tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13759186053926463772024-03-13T14:13:01.715-06:00Pearls of Inner Significance"The heavenly teachings are expressed in parable in order to be understood and preserved for ages to come. When the spiritually minded dive deeply into the ocean of their meaning they bring to the surface the pearls of their inner significance. There is no greater pleasure than to study God's Word with a spiritual mind." - Abdu'l-BahaJustin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-77238434804355870152012-12-31T13:13:00.004-07:002012-12-31T13:17:25.660-07:00What a ONEderful World<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4JKD1tdMjH8/UOHxJDhUOLI/AAAAAAAAARc/M50G2Hj-9y4/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4JKD1tdMjH8/UOHxJDhUOLI/AAAAAAAAARc/M50G2Hj-9y4/s1600/th.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I see ONE WORLD. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A world in crisis...a world in pain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A world in flux...focused on gain.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I see ONE RACE. The HUMAN RACE.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lost in greed...drowning in sorrow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jaded...no thought for tomorrow.<br />
<br />
But then I think to myself...<br />
<br />
I see ONE WORLD.<br />
A world of love...a world of hope.<br />
A world determined...a world of growth.<br />
<br />
I see ONE RACE. The HUMAN RACE.<br />
Reaching out...striving to see.<br />
Searching for peace...and finding unity.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I think to myself, what a ONEderful world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
~ Justin Johnson</div>
<br />
</div>
</div>
So as we end one year and take a look back and begin a new year and take a look forward, what do YOU see? <br />
<br />
Honestly, I almost made this post extremely syrupy and sappy and I even found a video of children singing the original "What A Wonderful World" which was beautiful and touching, but then I thought it just felt like more of the same. As does this past year. More of the same. What are we going to do NEW this year that will really make a difference? What are we going to CHANGE about the way we approach our lives and each other? <br />
<br />
Every time there have been HUGE changes in the world in the past it has been due to religion. Sometimes bad changes, but more often very positive ones that changed society for the better. Fr. Albert Luna makes some recommendations in the following video which I completely endorse and agree with wholeheartedly. <br />
<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="fullSize=0&dataURL=http%3A//www.globalonenessproject.org/media/meta&videoId=83" height="281" src="http://www.globalonenessproject.org/media/gop-player.swf" width="500"></embed><br />
<br />
To me, we are at a crossroads and have been for some time. This world is ONE world. All the people in it are ONE people. And they all worship ONE God in different ways. Why does that have to be so offensive? We are ONE and we are all created by the same God. We have got to start recognizing that, digesting it and reevaluating how we approach life on this planet and our relationships with each other. We are all one. We KNOW this...it's been said for decades, if not centuries. But it has become more clear now than ever before. We have GOT to stop giving lip service to the concept and start ACTING on it. <br />
<br />
As a race of people, we have got to start ADJUSTING to this new world we have found ourselves in. The time is gone where we can turn a blind eye to the misfortunes of others and say "Oh well, that's not my problem". That obviously does not fly in this new global economy and it never will. <br />
<br />
Every person we come across has the DIVINE within them. And that is where I am going to start. My New Years Resolution is to really SEE THAT in every single person I can come across and then treat them accordingly.<br />
<br />
So who's with me? What's YOUR New Years Resolution that will help change the world? <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<hr />
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"You must manifest complete love and affection toward all mankind. Do not exalt yourselves above others, but consider all as your equals, recognizing them as the servants of one God. Know that God is compassionate toward all; therefore, love all from the depths of your hearts, prefer all religionists before yourselves, be filled with love for every race, and be kind toward the people of all nationalities. Never speak disparagingly of others, but praise without distinction. Pollute not your tongues by speaking evil of another. Recognize your enemies as friends, and consider those who wish you evil as the wishers of good. You must not see evil as evil and then compromise with your opinion, for to treat in a smooth, kindly way one whom you consider evil or an enemy is hypocrisy, and this is not worthy or allowable. You must consider your enemies as your friends, look upon your evil-wishers as your well-wishers and treat them accordingly. Act in such a way that your heart may be free from hatred. Let not your heart be offended with anyone. If some one commits an error and wrong toward you, you must instantly forgive him. Do not complain of others. Refrain from reprimanding them, and if you wish to give admonition or advice, let it be offered in such a way that it will not burden the bearer. Turn all your thoughts toward bringing joy to hearts. Beware! Beware! lest ye offend any heart. Assist the world of humanity as much as possible. Be the source of consolation to every sad one, assist every weak one, be helpful to every indigent one, care for every sick one, be the cause of glorification to every lowly one, and shelter those who are overshadowed by fear." ~ Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 452<br />
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<hr />
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." ~ King James Bible, Ephesians 4:4-6<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr />
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." ~ King James Bible, Ephesians 4:31 - 5:2<br />
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<hr />
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Unity of heart, and unity of mind, freedom from hatred, do I procure for you. Do ye take delight in one another, as a cow in her (new-) born calf!<br />
The son shall be devoted to his father, be of the same mind with his mother; the wife shall speak honied, sweet, words to her husband!<br />
The brother shall not hate the brother, and the sister not the sister! Harmonious, devoted to the same purpose, speak ye words in kindly spirit!" ~ Vedas, Atharva Veda<br />
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<hr />
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him: and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: for Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious" The Qur'an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 4<br />
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<hr />
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The utterance of God is a lamp, whose light is these words: Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship. He Who is the Daystar of Truth beareth Me witness! So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth. The One true God, He Who knoweth all things, Himself testifieth to the truth of these words." ~ Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 14</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-18518861812636564252012-12-24T13:39:00.001-07:002012-12-24T15:54:12.190-07:00Your plan VS. His Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkyZ1i-IWhc/TmO8ZMhU3SI/AAAAAAAAAN8/PhSh1OSwhY0/s1600/Person-Rain1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkyZ1i-IWhc/TmO8ZMhU3SI/AAAAAAAAAN8/PhSh1OSwhY0/s400/Person-Rain1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” ~ Dalai Lama</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
Many times in life I find that I am not necessarily happy with the way things are going or have gone. I have regrets, misgivings, fears for the future, anger, resentment and doubt. Why didn't things go as I had hoped? Why didn't I get the exciting new job in New Zealand or the project assignment I wanted at work? What's wrong with me? Am I not good enough, smart enough? Worthy enough?<br />
<br />
Woe is me, right? Right.....<br />
<br />
No, not right. Not right at all. I believe in making plans. I believe in striving for success. I believe in making efforts. I believe in putting myself out there and following my bliss. But I do <strong><em><u>not</u></em></strong> believe that my trifling little plans are necessarily what is best for me. In the heat of the moment I may be disappointed or get caught up in the "woulda, coulda, shoulda"s, but do I really know what is best? Just because I want my life to head in a certain direction does not mean that is the way my life is going to go, or that it <strong><em><u>should</u></em></strong> go.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tuP8aEF0pI/UNiInNCF0eI/AAAAAAAAARE/aN8zYwhrIgQ/s1600/guidance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tuP8aEF0pI/UNiInNCF0eI/AAAAAAAAARE/aN8zYwhrIgQ/s320/guidance.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I believe there is a Higher Power with infinitely greater wisdom than I who truly wants what is best for me. The challenge is recognizing that, believing in it and maintaining my faith in His Will rather than my own. As I mentioned earlier, I do not believe that means sitting around waiting for something divine to happen. It means striving towards goals, <strong><em><u>while remaining detached from the results</u></em></strong> and recognizing the futility in hoping and wishing things were different than what they are.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong - I believe in free will - that is where our actions and focus come in - what are we striving for? We have the free will to strive for whatever we want. The challenge comes when we strive and we strive and we feel as if we are never reaping the fruits of our labor, right? What gets in our way? Could be God. Could be our own warped perceptions. Honestly, it may be irrelevant.<br />
<br />
In my opinion, it is a matter of focus. If I completely and unreservedly let the Divine (as always, whatever that means to you) in my life <strong><em><u>as a part of my striving</u></em></strong>, then I am connecting myself with my Source. To me that means seeing the Divine in others (Namaste) and being of service to humanity - that is how I show Him love. And if I can maintain that, I will be the better for it. A quote from the Bahá'í Faith states "Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee." I absolutely love that saying, it's so incredibly deep and important - pause and ponder it for a bit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJMEPrPqGDg/UNiIsTyt_KI/AAAAAAAAARM/uEnSrTyK8Mo/s1600/gods-protection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJMEPrPqGDg/UNiIsTyt_KI/AAAAAAAAARM/uEnSrTyK8Mo/s320/gods-protection.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I wrote a three part blog post along this same vein a couple of years ago that I'm really proud of, Water Park Wisdom. (You can read them here: <a href="http://pearlsofinnersignificance.blogspot.com/2010/09/water-park-wisdom.html" target="_blank">Water Park Wisdom #1</a> <a href="http://pearlsofinnersignificance.blogspot.com/2010/09/water-park-wisdom-part-2-of-3.html" target="_blank">Water Park Wisdom #2</a> <a href="http://pearlsofinnersignificance.blogspot.com/2010/09/water-park-wisdom-part-3-of-3.html" target="_blank">Water Park Wisdom #3</a>) Those posts really describe in detail the feelings I have about this subject and the intricacies involved. When <strong><em><u>do</u></em></strong> we let go and let God? Why do we flail about so much trying and trying to accomplish that which may not even need our focus or attention? And why in the world would we question Him or rush the process he has put in place for our life?<br />
<br />
