OH MY GOD ITS ALL THE SAME ENDORSEMENTS:
Pamela Jaye Smith, Founder of Mythworks, author of “Inner Drives” and “The Power of the Dark Side”
”Written in a personal and very moving style, Dr. Schram's book offers insights from great thinkers and philosophies about the nature of reality and the unity of existence. His own perspective is joyous and he points delightedly to ways we ourselves can discover and live joy. Citing many sources, from mystic Judaism to Native American shamanism to Hindu philosophy, and more, Schram proves his point that not only is everything connected but that our perceptions and teachings from varied times and places reflect each other as well. Having read the Old Testament many times as a young Christian and later as a comparative mythologist, I was surprised and intrigued at his explanations of many of the stories. His psychological insights offer deep illustrative interpretations to the old Bible tales. A rich collection of quotes from diverse thinkers enriches and illustrates his points about the nature of reality and our place in it.
Ancient philosophy, quantum physics, ageless wisdom, and a charming sense of humor all combine in "Oh My God" to offer you an entertaining read, an informative overview of philosophies, and a personal perspective that inspires you to find, know, and become your true self and live life to the fullest.”
Ken Levy Esq. Trustee Yoga Society of New York:
"This passionate exploration of higher self, the divine and the earthly life are the product of inner work, guided by the great traditions and teachers. It is a marvelous, lucid account of one human's spiritual journey, laden with wisdom and inspiration. What sets this book apart is the wondrous, buoyant way in which the author conveys the richness and sacredness of living."
Rabbi Gershon Winkler, Author of: “Magic of the Ordinary” and “Recovering the Shamanic in Judaism”
“Wow…What a book! A brilliant mixing of ingredients representing the life wisdom of numerous ancient spirit paths blended into a perfect mix of many into one. Dr. Schram demonstrates with clarity and passion how the innate wisdom of all humans, regardless of their belief systems, is One. Not necessarily the Same, but definitely One. Sound paradoxical? Read this great book. If everyone did, friend and foe alike, the term "foe" would become obsolete in an instant.”
INTRODUCTION From "Oh my God it is all the Same!"
My journey into the world of the spirit began unceremoniously and unconsciously in early childhood as I spent countless hours alone in my room entertaining myself. When my toys stopped entertaining me I turned to my thoughts. Through my thoughts I learned about rethinking reality: taking journeys to unknown locations, imaging, fugue states, and becoming a part of what I was thinking; i.e., trans-dimensional travel. Other then amusing myself, I really did not fully comprehend exactly what I was doing. What I did know as the years went by, was that my fantasy world was not admired or respected by other people who viewed me as a poor listener, detached, and a ‘space cadet.’ I have learned the hard way that this perception of me was, and still is, although to a lesser extent today, well deserved. Then and now I need to focus and concentrate when other people are talking to me, when I am attending a class or lecture, when I am reading, and when I am socializing with family and friends.
When I reached the magical age of fifty, my sons were grown, and I was divorced and depressed. I had devoted so much time and energy to raising a family, needless worrying, and work that I had lost touch with who I was and what I wanted from life. Once I received help and the depression lifted I was able to focus my attention on me. My journey back to the world of the spirit began anew through meditation and yoga at first in the Kundalini tradition and then in the Kripalu Hatha tradition. I quickly learned that my ‘space cadet’ habits, viewed as a liability in most western cultures, were a respected asset among spiritual practitioners in the west and the east. By daily meditation I was able to connect with what was always mine…me! Each day I became more clear about who I was and what I wanted. The joyful uninhibited happy laughter of my youth returned as a part of who I am, and how I present myself to the world. I explored and experienced the traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Native American Lakota, and aboriginal cultures before returning to my roots in Judaism. Everything became clear to me and I was able to become a better listener, although fifty plus years of ‘space cadet’ behavior did not go away completely. I learned it is all about the journey, not the destination. I learned it is all about attitude and my glass of living is always half full. I learned it is all about our connection to the greater whole, and my connection to Nature and the Cosmos is deep. I learned that I came from formless energy and will return to formless energy. I learned that G-d created everything and is everything and I have had the privilege and gift of being in His presence. I learned that this dimension, our reality, is an illusion, albeit an important and beautiful one. I learned that our true being is eternally interconnected with all collective truth. I learned that as a Jew my role in this manifestation is to heal the world.
I have been reading, studying, collecting information, and experiencing the power of the spiritual world quite seriously since 1995. As I reviewed and compiled my information and experiences over many years, I was moved to write this book. The incredible symmetry of everything, from such vastly different cultures, religions, and sciences became self-evident to me as I wrote. That is not to say that I have scientifically proven without a shadow of doubt that everything is in symmetry. What I have intuitively proven to myself is that everything is interconnected. It continues to be a beautiful journey and I am certain that more connection and writings will come in the future. Whatever the topic, similar or analogous thoughts and actions are always there to be found, it is simply a matter of us knowing how to access them. Finding an appropriate book title is always an interesting adventure. I bounced ideas around with friends and loved ones in hope of making the perfect match. I came up with a list: The Symmetry of Everything; Maximize Connectiveness by Living in the Divine; Unification of Everything; Maximize Life by Unifying Everything; Maximize Life by Living your Dream; Row Row Row Your Boat, Life is but a Dream; Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Life is but a Dream; The Soul is Real...Life is a Dream; Self-Hood is Fantasy...Connection is the Real Deal! Then the day before Memorial Day, my original guru of the spirit, Mahan Richi Khalsa held his annual Peace Picnic at his home in Princeton Junction. We had a good talk and since I had not seen him in many months I told him about the book in hopes of hearing his ideas about a title. As I explained my journey, experientially and through writing, I mentioned all the 'Eureka’s' I had, especially about sameness, oneness, and connection. No matter what culture, religion, or science I studied the conclusions about the universe and creation were all the same, although expressed in different terminology. My words to him, as I explained my findings, were, "Oh my G-d, its all the same!" and his immediate retort was: "That’s your title!" As I have discovered, we each already have all that we need, we just need the right circumstance and environment to access both the answers and the questions. It almost always comes with the facilitation/assistance of others. I hope your journey in reading this book will assist you to reconnect to that which you have always been