• 882 replies
    marye
    Joined:
    In one of the other topics, one of the folks seemed not to be so sure of the reception he'd get for saying he was a youth minister at his church. In my experience, Deadheads span the full spectrum from Agnostic to Zoroastrian. I've met atheist Deadheads, Muslim Deadheads, Buddhist Deadheads, Catholic Deadheads, Jewish Deadheads, and Wiccan Deadheads. My Deadhead friends are all over the map on this stuff, and as far as I'm concerned one of the real richnesses of the scene is the ability to see how things look to other folks and, sometimes, experience it from their world. Believe it if you need it, if you don't, just pass it on. But talk about it here, and please maintain a safe respectful place to do so.

Comments

sort by
Recent
Reset
  • johnman
    Joined:
    prayers
    hopin' ta get some prayers from folks here.......got a job interview tomorrow and need all the help i can get!!!! , bless you all...........by whatever deity you prefer, christ has been wathchin' ove ME anyways....thank you all for whatever time you can spare!!
  • Gypsy Cowgirl
    Joined:
    ps
    ps-like I said from the start (I think on this forum) my old friend I worked w/ @ Winterland always said "Sunday night with the Grateful Dead is a religious experience" seemed it always was, too- the walls sweated, it got so hot in there.........xxooxoxo Gypsy Cowgirl
  • Gypsy Cowgirl
    Joined:
    Sounds Good, TL
    sounds good to me, I'll add it into our "new found" religion.........xoxoxo Gypsy Cowgirl
  • TigerLilly
    Joined:
    Like it
    t.g.s. "Sitting in a comfy chair listening to the dead" sounds like a peaceful religion indeed. Right up there with Gypsy and her converts' praying style. Hey Cowgirl-how bout adding that too?********************************** Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you will still exist, but you have ceased to live. Samuel Clemens
  • the government sucks
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    Sitting in a comfy chair
    Ive spent a lot of time trying to find a religion that suited me and what seemed right to me. But I dont think anything has felt as right or as spiritual as this kick ass band has made my life. Im fine with people going to church or mosques or whatever but Im happy to just sit in a comfy chair and listen to the dead.So thanks a bunch Grateful Dead
  • PAPPYPGH
    Joined:
    NICE!!! Free Idea!
    Free Idea -I LOVE that post and the question is wonderfully thought-provoking!!! I love this kinda conversation...okay, here's my response: I would not say that the energy I speak of is necessarily "intelligent" per se. I believe it all evolved from a 'big bang.' I truly think evolution is the root of it all, so I'm on board w/ Darwinism. You probably detect a smidgen of Buddhism in there, too. BUT, I believe that there are people who are WAY more 'in tune' to the energy that flows all around and can use it in amazing ways. I believe there are people that are using it in amazing ways without barely even trying - they're just born like that (i.e., Alex Smith - although I believe he works every day at getting more and more in tune with it). As far as the 'origin' of intelligence & ideas, well that's simply evolution, my friend! At it's finest. We ARE the most evolved species on this planet (according to our measurements and definitions of 'evolved', I guess!), so free will, free ideas(!) and the like are coming from our wonderfully evolved brains, emotions and minds. The suspension of all belief systems to experience reality - DIG IT. That's basically like clearing your mind of all thoughts and just 'being'. I wish I could do that on a constant basis. I am not that 'evolved' yet, I guess! ;) Unfortunately, I fall prey too easily to the things that surround me....the job, the bills, etc. I love when I can just BE - especially with my wife & kids... Thanks for that - first thing in the morning for me, too!!! :) ~ Pappy www.theCAUSEjams.com "Once in a while you can get shown the light in the strangest of places, if you look at it right." - Robert Hunter
  • free idea
    Joined:
    hey pappy
    hey pappy, i'm wondering about how you deal withor explain intelligence in your belief system. i think i followed your theory pretty well, but if you were a physicist, i'd be asking how you explained gravity. since you have espoused this particular belief system, i have always wondered how this system explains the source and motion of intelligence and ideas. do you believe this energy to be intelligent? does your belief deal with the possible source or origin of this so-called 'energy'? as one of infinite number of belief systems, this one has its merits, but, ultimately, i prefer the suspension of all belief systems as the way to experience reality, would you agree? sincerely, free idea ---'never prank a truster'----
  • Hal R
    Joined:
    Rumi and the Grateful Dead
    Nice post Brick in Oz. You got it. I can dance to this kind of spirituality. If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
  • c_c
    Joined:
    pappy oh pappy
    pappy oh pappy no need to shut up, unless that is what you want to do, man. I certainly am not getting, nor never was, pissed off a bout this. I failed reading comprehension, and I dont know the rules of paraphrasing v. quoting. just like I said, I made a mistake, seeing the car sales man thing in the middle of the Carlin gag, not recognizing that bit, thinking it was you. like I said, soorry I fucked up. intelligent, me? nah. I'm way below the fold, and lots of creases in that fold to boot. others here, intelligent, you betcha. me? my lips get tired from reading too much. maybe I need to see that intro to your post just one more time so I can really get it. ( -: peace.
  • Gypsy Cowgirl
    Joined:
    Pappy, oh, Pappy
    yes, I did read your post & love how you put the quote from George Carlin. He hit it really on the nail! xoxo Gypsy Cowgirl
user picture