As always, here are some quotes from various religious traditions on this subject:<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"O SON OF BEING! Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant." ~ Baha'u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed." ~ King James Bible, 1 Chronicles 22:12-13</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"The retina of outer vision, though sensitive and delicate, may, nevertheless, be a hindrance to the inner eye which alone can perceive. The bestowals of God which are manifest in all phenomenal life are sometimes hidden by intervening veils of mental and mortal vision which render man spiritually blind and incapable, but when those scales are removed and the veils rent asunder, then the great signs of God will become visible, and he will witness the eternal light filling the world. The bestowals of God are all and always manifest. The promises of heaven are ever present." ~ Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 90</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"All undertakings (in) this (world) depend both on the ordering of fate and on human exertion; but among these two (the ways of) fate are unfathomable; in the case of man's work action is possible." ~ Hindu, Laws of Manu<br />
<br />
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"Trust in God, as opposed to human exertions.<br />
The beasts said, "O enlightened sage,<br />
Lay aside caution; it cannot help thee against destiny;<br />
To worry with precaution is toil and moil;<br />
Go, trust in Providence, trust is the better part.<br />
War not with the divine decree, O hot-headed one,<br />
Lest that decree enter into conflict with thee.<br />
Man should be as dead before the commands of God<br />
Lest a blow befall him from the Lord of all creatures."<br />
He said, "True; but though trust be our mainstay,<br />
Yet the Prophet teaches us to have regard to means.<br />
The Prophet cried with a loud voice,<br />
'Trust in God, yet tie the camel's leg.'<br />
Hear the adage, 'The worker is the friend of God;'<br />
Through trust in Providence neglect not to use means.<br />
Go, O Quietists, practice trust with self-exertion,<br />
Exert yourself to attain your objects, bit by bit.<br />
In order to succeed, strive and exert yourselves;<br />
If ye strive not for your objects, ye are fools."<br />
They said, "What is gained from the poor by exertions<br />
Is a fraudulent morsel that will bring ill luck.<br />
Again, know that self-exertion springs from weakness;<br />
Relying on other means is a blot upon perfect trust.<br />
Self-exertion is not more noble than trust in God.<br />
What is more lovely than committing oneself to God?<br />
Many there are who flee from one danger to a worse;<br />
Many flee from a snake and meet a dragon.<br />
Man plans a stratagem, and thereby snares himself;<br />
What he takes for life turns out, to be destruction.<br />
He shuts the door after his foe is in the house."<br />
~ Mathnavi of Rumi (E.H. Whinfield tr), The Masnavi Vol 1<br />
<br />
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." ~ King James Bible, Jeremiah 29:11-13<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
"Know thou, O fruit of My Tree, that the decrees of the Sovereign Ordainer, as related to fate and predestination, are of two kinds. Both are to be obeyed and accepted. The one is irrevocable, the other is, as termed by men, impending. To the former all must unreservedly submit, inasmuch as it is fixed and settled. God, however, is able to alter or repeal it. As the harm that must result from such a change will be greater than if the decree had remained unaltered, all, therefore, should willingly acquiesce in what God hath willed and confidently abide by the same.<br />
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The decree that is impending, however, is such that prayer and entreaty can succeed in averting it." ~ Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 132<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr />
</blockquote>
Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-76141199254161458692011-07-31T10:24:00.003-06:002012-12-24T12:58:16.139-07:00Like a Thief in the Night<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MFKcMHe0yU/TjV1Owf1WhI/AAAAAAAAANM/ug8xDx7A6gQ/s1600/like-a-thief-in-the-night_t_nv.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="color: black;"></span><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635539405121083922" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MFKcMHe0yU/TjV1Owf1WhI/AAAAAAAAANM/ug8xDx7A6gQ/s400/like-a-thief-in-the-night_t_nv.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A couple of months ago, Mr. Harold Camping worked many people into a frenzy over his prediction that Judgment Day would occur on May 21st, 2011. It is extremely disheartening to me that so <span style="font-weight: bold;">many <span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>people got caught up in such fear mongering. I believe that God wants us to think for ourselves, to search, to question, to believe and have faith in Him thru conscious knowledge, not through blind imitation and attachment to antiquated dogma.<br />
<br />
If you read this passage from the Bible for yourself...<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."(King James Bible, 2 Peter 3:10)</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
Let's leave all the melting elements and burning up for another discussion and focus on the first phrase - "The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night."<br />
<br />
What does that mean to you? To me, it means exactly what it says - that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. And thieves come <span style="font-weight: bold;">quietly<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>, they <span style="font-weight: bold;">sneak<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>. In fact, they could very well come and go before you even know they were there, right? Then the next morning you wake up and think, "HEY! Where did my stereo go?". That's a joke - the Promised One would have no need for your stereo. ;-)<br />
<br />
So in my mind, the vision of Christ, or anyone else for that matter, floating down out of the sky and levitating the chosen up into heaven, just does not seem quiet or subtle enough enough to be like a "thief in the night". In fact, it seems so grandiose as to leave no room left over for true Faith, which doesn't require such ostentatious spectacles. <br />
<br />
But Justin, you say, Jesus does say he will "come in the clouds". Ah yes, you are absolutely correct, and he also mostly spoke in parables. So, if we were to assume that the cloud concept was a parable, what do you think it could mean? What do clouds do? They obscure the sun so that it is more difficult to receive the warmth and light it provides. Taken symbolically then, what could it all mean? Maybe that when He returns there will be "clouds" that inhibit our ability to receive and recognize the warmth and light of His Word? What could those clouds be? The preoccupations and materialism of society? The prejudices or egoism within ourselves? The dogma of our traditions? What do you think?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G90R95tv5rM/TjRmvHz0EoI/AAAAAAAAANE/rK8jyDnoh2Q/s1600/sun-clouds.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635241993483588226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G90R95tv5rM/TjRmvHz0EoI/AAAAAAAAANE/rK8jyDnoh2Q/s400/sun-clouds.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
All religions speak of a great "Promised One" that is to come. To Judaism He is "Lord of Hosts"; to Christianity, the Return of Christ in the glory of the Father; to Islam, the "Great Announcement"; to Buddhism, the Maitreya Buddha; to Hinduism, the new incarnation of Krishna; to Zoroastrianism, the advent of "Shah-Bahram". <br />
<br />
Sometimes the Prophets speak as if They Themselves will return. Other times, They speak as if Someone other than Themselves will bring the new heaven and the new earth. This contradiction makes sense only if you ponder their dual nature as an Individual <span style="font-weight: bold;">AND </span>as the Mouthpiece for the Word of God. <br />
<br />
As a Bahá'i, I believe that the Promised One of all religions, the "Desire of all Nations", the "King of Glory" has already come and gone in the Personage of Bahá'u'lláh. To me, His Writings are clearly from God and are the "Divine Prescription" for this ailing world. There have been many "clouds" throughout my life that successfully limited my vision at times and my ability to appropriately recognizing His station and the impact it should create in my life. <br />
<br />
When I look back, I recognize how "asleep" I had been, letting "clouds" obscure my vision - caught up in materialism, popular thought and false preconceptions that weren't truly my own. I am so grateful and humbled that nowadays, thanks to His guidance, I feel much more "awake" and "clear" about who I am, where I fit in this world and what I believe to be true.<br />
<br />
Below I have gathered some passages from numerous world religions on their prophecies concerning the "Promised One of All Ages". Are you certain that He has not yet arrived? Are there any "clouds" in your life that may be obscuring your vision and keeping you "asleep" and heedless to His Call? Are your beliefs truly your own or are you blindly following the same thinking of those around you? Food for thought.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.<br />
<br />
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.<br />
<br />
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.<br />
<br />
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.<br />
<br />
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." - King James Bible, John 16:7-14</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"Who shall teach us when Thou art gone?" Buddha replied in these clear terms: "I am not the first Buddha who came upon earth, nor shall I be the last. In due time another Buddha will arise .... He shall reveal to you the same eternal truths which I have taught you. He will preach to you His religion, glorious in its origin, glorious at the climax and glorious at the goal, in the spirit and in the letter." - Sermon of the Great Passing.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"Whose name will be the victorious SAOSHYANT and whose name<br />
will be Astvat-ereta. He will be SAOSHYANT (the Beneficent One),<br />
because he will benefit the whole bodily world; he will be ASTVAT-ERETA (he who makes the bodily creatures rise up), because as a bodily creature and as a living creature he will stand against the destruction of the bodily creatures, to withstand the Druj of the two-footed brood, to withstand the evil done by the faithful." - The Zend-Avesta, Khorda Avesta</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"I come, and go, and come. When Righteousness<br />
Declines, O Bharata! when Wickedness<br />
Is strong, I rise, from age to age, and take<br />
Visible shape, and move a man with men,<br />
Succouring the good, thrusting the evil back,<br />
And setting Virtue on her seat again.<br />
Who knows the truth touching my births on earth<br />
And my divine work, when he quits the flesh<br />
Puts on its load no more, falls no more down<br />
To earthly birth: to Me he comes, dear Prince!" - Hindu, Bhagavad Gita</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah-the which We have sent by inspiration to thee-and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in Religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him)." - The Qur'an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 42</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"O peoples of the earth! By the righteousness of God! Whatever ye have been promised in the Books of your Lord, the Ruler of the Day of Return, hath appeared and been made manifest. Beware lest the changes and chances of the world hold you back from Him Who is the Sovereign Truth." - Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 231</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-22593971562151587332011-05-01T09:57:00.006-06:002012-12-19T10:24:38.238-07:00Seeds of the Sower<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffGdmx-jIj4/Tb2U6CRc_PI/AAAAAAAAAMo/0651RDDCPrI/s1600/seeds.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601797236282162418" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffGdmx-jIj4/Tb2U6CRc_PI/AAAAAAAAAMo/0651RDDCPrI/s400/seeds.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
Well, its been over a year and a half since I first started this blog and three weeks since I last posted. I really love it when I get the opportunity to sit and do the research and the writing necessary to create these blog posts. Sometimes its easy, sometimes its hard, but it is always gratifying. Even though many times there is very little if any discussion generated, the process of sifting through the writings of the world religions gives me new "Aha" moments every time. <br />
