Oh, surely science can ferret out even the most arcane spiritual element! I believe we should use the tool of science, Leo, like a magnifying glass - to illuminate every aspect of our own reality. Worship science? Of course not!

Science is not religion, even though it may seem that way at times. The Buddha approached religion scientifically. His suggestion was to start walking the path - the same path that all true religions call upon us to walk - and to see for ouselves the difference it makes in our lives. A very scientific approach to a very subjective situation!

As for your ghost, Dreamboat, I can say that I have seen him. It was the ghost of a long lost friend, and I met him in a lucid dream! It was a truly profound experience for me, knowing that my friend was there for me at such a difficult time. I can certainly say that I believe in ghosts today - without question. Was my ghost simply a memory, congured from the soup of my unconciousness? Or did he come to me from the outside? I doubt that I will know for sure in this life. Even so, I will always subject my experiences to the magnifying glass of objective scrutiny.

I have been "slamming" my "comfort beliefs" now for over a year (since the loss of another very close friend), with nearly devastating results for me, personally. I almost went off the deep end, but I emerged with a new set of beliefs. No doubt, my beliefs will continue to change. I feel this is good, however. After all, the only thing we can depend on is change...