Member for

17 years 5 months
Forums
In one of the other topics, one of the folks seemed not to be so sure of the reception he'd get for saying he was a youth minister at his church. In my experience, Deadheads span the full spectrum from Agnostic to Zoroastrian. I've met atheist Deadheads, Muslim Deadheads, Buddhist Deadheads, Catholic Deadheads, Jewish Deadheads, and Wiccan Deadheads. My Deadhead friends are all over the map on this stuff, and as far as I'm concerned one of the real richnesses of the scene is the ability to see how things look to other folks and, sometimes, experience it from their world. Believe it if you need it, if you don't, just pass it on. But talk about it here, and please maintain a safe respectful place to do so.
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

Hey, great name there brother-sister.I hope that one of the enduring legacies of Fare Thee Well is that no one has to treat being a Deadhead as a contradiction to any other aspect of their life. When more non-Heads realize how many Head have been living in their midst all these years, they might start to recognize the common traits in them.
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

The blue moon this weekend makes me look back.: 5 young adults in my extended family went to FTW there with their Deadhead parents (not exactly dragged there). Each came away ready to confess: There is NOTHING like a Grateful Dead concert. The full sensory immersion, plus the overflowing love, peace and harmony shown by everyone there, did much more than would any amount of listening to recordings. But full credit to the band, to continue to experiment and innovate, to improvise new music in front of a massive crowd which did have its skeptics. Morgan40, I read the article you link below. There is unquestionably a message of hope and redemption running through the Dead music, but it would be too much to say that it is only draws on Biblical influences (which I know you did not). In the same way, I would not want anyone to think that my avatar implies I see a unique link between my faith and Dead-ism. That’s not any more true of my stealie than someone who inserts their favorite team logo on the Face.
user picture

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

what`s your religion. Music takes your spirit and gives you wings so you can soar upt to heaven if you want to.I`m very grateful to the spirits that my baby-grandson , born July 31 - two days ago - is healthy and so beautiful........
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 3 months
Permalink

amen, amen. Thanks for your note, Graceful Dead. I feel very blessed by the Fare Thee Well event. I was fortunate enough to fly into the states and attend the last night. It was a bit sad to say good-bye, but really i feel like the music means as much to us now, and can lead us to shine our love lights into the future. Know our love will not fade away. Hey, btw... did you happen to see the following article??? http://www.patheos.com/blogs/religionnow/2015/07/once-in-a-while-you-ge… Peace be with you and yours, a sister down under
user picture

Member for

17 years
Permalink

Turn around and I'll be there like a road leading home.We are everywhere⚡️
user picture

Member for

17 years
Permalink

Heard Phil yell that after Box of Rain encore 12-18-93 Oakland col. Great show!!
user picture

Member for

16 years
Permalink

I'm In Adelaide. I was lucky enough to see both Santa Clara shows. It was bittersweet saying goodbye to the guys as a group, but we can't say goodbye to the Music. What they started 50 years ago is still evolving, and will continue to as the legitimate genre it has become. Thanks, Guys! See you at Bluesfest, loveandpeace (Sat Tedesci Trucks, Lucas Nelson and Promise of the Real, and Joe Bonnamassa)
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

9 years 3 months
Permalink

I'm in Melbourne. We're an American family with three children, who came here four years ago. I was blessed to attend the last night in Chicago... my original hometown. It was a beautiful night, spent with folks from tour 20+ years ago. I have to admit that i felt both inspired and sad after the shows. The spirit of the shows lingered for weeks and i was completely blown away by how the music and the vibe of a show was just as relevant and important for me now, as it was back then. In fact, it felt like it had just been too, too long. We need that music, and i think you are right... it's so important, that it will evolve and stay alive. anyways... i'll have the check out bluesfest. Any music suggestions are welcome, as i haven't got a clue down here. Peace be with you and yours, jennifer
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