<br />
And <em><strong>that </strong></em>is magical.<br />
<br />
However, I thought it might be valuable to re-state the purpose of the blog. Because I strongly believe that the essence of all religions is one and the same, I hope that people from diverse backgrounds and different spiritual traditions can use this space as a forum to have valuable discourse on important topics, free from hostile "flaming" and condemnation. <br />
<br />
I love listening to diverse thoughts and am very open and passionate about studying and discussing spiritual writings with others. That's why I take the time to write this blog. And of course I hope that some of my friends take the time out of their busy lives to share their thoughts, opinions, and especially any quotes or religious writings that they really like or believe in. <br />
<br />
The quote at the top of this page sums up my whole thought process for this blog...<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
"Divine things are too deep to be expressed by common words. The heavenly teachings are expressed in parable in order to be understood and preserved for ages to come. When the spiritually minded dive deeply into the ocean of their meaning they bring to the surface the pearls of their inner significance. There is no greater pleasure than to study God's Word with a spiritual mind." (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 79)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaoz743FXOY/Tb2-HvYMs7I/AAAAAAAAAM4/BpbFcACkTw4/s1600/pearl-in-shell%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601842551705088946" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaoz743FXOY/Tb2-HvYMs7I/AAAAAAAAAM4/BpbFcACkTw4/s400/pearl-in-shell%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 195px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 295px;" /></a><br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
If you read thru the below quotes about parables and symbolism in the various spiritual traditions it talks about how important it is to delve deeply into them and try to uncover their meaning. That the seeds fall on the receptive and the denier alike, but only those willing to strive to understand and embrace the "seed" of the Word of God will ultimately be able to understand it. The quotes also seem to explain that you have to be in the right place of receptivity to understand what they truly symbolize. <br />
<br />
Please share your thoughts on the quotes below and add your own! Happy Sunday everyone!<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.<br />
<br />
And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.<br />
<br />
And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.<br />
<br />
And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.<br />
<br />
And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.<br />
<br />
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." (King James Bible, Luke 8:4-11)</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"To see the essence in the unessential and to see the essence as unessential means one can never get to the essence,<br />
wandering as one is in the road of wrong intentions.<br />
<br />
But to see the essence in the essential and the unessential as the unessential it is means one does get to the essence, being<br />
on the road of right intentions." (Buddhist, Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards))</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"He it is who has revealed to thee the Book, of which there are some verses that are decisive, they are the mother of the Book; and others ambiguous; but as for those in whose hearts is perversity, they follow what is ambiguous, and do crave for sedition, craving for (their own) interpretation of it; but none know the interpretation of it except God. But those who are well grounded in knowledge say, 'We believe in it; it is all from our Lord; but none will remember save those who possess minds." (The Qur'an (E.H. Palmer tr), Sura 3 - Imran's Family)</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"Scholars of the highest class, when they hear about the Tao,<br />
earnestly carry it into practice. Scholars of the middle class, when<br />
they have heard about it, seem now to keep it and now to lose it.<br />
Scholars of the lowest class, when they have heard about it, laugh<br />
greatly at it. If it were not (thus) laughed at, it would not be fit<br />
to be the Tao." (Tao, Tao Te Ching (J. Legge tr))</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"Consider how the parable makes attainment dependent upon capacity. Unless capacity is developed, the summons of the Kingdom cannot reach the ear, the light of the Sun of Truth will not be observed, and the fragrances of the rose garden of inner significance will be lost. Let us endeavor to attain capacity, susceptibility and worthiness that we may hear the call of the glad tidings of the Kingdom, become revivified by the breaths of the Holy Spirit, hoist the standard of the oneness of humanity, establish human brotherhood, and under the protection of divine grace attain the everlasting and eternal life." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 149)</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
"Wert thou to cleanse the mirror of thy heart from the dust of malice, thou wouldst apprehend the meaning of the symbolic terms revealed by the all-embracing Word of God made manifest in every Dispensation, and wouldst discover the mysteries of divine knowledge. Not, however, until thou consumest with the flame of utter detachment those veils of idle learning, that are current amongst men, canst thou behold the resplendent morn of true knowledge." (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Iqan, p. 68)</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<hr />
</blockquote>
Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-3202934168226629172011-04-10T07:55:00.009-06:002011-04-10T08:24:47.605-06:00"I'm only human"...really?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZQzLV0MoXQ/TaDbepmbZWI/AAAAAAAAAMg/iAeb6iVfEpc/s1600/human.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZQzLV0MoXQ/TaDbepmbZWI/AAAAAAAAAMg/iAeb6iVfEpc/s400/human.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593712056803747170" /></a><br /><blockquote><strong><em>“It is not human nature we should accuse but the despicable conventions that pervert it.” - Denis Diderot</em></strong></blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />I got in trouble with my mom once when I was a teenager for the weirdest thing. I can't recall exactly how it went down, but I think it involved the song "Human" by The Human League. In case you've never heard that song or don't remember the lyrics, here's a sample: <em>"I’m only human, Of flesh and blood I’m made, Human, Born to make mistakes"</em><br /><br />I was singing it or she heard it playing on my boombox (back then that's what we used to listen to music) or maybe I just quoted it and said "I'm only human". I don't really remember. All I remember was how <strong>mad </strong>my mom got. She said something to the effect, (really paraphrasing here) "What do you mean you're <em><strong>only </strong></em>human? Do you know how <strong>special </strong>it is to be human? Do you know how much you have been blessed by God? Do you have any idea?"<br /><br />Obviously, I didn't. At least not back then. Nowadays, because of that incident so long ago and because I am older and wiser (wink), I am always struck when someone else uses the phrase, "I'm only human" or "It's just human nature". Is it? Really? Or is it an excuse? Why do we even say that? The whole concept of "What exactly is human nature?" has been a prevailing theme in my life lately. Friday night on Jeopardy there was a quote from the movie<strong><em> The African Queen</em></strong> with Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart:<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><strong>Charlie Allnut: </strong>A man takes a drop too much once in a while, it's only human nature. <br /><strong>Rose Sayer:</strong> Nature, Mr. Allnut, is what we are put in this world to rise above.<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />That quote completely encapsulates my thoughts on the subject. Too often I feel that what society currently labels as "normal" and "acceptable" and/or "just human" are actually just mainstream conventions of thought and practice that I personally don't adhere to. What is so great about modern conventions anyway? It seems like everywhere around me all people care about discussing or spending time on are things that pertain to <strong>this world</strong> and <strong>everything within it</strong> - politics, celebrities, new technologies, entertainment, latest gossip, etc. Sorry, but something tells me that just because a large percentage of society believes certain things to be true, or acceptable or "human", doesn't make it so. For example: <br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><em>"It's perfectly normal to have a glass of beer or wine with dinner every night, in fact, it's good for you!"<br /><br />"By your third date, it is completely ok to have sex. You gotta test the merchandise, right? Besides, you're only human."<br /><br />"It's understandable if you yell and scream at your significant other every once in a while. You have to let off steam. It's natural."</em><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><strong>Hogwash, I say!</strong> I strongly believe that we were made to "rise above" our baser, more animalstic nature and that is because our truer, more relevant nature is "divine". There is a light within us that we can tap into, a light that is our true spirit and our divine essence and <em><strong>more truly human </strong></em>than any other aspect that typically gets labeled as "who we are". Maybe that makes me a "fuddy-duddy" or a "goody two shoes" to the rest of the world. So be it. All I know is that I've been there, done that other junk and focusing on my divine self feels way better.<br /><br />Don't forget to check out some spiritual writings on this topic below and as always, please share your thoughts and quotes from your spiritual traditions. I'll end with a quote from Katy Perry's song Firework since I think it is relevant to the topic, reminding us all to let our divine light shine: <blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />"Do you know that theres still a chance for you, cause there's a spark in you? You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine! Just own the night like the Fourth of July, 'Cause baby you're a firework, c'mon show 'em what you're worth!"<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMl0nvNPEQ4/TaDAJkGQAsI/AAAAAAAAAMY/sG8UczW0cZg/s1600/katy-perry-firework.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 207px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMl0nvNPEQ4/TaDAJkGQAsI/AAAAAAAAAMY/sG8UczW0cZg/s400/katy-perry-firework.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593682007735403202" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Divine civilization is like the spirit, and the body gets its life from the spirit, otherwise it becomes a corpse. It has thus been made evident that the world of mankind is in need of the breaths of the Holy Spirit. Without the spirit the world of mankind is lifeless, and without this light the world of mankind is in utter darkness. For the world of nature is an animal world. Until man is born again from the world of nature, that is to say, becomes detached from the world of nature, he is essentially an animal, and it is the teachings of God which converts this animal into a human soul." - Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 289</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - King James Bible, John 1:12-13</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Lift up your self by yourself;<br />examine your self by yourself.<br />Thus self-protected and attentive<br />you will live joyfully, mendicant.<br />For self is the master of self;<br />self is the refuge of self.<br />therefore tame yourself,<br />like a merchant tames a noble horse." - Buddhist, Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 2 (tr. J. Richards)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>The sage whose soul<br />Holds off from outer contacts, in himself<br />Finds bliss; to Brahma joined by piety,<br />His spirit tastes eternal peace. The joys<br />Springing from sense-life are but quickening wombs<br />Which breed sure griefs: those joys begin and end!