitation (and/or consultation with his LIVING elders) over a period of time have failed, he takes that silver dollar out and flips it... says he feels that his Grandfather will make sure it lands on the right decision.

To be honest, that brought a tear to my eye. My Dad was a wise man, and many is the time in recent years I've thought how much I'd give to be able to confer with him before making a major decision.


It's a little quirky, I know... but its something he only does after much thought and discussion, having narrowed his choices down to the two best ideas available, when he finds he cannot choose between them.



Is this something you think about ever? Have any stories about how you think an ancestor or departed loved one was watching over you? Carry a remembrance of them you consider lucky?




(Remember: Religion forum. Respectful civility pls.)

Interesting thoughts and questions, Goshin. I haven't lost that many ancestors which I knew well. I lost my father, my son, and my husband. They have all been devastating losses, and I haven't (so far) come upon a decision to make, that I felt really ambivalent about. That being said, I like to hope that they can somehow, somewhere, sense me still, in some manner, and at some level, and the tears I have shed could fill a large river, or so it seems.

I do hold onto a few of their personal belongings, just to have something tangible to connect me to them in an "earthly" manner. These items are mostly to keep the losses fresh in my mind, and in my heart, and never let me lose the feelings that I had/have for them as time goes on, and the acute pain lessens.

 

[lizzie]

My thought is that within the Journey of Soul.....that the Death of the Physical Body is but the beginning. Why I feel at times they may take the time and have a thought of their past lives. Wherein they may have left a bloodline. Like us after adapting to what the reality of Soul is......with time wherein affecting only us. They move on to what they must face within the Heavens. Planes. Dealing with that which may not be of the Physical realm. As the veil is lifted and the discovery of soul and the lives it has lived comes to fruition.

For some the journey is not complete even after death and again it is my belief until they have taken the path that leads back to which is the Creator of all things. That they will continue on in the That which is of the Physical Realms and the Tree of Life. Now those there may be able to still be directly linked to whom they once were part of. As they have not risen above the Causal Plane of Time and are still on the path, and are still with the Physical planes of heaven.

I do not think that any that were created have ever been destroyed. As Soul is made out of the same thing as the Creator. That In the Journey of Soul that we each live a life in each month of what the Hindus call the Wheel of Awagawan or Wheel of Births and lives. Buddhists call it the Wheel of Samsara. The West calls it the Zodiac and astrology. Lives led as both the masculine and feminine principles of Soul to bring each to it's completeness within the laws that govern such. Until totally complete with union as one. In order to move into the Higher reals of Soul and above the 5th plane and or heaven of the mind. Wherein All is with Soul-form. No sheaths brought forth to the creator, complete and laid whole.

In the journey of Soul it is said it the woman is the Head of man, and man the head of God. In Soul this is as interpreted as to be complete. It takes two which was meant to be having both the feminine and masculine principles that would complete the Soul. In given free will.....that soul must choose to take the path freely and of its own accord.

Wow- fascinating stuff MMC. Seriously.

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

I don't believe so. But I wonder sometimes about the mark death leaves on the living world.

I don't think that has to be something supernatural; perhaps just something we don't understand, or perhaps just in my head. But I have seen such "marks" a time or two. The mind, as it were, is energy and electricity. What, if anything, does that become? What does it leave in the soil, in the air?

I don't claim to know. Perhaps nothing. Perhaps grief makes me see things I want to see. Perhaps not.

It's an interesting thought exercise, but I don't commit to explanations on things I have no way of understanding. But thinking about it, observing it, does help death seem more familiar and more like part of life rather than something outside my living world.

 

[nota bene]

Interesting thoughts and questions, Goshin. I haven't lost that many ancestors which I knew well. I lost my father, my son, and my husband. They have all been devastating losses, and I haven't (so far) come upon a decision to make, that I felt really ambivalent about. That being said, I like to hope that they can somehow, somewhere, sense me still, in some manner, and at some level, and the tears I have shed could fill a large river, or so it seems.

I do hold onto a few of their personal belongings, just to have something tangible to connect me to them in an "earthly" manner. These items are mostly to keep the losses fresh in my mind, and in my heart, and never let me lose the feelings that I had/have for them as time goes on, and the acute pain lessens.

That's the irony, Lizzie--realizing that you don't want to forget, despite the pain.

Every time I go to a cemetery, I wonder how many oceans have tears have flooded them, sigh.

 

[lizzie]

That's the irony, Lizzie--realizing that you don't want to forget, despite the pain.

That is the great stuff that life is made of, nota bene. Every pain breaks your heart, and if you allow it to do so, it softens you a little bit at a time, to the point that you can love, in spite of the pain. There are times when it is difficult just to want to go on.

 

[nota bene]

That reminds my of a great hymn lyric: "I will break their hearts of stone/Give them hearts for love alone" (From "Here Am I").