Three observations about the infectious lilt that is the pace of Grateful Dead music (and that gives Deadheads their characteristic walk while listening to Jehovah's favorite choir). John Mayer said that the pace of Dead music made him notice how different it was from "everything ..processed and quantized and gridded out – to hear 'Tennessee Jed' played with that lope.." And in Kreutzman's recent interviews he stated that one of the main lessons he learned from Garcia about music was to play "a really full four beats. Don't rush to the end of the bar". Finally, learning that the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds have joined the Giants in planning Grateful Dead nights (thanks for the tip from Holly Hiker), makes me speculate that a steady, measured pace of things might make for more overlap between Dead fans and baseball fans than there is with football fans. I'm runnin', but I take my time.
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

You know who I mean. For their unrivaled track record of creativity and innovation, continuing even today, in light and sound. For the highest level of musicianship, sustained over many decades. For the breadth and durability of their own songbook. For their lively and invigorating interpretation of the traditional American songbook. And of course the testimony of the fan base, who the word "loyal" does not begin to describe. No other band has ever had anything like that following, neither in their heyday nor continuing so long, long after.
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

A mighty giant had laid down to join his ancestors. But he fell across the trail in the Pacific rain forest that we were hiking on. The forest service cut the tree to re-open the path, and left the fresh face of the trunk at about eye level, leaning up the hill side where it fell. The outer edge of the bark was a deep rust color, and the color had been seeping down in the month or so since it fell. In successive rings, though, the inner core had brighter and brighter tones, until the central core was virtually white. And centered there was a pattern that resembled a tree in outline, with a great canopy spread above the center point, and a vast root system below. At the well spring of life for that large creature was the very idea of Tree, the Form of what each tree of its kind should be. Though this particular embodiment of that concept was now to begin its very prolonged decay, it is succeeded by many, many others which sprang from the same source. Or maybe I am projecting my feelings about my father in his decline.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Sounds like compassion ,pouring out of the pores. Very Beautiful, THANK YOU ,GOD BLESS .
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

PEACE ,TOO AWL,KEEP ON TRUCKIN. YEAH, LOV LIFE !
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WAIT,THEY REALLY DO ,EASIER SAID THEN DONE I KNOW ,BEING AS ONE WITH IN IS A GOAL,YOU CAN ALWAYS UP,WERE EVER YOU GET YOUR ENERGY FROM ,BE GRATEFUL!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Going thought some hard times ,same as everybody else ,just looking around,man its a different world,been sleepin,lol lol ,wake up tomarrow ,[spellings bad]lol.PEACE.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

English!LOL
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

I do hope that what sounded like a very good night for you did not turn in to a bad day come morning.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

All is Good,All is Well,opened up a couple more doors, Thanks for Asking, Hows things on your end?
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

Thanks for asking, 1973. My Dad died two weeks ago; myself and my siblings were at his side, trying to comfort his passage. We can always wish that the inevitable will be put off a little longer, but his very long, very fruitful life had finally run its course. All of his 15 young adult grandchildren participated in his funeral (and two great-grandchildren delighted the very large crowd that gathered). One grandson did him proud, and moved everyone in attendance, by reading a passage from Saul of Tarsus: "Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you." What more could you want?
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

Very sorry for your loss.....it is never easy.....it sounds like your dads memory was honored and will continue to be.
user picture

Member for

9 years 5 months
Permalink

I'm sorry. May God's peace be with you and your family. What God did in Saul's life, renaming him Paul, is amazing. HE can change us all one person at a time.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Im truly sorry for your loss,Saul to Paul,WoW, Strenth,Love,God Bless...
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Prayers With You ...
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

17 years 4 months
Permalink

Thank You !!!
user picture

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

It is my impression that a high percentage of Dead Heads are 5-for-5 on the beliefs that William James lists in his 1902 book "The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature" as the "characteristics of religious life": 1. That the visible world is part of a more spiritual universe from which it draws its chief significance; 2. That union or harmonious relation with that higher universe is our true end; 3. That prayer or inner communion with the spirit thereof—be that spirit 'God' or 'law'—is a process wherein work is really done, and spiritual energy flows in and produces effects, psychological or material, within the phenomenal world. 4. A new zest which adds itself like a gift to life, and takes the form either of lyrical enchantment or of appeal to earnestness and heroism. 5. An assurance of safety and a temper of peace, and, in relation to others, a preponderance of loving affections.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

13 years 8 months
Permalink

Tom you hit the nail on the head, those words ring true here. glad that you are enjoying your new musical stash.... please pay it forward...