<br />The wise mind takes no pleasure, Kunti's Son!<br />In such as those! But if a man shall learn,<br />Even while he lives and bears his body's chain,<br />To master lust and anger, he is blest!<br />He is the Yukta; he hath happiness,<br />Contentment, light, within: his life is merged<br />In Brahma's life; he doth Nirvana touch!" - Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"The rewards of this life are the virtues and perfections which adorn the reality of man. For example, he was dark and becomes luminous, he was ignorant and becomes wise, he was neglectful and becomes vigilant, he was asleep and becomes awakened, he was dead and becomes living, he was blind and becomes a seer, he was deaf and becomes a hearer, he was earthly and becomes heavenly, he was material and becomes spiritual. Through these rewards he gains spiritual birth, and becomes a new creature...this is the meaning of the second birth. <br /><br />For such people there is no greater torture than being veiled from God, and no more severe punishment than sensual vices, dark qualities, lowness of nature, engrossment in carnal desires. When they are delivered through the light of faith from the darkness of these vices, and become illuminated with the radiance of the Sun of Reality, and ennobled with all the virtues, they esteem this the greatest reward, and they know it to be the true paradise." - Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 324</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-67893080031216781322011-03-27T08:51:00.015-06:002011-03-27T11:33:00.309-06:00A Precious BountyI have received my official invitation to go on the 9-Day Baha'i pilgrimage in June of next year! I have fourteen months to prepare, which seems like forever! I am so excited I can hardly stand it!<br /><br />Most world religions have some sort of pilgrimage that their followers can take in order to pray and worship at their holy places. In the Baha'i Faith, pilgrimage is considered a privilege and a bounty of inestimable value. It is not only a physical journey to the historical and sacred sites of the Faith, but an important inner journey of immense spiritual significance.<br /><br />Below I have gathered some of the images of various holy sites of pilgrimage from many of the different world religions. Have you ever been on pilgrimage to a site you find sacred? Do you hope to some day? Please share your experiences, thoughts or feelings on pilgrimage from your spiritual tradition.<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPBwggGAi0s/TY9ZmtmtxoI/AAAAAAAAAMA/iBv6diCTN_s/s1600/TerracesBenGurion2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPBwggGAi0s/TY9ZmtmtxoI/AAAAAAAAAMA/iBv6diCTN_s/s400/TerracesBenGurion2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588784184201954946" /></a><br />The image above is from the Baha'i World Centre on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. The building you see is the Shrine of The Báb (which means "The Gate"). The Báb was the Founder of the Babi religion and the Herald of Baha'u'llah. I will be staying at a hotel on Mount Carmel during my pilgrimage and it will be a short walk for me to visit this Shrine.<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbfsTcNsBCw/TY9ZS_s9v2I/AAAAAAAAALw/kcTrggAY9GQ/s1600/BahjiEntrance_800.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbfsTcNsBCw/TY9ZS_s9v2I/AAAAAAAAALw/kcTrggAY9GQ/s400/BahjiEntrance_800.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588783845462622050" /></a><br />This is the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh located in Bahjí near Acre, Israel. It is the most holy place for Bahá'ís and represents our Qiblih, or direction of prayer. It contains the remains of Bahá'u'lláh and is near the spot where he died in the Mansion of Bahjí. This is the most sacred place I will be visiting during my pilgrimage.<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxrEg2KJB04/TY9ZauEBDEI/AAAAAAAAAL4/3HRZ2WYA228/s1600/448px-P6070038.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxrEg2KJB04/TY9ZauEBDEI/AAAAAAAAAL4/3HRZ2WYA228/s400/448px-P6070038.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588783978166422594" /></a><br />The Temple in Jerusalem was the center of the Jewish religion, until its destruction in 70 CE. Since then, the western retaining wall of the original temple, known as the Wailing Wall, or Western Wall remains in the Old City of Jerusalem and this has been the most sacred site for religious Jews.<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ob3KioaAgcI/TY9f3eoN-0I/AAAAAAAAAMI/RNRF4bMyk8Q/s1600/Holy_sepulchre_mass.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ob3KioaAgcI/TY9f3eoN-0I/AAAAAAAAAMI/RNRF4bMyk8Q/s400/Holy_sepulchre_mass.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588791069309270850" /></a><br />The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also called the Church of the Resurrection by Eastern Christians, is a church within the walled Old City of Jerusalem. The site is venerated as Golgotha (the Hill of Calvary), where Jesus was crucified and is said to also contain the place where Jesus was buried (the sepulchre). The church has been an important Christian pilgrimage destination since at least the 4th century.<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIDoJnOCOIs/TY9ZCHYRaYI/AAAAAAAAALg/kqK-4kia2wQ/s1600/800px-Kaaba_mirror_edit_jj.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIDoJnOCOIs/TY9ZCHYRaYI/AAAAAAAAALg/kqK-4kia2wQ/s400/800px-Kaaba_mirror_edit_jj.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588783555465537922" /></a><br />The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to God (Allah).<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-cbuu5KgVM/TY9Y8MtV61I/AAAAAAAAALY/7ZW7xdp0Kys/s1600/Mahaparinirvana.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 141px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-cbuu5KgVM/TY9Y8MtV61I/AAAAAAAAALY/7ZW7xdp0Kys/s400/Mahaparinirvana.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588783453816875858" /></a><br />Gautama Buddha is said to have identified four sites most worthy of pilgrimage for his followers, saying that they would produce a feeling of spiritual urgency. One of them pictured above, is in Kushinagar, where there rests a 1500 year old statue of the Buddha as he attained Parinirvana (Great Nirvana or passing away).<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aU8w_rlmHRw/TY9Yn1BOoAI/AAAAAAAAALQ/6uvbOJnmtbw/s1600/800px-Badrinath.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aU8w_rlmHRw/TY9Yn1BOoAI/AAAAAAAAALQ/6uvbOJnmtbw/s400/800px-Badrinath.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588783103860449282" /></a><br />The Badrinath temple in India is widely considered to be one of the holiest Hindu temples, and is dedicated to the god Vishnu. The temple and town are one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It was traditionally believed that one who undertakes a pilgrimage to all four sites will attain moksha, the release from samsara (cycle of rebirths), at the time of death.<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-2281496254374670722011-03-13T10:12:00.006-06:002011-03-13T11:53:51.174-06:00Keep Your Head Up!This weekend I am trying to take it a little easy, so the blog is going to be very brief (normally I spend hours looking up quotes and pictures). I thought a good thing to do would be to just post the coolest Baha'i video I have seen in a long time. <br /><br />It is actually a music video by Andy Grammer, son of Red Grammer. The version shown below is only one of many versions of this video. The original is filmed like one of those old "Choose Your Own Adventure" books they had back in the 80's. It can be found here - <a href="http://www.andygrammer.com/">http://www.andygrammer.com/</a>. At that site you can actually make choices throughout the video as to what you would like to see happen. For example, Andy can bump into movers or be dumped by the bikers at the beginning. There are numerous choices like that throughout. Super fun! Not to mention, the song itself is very uplifting and catchy and Rainn Wilson from the Office is in it.<br /><br />I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend and enjoy the video!<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="475" height="275" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CmrOB_q3tjo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-82500748521039168242011-03-06T08:43:00.008-07:002011-03-06T13:31:43.810-07:00Cleansing the Soul<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m44_zsdlZbA/TXPvB_D5uHI/AAAAAAAAALI/f_P4pw0IElc/s1600/a-prayer-for-times-like-these.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m44_zsdlZbA/TXPvB_D5uHI/AAAAAAAAALI/f_P4pw0IElc/s400/a-prayer-for-times-like-these.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581067180628883570" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />So, I started the annual Bahá'í Fast this last Wednesday, and I am really excited about it this year. I don't know why necessarily, except that I've grown a lot in the last three years and I am more focused on developing spiritually than I've ever been before. And that is what fasting is all about.<br /><br />All Bahá'ís in good health fast for nineteen days every year, from March 2nd thru March 20th. It starts immediately following the festival of Ayyam-i-Ha and ends right before the Bahá'í New Year(Naw Ruz). During the Fast we refrain from food and drink (including water) from sunrise to sunset. Absolutely nothing is supposed to pass our lips during daylight hours. The purpose is to become re-energized and refocused on what is most important in life - our spirituality and relationship with God.<br /><br />Bahá'u'lláh says that God "hast endowed every hour of these days with a special virtue" which is "inscrutable to all" but Him, that the Fast is "conducive to preservation and protection from tests" and is "the supreme remedy and the most great healing for the disease of self and passion". Basically, the Fast helps us grow closer to God by becoming detached from worldly desires.<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvrlx_l4vO4/TXPgNMxW2_I/AAAAAAAAALA/EGpicrHAP7g/s1600/Fasting%252C_desert.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wvrlx_l4vO4/TXPgNMxW2_I/AAAAAAAAALA/EGpicrHAP7g/s400/Fasting%252C_desert.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581050880613342194" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />So, every morning during the Fast I get up early and say my prayers and eat and drink enough to get me through the day. Then, after the sun sets, I thank God for helping me get through the day and then eat dinner and replenish my fluids. It can be hard sometimes. The second day of the Fast this year was no picnic (you don't want to know).<br /><br />But the spiritual benefits FAR outweigh the physical challenges. During the Fast I am reminded how lucky I am to have such easy access to both food and clean drinking water. Did you know that every 20 seconds a child dies from a water related disease? That is 1.4 million every year. When refraining (by choice) from basic necessities that you typically take for granted, you can't help but feel immensely and acutely grateful for all that you have.<br /><br />And I do grow spiritually, a little more every day. That's why I love the Fast. <br /><br />What do you think about fasting? Does your spiritual tradition practice fasting? Have you ever done it? Do you have some quotes to share? Tell me all about it then!<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"These are the days of the Fast. Blessed is the one who through the heat generated by the Fast increaseth his love, and who, with joy and radiance, ariseth to perform worthy deeds. Verily, He guideth whomsoever He willeth to the straight path." -Bahá'u'lláh</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Fasting and obligatory prayer are as two wings to man's life. Blessed be the one who soareth with their aid in the heaven of the love of God, the Lord of all worlds." -Bahá'u'lláh</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"The wisdom of obligatory prayer is this: That it causeth a connection between the servant and the True One, because at that time man with all his heart and soul turneth his face towards the Almighty, seeking His association and desiring His love and companionship. For a lover, there is no greater pleasure than to converse with his beloved, and for a seeker, there is no greater bounty than intimacy with the object of his desire. It is the greatest longing of every soul who is attracted to the Kingdom of God to find time to turn with entire devotion to his Beloved, so as to seek His bounty and blessing and immerse himself in the ocean of communion, entreaty and supplication. Moreover, obligatory prayer and fasting produce awareness and awakening in man, and are conducive to his protection and preservation from tests." -Abdu'l-Baha</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Cling firmly to obligatory prayer and fasting. Verily, the religion of God is like unto heaven; fasting is its sun, and obligatory prayer is its moon" -Bahá'u'lláh</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"This Fast leadeth to the cleansing of the soul from all selfish desires, the acquisition of spiritual attributes, attraction to the breezes of the All-Merciful, and enkindlement with the fire of divine love." -Abdu'l-Bahá</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"We, verily, have set forth all things in Our Book, as a token of grace unto those who have believed in God, the Almighty, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. And We have ordained obligatory prayer and fasting so that all may by these means draw nigh unto God, the Most Powerful, the Well-Beloved. We have written down these two laws and expounded every irrevocable decree. We have forbidden men from following whatsoever might cause them to stray from the Truth, and have commanded them to observe that which will draw them nearer unto Him Who is the Almighty, the All-Loving. Say: Observe ye the commandments of God for love of His beauty, and be not of those who follow in the ways of the abject and foolish." -Bahá'u'lláh</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-14366152336016304812011-02-27T08:48:00.018-07:002011-02-27T13:24:29.665-07:00Happy Ayyam-i-Ha!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEN5mWz9fRU/TWp3Fsfa-YI/AAAAAAAAAJY/sjQkNV4gNC0/s1600/2287786106_d8c10605f3_b%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEN5mWz9fRU/TWp3Fsfa-YI/AAAAAAAAAJY/sjQkNV4gNC0/s400/2287786106_d8c10605f3_b%2B%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578402028177783170" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />Happy Ayyam-i-Ha everyone! I skipped posting on the blog last week since I was getting ready for my Ayyam-i-Ha party this weekend. I hadn't had an Ayyam-i-Ha celebration in my home in a really long time and I wanted it to be great. For those of you who may not know what Ayyam-i-Ha is, I will explain.<br /><br />The Baha'i calendar has 19 months with 19 days each which leaves 4 days left over (5 in a leap year) in order to align with the 365 days of the Gregorian solar calendar. Bahá'u'lláh, The prophet-founder of the Baha'i Faith, declared that these days should be celebrated with acts of love, fellowship, unity, charity, gift-giving and goodwill. Ayyam-i-Ha means "The Days of Ha". “Ha” is an Arabic term that essentially means the “Essence of God.” <br /><br />When I was young my mom decided to create a tradition to help us celebrate by creating an "Ayyam-i-Ha Tree". This year, I decided to re-create my childhood Ayyam-i-Ha tree in order to make it more of a celebration. The symbolism behind all the decorations/ornaments (leaves, flags, doves and nine pointed stars) come directly from the Baha'i Writings. The relevant quotes are directly below the pictures. I think the tree turned out great! What do you think?<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YjqZe29zDJM/TWqfFtvw2aI/AAAAAAAAAJg/lxg7YgEajK4/s1600/DSC00846.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YjqZe29zDJM/TWqfFtvw2aI/AAAAAAAAAJg/lxg7YgEajK4/s400/DSC00846.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578446008979872162" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flPqTSKMClU/TWqrBsGjNfI/AAAAAAAAAKI/9eDgqjqM7LM/s1600/DSC00866.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flPqTSKMClU/TWqrBsGjNfI/AAAAAAAAAKI/9eDgqjqM7LM/s400/DSC00866.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578459133958632946" /></a><br /><em>"God has created man in order that he may be a dove of the Kingdom, a heavenly candle, a recipient of eternal life. God has created man in order that he may be resuscitated through the breaths of the Holy Spirit and become the light of the world."(Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 185)</em><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgaadNPGulQ/TWqu7qFqbqI/AAAAAAAAAKg/VgfxOV73UlU/s1600/DSC00863.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgaadNPGulQ/TWqu7qFqbqI/AAAAAAAAAKg/VgfxOV73UlU/s400/DSC00863.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578463428385336994" /></a><br /><em>"It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 250)</em><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcXpRkbgq8c/TWqrqFX3F5I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/of4oyaN8yDk/s1600/DSC00871.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wcXpRkbgq8c/TWqrqFX3F5I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/of4oyaN8yDk/s400/DSC00871.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578459827936892818" /></a><br /><em>"The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 218)</em><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GP2trA2anYI/TWqs7BIx_8I/AAAAAAAAAKY/kM_Xihm3saM/s1600/DSC00879.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GP2trA2anYI/TWqs7BIx_8I/AAAAAAAAAKY/kM_Xihm3saM/s400/DSC00879.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578461218369306562" /></a><br /><em>"These sanctified Mirrors, these Day Springs of ancient glory, are, one and all, the Exponents on earth of Him Who is the central Orb of the universe, its Essence and ultimate Purpose. From Him proceed their knowledge and power; from Him is derived their sovereignty. The beauty of their countenance is but a reflection of His image, and their revelation a sign of His deathless glory. They are the Treasuries of Divine knowledge, and the Repositories of celestial wisdom. Through them is transmitted a grace that is infinite, and by them is revealed the Light that can never fade. These Tabernacles of Holiness, these Primal Mirrors which reflect the light of unfading glory, are but expressions of Him Who is the Invisible of the Invisibles. By the revelation of these Gems of Divine virtue all the names and attributes of God, such as knowledge and power, sovereignty and dominion, mercy and wisdom, glory, bounty, and grace, are made manifest." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 47)</em><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><br />Thank you one and all for sharing this celebration of Ayyam-i-Ha! Having my friends there really made it special and it meant a lot to me! Happy Ayyam-i-Ha and I hope to see you all next year! Enjoy these pictures from the Gag-Gift Ayyam-i-Ha party that we had last night!<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtH6KakFW8Q/TWqmRjosmkI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/oqjIATKSMTo/s1600/DSC00956.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtH6KakFW8Q/TWqmRjosmkI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/oqjIATKSMTo/s400/DSC00956.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578453909005703746" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqoSgbAL8Uk/TWqiF8ZBKgI/AAAAAAAAAJo/e-MnTDkPl48/s1600/DSC00959.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqoSgbAL8Uk/TWqiF8ZBKgI/AAAAAAAAAJo/e-MnTDkPl48/s400/DSC00959.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578449311445887490" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXP8WAsahhI/TWqmuhCCkZI/AAAAAAAAAKA/1BvYFUVQT9k/s1600/DSC00968.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zXP8WAsahhI/TWqmuhCCkZI/AAAAAAAAAKA/1BvYFUVQT9k/s400/DSC00968.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578454406522900882" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXpu3o1YCQE/TWqi61EC7UI/AAAAAAAAAJw/gNy8Az5jfdI/s1600/DSC00949.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kXpu3o1YCQE/TWqi61EC7UI/AAAAAAAAAJw/gNy8Az5jfdI/s400/DSC00949.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578450220011941186" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5RfTwMXqdQ/TWqvkFVlocI/AAAAAAAAAKo/Kc1MleECOok/s1600/DSC00963.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5RfTwMXqdQ/TWqvkFVlocI/AAAAAAAAAKo/Kc1MleECOok/s400/DSC00963.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578464122894655938" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-40355589995808360102011-02-13T09:20:00.009-07:002011-02-13T17:07:34.238-07:00Endeavor to grow<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuZlJ5ak740/TVgJbNvpjjI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/Fs396s58zRY/s1600/1977016_7MaOz4bm_c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuZlJ5ak740/TVgJbNvpjjI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/Fs396s58zRY/s400/1977016_7MaOz4bm_c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573214902021623346" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote><em><strong>“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” - Benjamin Franklin</strong></em></blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><br />Today's blog is a little of a rehash of a blog from last year. But I felt like it was important to revist since it is kinda the whole reason I started this - I am trying to think and grow and learn in spiritual ways. For years and years I completely ignored the spiritual side of my self. I did not work at developing my spiritual qualities or virtues. I closed off the side of my self that wanted to grow and develop, to become more than what I was. I had no interest in anything other than fulfilling my human needs, my physical desires, my selfish thoughts.<br /><br />Now that <em><strong>I am</strong></em> trying to grow and develop and focus on my spirituality I have found that it is a constant challenge to remain focused on my goals. Who do I want to be? How do I want to act? What qualities do I want to exhibit? How can I function effectively in a world that doesn't seem to value spirituality? Or care about focusing on the transcendent?<br /><br />I found the following video today on a really cool website I enjoy visiting called http://www.globalonenessproject.org/. Check it out.<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><embed src='http://www.globalonenessproject.org/media/gop-player.swf' allowfullscreen='true' flashvars='&videoId=97&' height='338' width='480'><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><br />His thoughts truly mirror some of my own. I believe in oneness and ultimately, that somewhere deep down, the best parts of our selves are infinitely more beautiful than we realize. We are spiritual beings, with intuition and a mind full of thoughts and feelings. It is important to use that mind to study, to question and to talk with others so we can share and learn and connect in more profound and powerful ways. To me, there is nothing more important than striving to become better, to focus on developing my spiritual self - to become more patient, more compassionate, more just, more thoughtful, more loyal, more brave, more polite, more honest...more loving.<br /><br />So, what do you think about growing and developing? Do you believe in striving to become better? What "philosophy" on growth do you adhere to? Thoughts? Quotes?<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"...until material achievements, physical accomplishments and human virtues are reinforced by spiritual perfections, luminous qualities and characteristics of mercy, no fruit or result shall issue therefrom, nor will the happiness of the world of humanity, which is the ultimate aim, be attained." (Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 283)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Happiness consists of two kinds; physical and spiritual. The physical happiness is limited; its utmost duration is one day, one month, one year. It hath no result. Spiritual happiness is eternal and unfathomable. This kind of happiness appeareth in one's soul with the love of God and suffereth one to attain to the virtues and perfections of the world of humanity. Therefore, endeavor as much as thou canst in order to illumine the lamp of thy heart with the light of love." (Compilations, Baha'i Scriptures, p. 472)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>Let no one cling to what is pleasant or unpleasant.<br />Not to see what is pleasant is painful,<br />as it is to see what is unpleasant.<br />Therefore do not become attached to anything;<br />loss of what is loved is painful.<br />Those who have neither likes nor dislikes have no chains.<br /><br />From pleasure comes grief; from pleasure comes fear.<br />Whoever is free from pleasure knows neither grief nor fear.<br /><br />From attachment comes grief; from attachment comes fear.<br />Whoever is free from attachment knows neither grief nor fear.<br /><br />From greed comes grief; from greed comes fear.<br />Whoever is free from greed knows neither grief nor fear.<br /><br />From lust comes grief; from lust comes fear.<br />Whoever is free from lust knows neither grief nor fear.<br /><br />From craving comes grief; from craving comes fear.<br />Whoever is free from craving knows neither grief nor fear.<br /><br />Whoever has virtue and insight,<br />who is just, truthful, and does one's own work,<br />the world will love.<br /><br />The one in whom a desire for the ineffable has arisen,<br />whose mind is satisfied<br />and whose thoughts are free from desires<br />is called one who ascends the stream." (Dhammapada, Sayings of the Buddha 2)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.<br /><br />And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.<br /><br />For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."(King James Bible, 2 Peter 1:3-8)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"There comes a day, O Spitama Zarathustra! or a night, when the master leaves the cattle, or the cattle leave the master, or the soul leaves that body full of desires; But his virtue, which is of all existences the greatest, the best, the finest, never parts from a man."(The Zend-Avesta, Avesta Fragments)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-14480378135452144842011-02-06T11:18:00.007-07:002011-02-06T13:17:39.941-07:00Is Everyone a Little Bit Racist?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TU75ahowB3I/AAAAAAAAAJI/sQEjIIbgx9E/s1600/diversity.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TU75ahowB3I/AAAAAAAAAJI/sQEjIIbgx9E/s400/diversity.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570664023205087090" /></a><br /><br />I was brought up in a household that was very focused on the elimination of racial prejudice and the belief that all of humanity is one. I was taught not to make distinctions based on race, color, culture or class. I truly believe in unity in diversity and I deplore racism. One of the most famous sayings from the Baha'i Faith about mankind is that "Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch".<br /><br />Over a year ago I went to a diversity conference in Virginia and developed the video below for use on the really cool website <a href="http://www.soulpancake.com">www.SoulPancake.com</a>. It asks the question "Is Everyone a Little Bit Racist?" Check it out.<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QrD7erdUvb0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />I think the answer is probably "Yes". At least a little bit. And that is only due to the way our culture functions in this day and age. I am one of the least racist people you could ever hope to meet due to the way I was raised. However my family and Faith couldn't completely protect me from the prejudices of a corrupt society. Sadly, some fears and stereotypes have leaked through and warped my perceptions. Not a lot. But some.<br /><br />But when I recognize them, do I let them cloud my vision? Absolutely not. I strive to eliminate them. As I said earlier, I believe in race unity and the essential goodness of the entire human race. I <em><strong>do not</strong></em> think we are born with prejudices. I think they are learned behavior.<br /><br />What say you? What did you think of the video? I have some quotes on this topic from a few world religions below. Do you have thoughts and/or quotes to share?<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"The world of humanity is like a garden and the various races are the flowers which constitute its adornment and decoration. In the animal kingdom also we find variety of color. See how the doves differ in beauty yet they live together in perfect peace, and love each other. They do not make difference of color a cause of discord and strife. They view each other as the same species and kind. They know they are one in kind. Often a white dove soars aloft with a black one. Throughout the animal kingdom we do not find the creatures separated because of color. They recognize unity of species and oneness of kind. If we do not find color distinction drawn in a kingdom of lower intelligence and reason, how can it be justified among human beings, especially when we know that all have come from the same source and belong to the same household? In origin and intention of creation mankind is one. Distinctions of race and color have arisen afterward."(Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 34)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"He sees indeed who sees in all alike<br />The living, lordly Soul; the Soul Supreme,<br />Imperishable amid the Perishing:<br />For, whoso thus beholds, in every place,<br />In every form, the same, one, Living Life,<br />Doth no more wrongfulness unto himself,<br />But goes the highest road which brings to bliss.<br />Seeing, he sees, indeed, who sees that works<br />Are Nature's wont, for Soul to practise by<br />Acting, yet not the agent; sees the mass<br />Of separate living things- each of its kind-<br />Issue from One, and blend again to One:<br />Then hath he BRAHMA, he attains!"(Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Occasions of hatred are certainly never settled by hatred. They are settled by freedom from hatred. This is the eternal<br />law."(Buddhist, Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.<br /><br />Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.<br /><br />Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.<br /><br />Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.<br /><br />Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.<br /><br />Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."(King James Bible, Romans 12:9-18)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"O YE children of men! The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men. Suffer it not to become a source of dissension and discord, of hate and enmity. This is the straight Path, the fixed and immovable foundation."(Baha'u'llah, The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah, p. 112)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-89972655328305888942011-01-30T08:14:00.012-07:002011-01-30T16:16:18.619-07:00Mercy is not Strained<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TUXBGmV7KlI/AAAAAAAAAI0/OF9_eWpVOWY/s1600/umbrellas_by_Imolly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TUXBGmV7KlI/AAAAAAAAAI0/OF9_eWpVOWY/s400/umbrellas_by_Imolly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568068833429367378" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath." (William Shakespeare, <em>The Merchant of Venice</em>)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />I am a HUGE fan of William Shakespeare. Just ask my mom. She took me to Shakespeare in the Park in Boulder, Colorado when I was two or three years old and I sat there completely engaged and focused on the play the entire time. Love the Bard! ;-)<br /><br />Anyway, this quote from Shakespeare basically means that mercy should be freely given and is not "forced". Seems to me that this thought is very much like the Mercy and Forgiveness that God showers upon us at all times. It is always there - just waiting for us to partake of it - it's not forced. It is a gift and a blessing because of God's love for us.<br /><br />Thing is, we are not always able to actually receive this amazing gift of love. In many of the world's religions God tells us how much He loves us, but he also says that <em><strong>unless we love Him</strong></em>, His love <em><strong>cannot reach us</strong></em>. To me, this is an extremely important concept to take under advisement.<br /><br />Think about it. How often are we caught up in our own affairs and completely forgetful of God? Or how many times are we so overwhelmed by the trials and tribulations of this life that we turn our backs on Him? Or we just aren't interested in what He has to say and live our lives without heeding the wisdom that He provided for us. Maybe we're just scared to trust Him completely because we've been hurt in the past.<br /><br />So we put up barriers between ourselves and God that we feel protect us from getting hurt, when in reality they inhibit our ability to receive his Grace and Love. It is like the umbrellas at the top of this post, warding off the rain and keeping us from getting wet. If you took it as a metaphor, then all those people protecting themselves(w/umbrellas) are actually depriving themselves of receiving God's love(rain). <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TUXBAPS78uI/AAAAAAAAAIs/znL8R7jhJZo/s1600/girl-dancing-rain_thumb%255B2%255D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TUXBAPS78uI/AAAAAAAAAIs/znL8R7jhJZo/s400/girl-dancing-rain_thumb%255B2%255D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568068724163605218" /></a><br /><br />So I say leave those umbrellas at home and let yourself get drenched! It takes trust, it takes focus, it takes faith, it takes dedication, but it is well worth it. Remember, that the only way His love will be able to reach you is when you show your love for Him. God's love for us is always right there, unconditional and all-encompassing, just waiting for us to love Him back so we can actually tap into it and receive the amazing blessing that His love will bring to our lives.<br /><br />Below are some very brief posts from a handful of world religions on this concept. Please share your thoughts and quotes as well. Happy Sunday everyone!<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"O SON OF BEING!<br />Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Know this, O servant."(Baha'u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."(King James Bible, Proverbs 8:17)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Say, 'If ye would love God then follow me, and God will love you and forgive you your sins, for God is forgiving and merciful.'"(The Qur'an (E.H. Palmer tr), Sura 3 - Imran's Family)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."(King James Bible, John 14:21)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-66721281713463473112011-01-23T09:59:00.002-07:002011-01-23T10:04:16.134-07:00The Divine Within Others<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TTtVbt_s9lI/AAAAAAAAAIk/lG2len-IVHo/s1600/The_eye__by_Chocksy%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TTtVbt_s9lI/AAAAAAAAAIk/lG2len-IVHo/s400/The_eye__by_Chocksy%2B%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565135699237992018" /></a><br />As a Baha'i, I love and appreciate the shining spark of truth that I believe flows through all major world religions. One phrase that really touches me from the Buddhist tradition is the term "Namaste" which is often used in greeting and/or Yoga practice. Namaste has been translated in many different ways, but they all basically amount to the same thing...<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote> "The Divine within me bows to the Divine within you"</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />Beautiful, right? Today's blog is very similar to last weeks blog in that the main focus is still "The Divine Within". But last week I just focused on the concept itself, now I want to discuss a little more about what it means. If I believe and recognize that there are attributes of God within me, how should that change the way I relate to others and the world around me? Or does it? Check out this video...<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P9fm6RtymgE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P9fm6RtymgE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="315"></embed></object><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />I think this video demonstrates the concept of compassion and love for all creation in a very simple way. If we can recognize the Divine within ourselves <em><strong>and </strong></em>appreciate and see the Divine in everyone around us, the world would be a much better place. We truly are all one. And it only follows that if God created us all and endowed each and every one of us with the ability to mirror forth his attributes, then we should honor the divine within every individual who crosses our path.<br /><br />So, my personal answer to whether recognizing the Divine within me changes the way I relate to the world is "YES! Absolutely!" How could it not? There is a part of God in everyone! I would be a fool not to honor that. Easier said than done, you say? But people are rude and obnoxious and selfish, you say? Yes, sometimes. But I say, you can still find the Divine within them. <br /><br />It is just a matter of changing focus. The more I remember to focus on looking for the Divine in myself and others, the more often I see it. And when I am successful at retaining this type of focus, I see beauty everywhere and in everyone. I'm not saying I see those warm globes of light like in the video (LOL!), but it feels kinda like that inside. It can be challenging to do for sure, but when it happens, it feels AMAZING! <br /><br />Here are some quotes on this concept. Please share your own thoughts and quotes!<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Be in perfect unity. Never become angry with one another. Let your eyes be directed toward the kingdom of truth and not toward the world of creation. Love the creatures for the sake of God and not for themselves. You will never become angry or impatient if you love them for the sake of God. Humanity is not perfect. There are imperfections in every human being, and you will always become unhappy if you look toward the people themselves. But if you look toward God, you will love them and be kind to them, for the world of God is the world of perfection and complete mercy. Therefore, do not look at the shortcomings of anybody; see with the sight of forgiveness. The imperfect eye beholds imperfections." (Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 92)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye." (Buddha) </blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>He who thus vows<br />His soul to the Supreme Soul, quitting sin,<br />Passes unhindered to the endless bliss<br />Of unity with Brahma. He so vowed,<br />So blended, sees the Life-Soul resident<br />In all things living, and all living things<br />In that Life-Soul contained. And whoso thus<br />Discerneth Me in all, and all in Me,<br />I never let him go; nor looseneth he<br />Hold upon Me; but, dwell he where he may,<br />Whate'er his life, in Me he dwells and lives,<br />Because he knows and worships Me, Who dwell<br />In all which lives, and cleaves to Me in all." (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.<br /><br />And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.<br /><br />For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (King James Bible, 2 Peter)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"O CHILDREN OF MEN!<br />Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created." (Baha'u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-65321824982015356202011-01-16T07:09:00.002-07:002011-01-17T15:57:29.350-07:00The Divine Within Us<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TTIE_MGimyI/AAAAAAAAAIU/3HCEiMw8uGw/s1600/gods-love.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TTIE_MGimyI/AAAAAAAAAIU/3HCEiMw8uGw/s400/gods-love.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562513973382912802" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"He hath known God who hath known himself" (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 178)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />Knowing God by knowing ourselves - this is a concept that has always really struck a chord with me. It is fascinating to think that by truly knowing exactly who I am, I somehow gain a better understanding of the Almighty. Isn't that extraordinary?<br /><br />Don't get me wrong. I think that God is ultimately Unknowable. There is absolutely no way that we will ever fully comprehend Him. How could the created ever truly fathom the Creator? But I do believe we can strive to learn and know more about God, and one of the ways we do that is through knowing ourselves. But how do we do that? Where would I find God within me?<br /><br />In the Bahá'í Faith, Baha'u'llah teaches that God "...hath focused the radiance of all of His names and attributes" upon humanity and made us like "a mirror of His own Self" (full quote below). Ultimately this means that we have the potential to mirror forth the infinite qualities of God - patience, humility, compassion, trustworthiness, love, etc. When we see these qualities within ourselves and strive to embody them, we become closer to God and begin to know Him. We recognize the Divine within us. <br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TTIj1qMuvHI/AAAAAAAAAIc/oHmj277lR9o/s1600/untitled1-copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 331px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TTIj1qMuvHI/AAAAAAAAAIc/oHmj277lR9o/s400/untitled1-copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562547894523706482" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />In fact, this is the way in which I personally interpret the Christian teaching from Genesis that we were created in the image of God. Our likeness is spiritual, rather than physical. That just makes more sense to me. Obviously, this "likeness" isn't always apparent. It takes time to truly mirror forth these attributes of God. We have to struggle against our baser, more selfish nature. But the more I am able to develop and incorporate spiritual qualities into my daily life, it only makes sense to me that I would know at least a <em><strong>tiny </strong></em>bit more about God. What a gift.<br /><br />Each religion teaches the concept of "God Within" in one way or another as the quotations below can attest. Read through them and let me know your thoughts.<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"O SON OF SPIRIT!<br />I created thee rich, why dost thou bring thyself down to poverty? Noble I made thee, wherewith dost thou abase thyself? Out of the essence of knowledge I gave thee being, why seekest thou enlightenment from anyone beside Me? Out of the clay of love I molded thee, how dost thou busy thyself with another? Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee, mighty, powerful and self-subsisting." (Baha'u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (King James Bible, 1 John 4.16)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (King James Bible, Ephesians)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Yea! knowing Me the source of all, by Me all creatures wrought,<br />The wise in spirit cleave to Me, into My Being brought;<br />Hearts fixed on Me; breaths breathed to Me; praising Me, each to<br />each,<br />So have they happiness and peace, with pious thought and speech;<br />And unto these- thus serving well, thus loving ceaselessly-<br />I give a mind of perfect mood, whereby they draw to Me;<br />And, all for love of them, within their darkened souls I dwell,<br />And, with bright rays of wisdom's lamp, their ignorance dispel." (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"O SON OF BEING!<br />Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for My descent. Thy spirit is My place of revelation; cleanse it for My manifestation." (Baha'u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"The Prophet said that God has declared,<br />"I am not contained in aught above or below,<br />I am not contained in earth or sky, or even<br />In highest heaven. Know this for a surety. O beloved!<br />Yet am I contained in the believer's heart!<br />If ye seek me, search in such hearts!"<br />He said also, "Enter the hearts of my servants<br />To gain the paradise of beholding Me, O fearer of God" (Mathnavi of Rumi (E.H. Whinfield tr), The Masnavi Vol 1)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Having created the world and all that liveth and moveth therein, He, through the direct operation of His unconstrained and sovereign Will, chose to confer upon man the unique distinction and capacity to know Him and to love Him -- a capacity that must needs be regarded as the generating impulse and the primary purpose underlying the whole of creation.... Upon the inmost reality of each and every created thing He hath shed the light of one of His names, and made it a recipient of the glory of one of His attributes. Upon the reality of man, however, He hath focused the radiance of all of His names and attributes, and made it a mirror of His own Self. Alone of all created things man hath been singled out for so great a favor, so enduring a bounty.<br /><br />These energies with which the Day Star of Divine bounty and Source of heavenly guidance hath endowed the reality of man lie, however, latent within him, even as the flame is hidden within the candle and the rays of light are potentially present in the lamp. The radiance of these energies may be obscured by worldly desires even as the light of the sun can be concealed beneath the dust and dross which cover the mirror. Neither the candle nor the lamp can be lighted through their own unaided efforts, nor can it ever be possible for the mirror to free itself from its dross. It is clear and evident that until a fire is kindled the lamp will never be ignited, and unless the dross is blotted out from the face of the mirror it can never represent the image of the sun nor reflect its light and glory." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 65)</blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-75468114335869642062011-01-09T09:35:00.004-07:002011-01-09T13:25:42.051-07:00The Next Great Adventure<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TSoObFloiZI/AAAAAAAAAIM/gCKuQ_-jW08/s1600/clouds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TSoObFloiZI/AAAAAAAAAIM/gCKuQ_-jW08/s400/clouds.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560272548461578642" /></a><br />"To the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure." – Albus Dumbledore<br /><br />Life after death is a fascinating subject to me, and an important one in general I would think, no matter what you believe. This week I am much more interested in what everyone else has to say on this subject than I am expounding on it myself. There is so much mystery around the afterlife.<br /><br />What will it be like? Look like? Feel like?<br /><br />Who will be there? Will you recognize them?<br /><br />How will you spend your time? Will time even exist any more?<br /><br />I know what I think and what I believe, and I'll share them later, but what do YOU think?<br /><br />Here are some thoughts from various world religions on the subject. Enjoy...<br /><br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"To consider that after the death of the body the spirit perishes, is like imagining that a bird in a cage will be destroyed if the cage is broken, though the bird has nothing to fear from the destruction of the cage. Our body is like the cage, and the spirit is like the bird. We see that without the cage this bird flies in the world of sleep; therefore if the cage becomes broken, the bird will continue and exist: its feelings will be even more powerful, its perceptions greater, and its happiness increased. In truth, from hell it reaches a paradise of delights, because for the thankful birds there is no paradise greater than freedom from the cage." (Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 326)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Learn thou! the Life is, spreading life through all;<br />It cannot anywhere, by any means,<br />Be anywise diminished, stayed, or changed.<br />But for these fleeting frames which it informs<br />With spirit deathless, endless, infinite,<br />They perish. Let them perish, Prince! and fight!<br />He who shall say, "Lo! I have slain a man!"<br />He who shall think, "Lo! I am slain!" those both<br />Know naught! Life cannot slay. Life is not slain!<br />Never the spirit was born; the spirit shall cease to be never;<br />Never was time it was not; End and Beginning are dreams!<br />Birthless and deathless and changeless remaineth the spirit for<br />ever" (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"O my people! this present life is only a passing joy, but the life to<br />come is the mansion that abideth." (The Qur'an (Rodwell tr), Sura 40 - The Believer)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Know thou that the soul of man is exalted above, and is independent of all infirmities of body or mind. That a sick person showeth signs of weakness is due to the hindrances that interpose themselves between his soul and his body, for the soul itself remaineth unaffected by any bodily ailments. Consider the light of the lamp. Though an external object may interfere with its radiance, the light itself continueth to shine with undiminished power. In like manner, every malady afflicting the body of man is an impediment that preventeth the soul from manifesting its inherent might and power. When it leaveth the body, however, it will evince such ascendancy, and reveal such influence as no force on earth can equal. Every pure, every refined and sanctified soul will be endowed with tremendous power, and shall rejoice with exceeding gladness." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 153)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." (King James Bible, Psalms 73:24-26)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Know thou of a truth that the soul, after its separation from the body, will continue to progress until it attaineth the presence of God, in a state and condition which neither the revolution of ages and centuries, nor the changes and chances of this world, can alter. It will endure as long as the Kingdom of 156 God, His sovereignty, His dominion and power will endure. It will manifest the signs of God and His attributes, and will reveal His loving kindness and bounty. The movement of My Pen is stilled when it attempteth to befittingly describe the loftiness and glory of so exalted a station." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 155)</blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-1857798789858696762011-01-02T12:19:00.005-07:002011-01-02T16:52:38.464-07:00Tis' the Season for Resolutions<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TSDuStX9tAI/AAAAAAAAAH8/QZ38ivHSmN0/s1600/j0309664.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TSDuStX9tAI/AAAAAAAAAH8/QZ38ivHSmN0/s400/j0309664.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557703945360356354" /></a><br /><br />So 2011 is here and many people are making New Year's resolutions - to stop eating junk food, to exercise more, to quit smoking, etc. For whatever reason I've never really gotten into making resolutions in the New Year. Might be because I was never really successful at it. Is anyone?<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I have definitely made resolutions and adhered to them, just never successfully on New Years Eve. I stopped smoking August 8th, 2003, I became Vegan July 9th, 2009 - to name just a couple. When I get in my mind that I am going to do something differently or approach life in a different way - then I do it. But it always ends up being on my own terms, in my own time. <br /><br />I have to work through it you know? And sometimes there are a lot of false starts along the way. But if I am committed, then I always get around to it. Here is a really cool quote on resolutions I found...<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle." - Eric Zorn</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TSEOcLmCLGI/AAAAAAAAAIE/CkcIDbG5q6s/s1600/2421787_blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TSEOcLmCLGI/AAAAAAAAAIE/CkcIDbG5q6s/s400/2421787_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557739292463344738" /></a><br /><br />So if I come up short again and again at conquering whatever it is I want to change or maturing into what I'd like to become, that's ok. I just have to pick myself up and try again. It is normal to break resolutions. The important part, I think, is to keep recommitting yourself, striving to be better. And of course, we probably shouldn't wait to re-evaluate ourselves once a year on December 31st either.<br /><br />Shouldn't we constantly be evolving and maturing - working at becoming better versions of ourselves than the day before? <br /><br />What say you people out there in cyber space? While you think about it, here are some additional quotes to ponder from some sacred scriptures.<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Arise, O people, and, by the power of God's might, resolve to gain the victory over your own selves, that haply the whole earth may be freed and sanctified from its servitude to the gods of its idle fancies -- gods that have inflicted such loss upon, and are responsible for the misery of, their wretched worshipers. These idols form the obstacle that impedeth man in his efforts to advance in the path of perfection. We cherish the hope that the Hand of Divine power may lend its assistance to mankind, and deliver it from its state of grievous abasement." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 93)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Those who meditate with perseverance, constantly working hard at it, are the wise who experience Nirvana, the ultimate<br />freedom from chains.<br /><br />When a man is resolute and recollected, pure of deed and persevering, when he is attentive and self-controlled and lives<br />according to the Teaching, his reputation is bound to grow.<br /><br />By resolution and attention, by discipline and self-control, a clever man may build himself an island that no flood can<br />overthrow." (Buddhist, Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.<br /><br />Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.<br /><br />Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.<br /><br />How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man." (King James Bible, Proverbs 6:4-11)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"He who has committed a sin and has repented, is freed from that sin, but he is purified only by (the resolution of) ceasing (to sin and thinking) 'I will do so no more.'<br /><br />Having thus considered in his mind what results will arise from his deeds after death, let him always be good in thoughts, speech, and actions." (Hindu, 231-232 Laws of Manu)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"This is a brilliant century. Eyes are now open to the beauty of the oneness of humanity, of love and of brotherhood. The darkness of suppression will disappear and the light of unity will shine. We cannot bring love and unity to pass merely by talking of it. Knowledge is not enough. Wealth, science, education are good, we know: but we must also work and study to bring to maturity the fruit of knowledge. <br /><br />Knowledge is the first step; resolve, the second step; action, its fulfillment, is the third step." (Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 54)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-69595266315361622762010-12-19T10:03:00.011-07:002010-12-19T18:47:44.384-07:00The Lodestone of the Hearts of MenI'm baaaaaaaaaack!!! I have been away from the blog now for over a month! I guess I needed a break. But now life is calming down for the holidays and I have a little more time to re-devote myself to this whole blogging thing.<br /><br />First things first. Check out this video I found the other day entitled "Why Empathy?". A teacher is relating an interaction she had with a member of the Ku Klux Klan who attended one of her classes.<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nRduvwuM-VM?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nRduvwuM-VM?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="470" height="285"></embed></object><br /><br />Pretty cool, huh? It reminded me of a time when I used to chat on a "Young and the Restless" message board many years ago. (Yes, I watched <em>Young and the Restless</em> for twelve years and used to be a big fan, so sue me. LOL! I only just kicked the habit a couple of years back. It's like a drug.) <br /><br />Anyway, a lot of times there would be individuals chatting on the site who would be downright mean or nasty about different topics of conversation that would come up. Usually, it would revolve around political or religious issues and it got extremely ugly more often than not. Hateful even. Sometimes I would put in my two cents (<em>in what I thought was a very loving, compassionate way</em>) and it made absolutely no difference. The ugliness would continue and sometimes get even worse due to what I had contributed to the conversation. I spent many hours trying to do what I could to quench this endless fire of hate that would spew from those anonymous keyboards across the country.<br /><br />I don't do that anymore. I learned my lesson. I had always adhered to the teaching of my faith that a "<em>kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men</em>" (full quote at the very end of this post). I still agree that a kindly tongue is always best, but I had now learned that sometimes it is even wiser to just remain silent. For whatever reason, some hearts and souls out there are just too wounded and disconnected with their humanity.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TQ6odL4U-AI/AAAAAAAAAHw/gg7IKohP4PY/s1600/woundedheart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TQ6odL4U-AI/AAAAAAAAAHw/gg7IKohP4PY/s400/woundedheart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552560609953118210" /></a><br />Even worse, those of us who feel we are "enlightened" many times exacerbate the situation by being just too quick to judge others who act in ways that are contrary to what we value and hold dear. I think we should remember that people who act out in angry, hateful or unkind ways are really hurting somewhere deep inside. They may be scared of losing something that they hold dear, they may be desperately seeking validation or as is the case in the video - they may just want to feel connected with those who are supposed to love them most.<br /><br />This video has inspired me to make a more concerted effort to show love to every single person I come across, no matter how "despicable" they may seem. And then, if I feel like it would be wiser to just "let it go", then I will. Immediately and completely.<br /><br />As always, thoughts, comments and quotations appreciated. Happy Holidays!<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"O ye children of men! The fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race, and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship amongst men. Suffer it not to become a source of dissension and discord, of hate and enmity." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 215)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Should anyone wax angry with you, respond to him with gentleness; and should anyone upbraid you, forbear to upbraid him in return, but leave him to himself and put your trust in God, the omnipotent Avenger, the Lord of might and justice." (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 75)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." (King James Bible, Proverbs 13:10)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Speak not harshly to anyone.<br />Those thus addressed will retort.<br />Painful indeed is vindictive speech.<br />Blows in exchange may bruise you.<br /><br />If you silence yourself as a broken gong,<br />You have already attained Nibbana.<br />No contention will be found in you."<br /><br />(Buddhist, Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 3 (tr. J. Richards))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Great wisdom is generous; petty wisdom is contentious. Great speech is impassioned, small speech cantankerous." (Tao, Chuangtse (Lin Yutang tr))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Consort with all men, O people of Baha, in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship. If ye be aware of a certain truth, if ye possess a jewel, of which others are deprived, share it with them in a language of utmost kindliness and goodwill. If it be accepted, if it fulfill its purpose, your object is attained. If anyone should refuse it, leave him unto himself, and beseech God to guide him. Beware lest ye deal unkindly with him. A kindly tongue is the lodestone of the hearts of men. It is the bread of the spirit, it clotheth the words with meaning, it is the fountain of the light of wisdom and understanding." (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 15)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-35413626748817348762010-11-14T11:16:00.004-07:002010-11-15T19:19:16.411-07:00Healing the Inner Child<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TOHou_mqgoI/AAAAAAAAAHo/OVZ6saKBO-Q/s1600/lrg_awakening.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TOHou_mqgoI/AAAAAAAAAHo/OVZ6saKBO-Q/s400/lrg_awakening.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539964910687650434" /></a><br /><br /><br />I am crying as I write this blog today. Someone very close to me is trying to heal from sexual abuse that they went through as a child and it is hard to see them go through the hurt that they are still carrying around after all these years. I am so proud of them for facing it head on, refusing to be a victim and working towards healing their emotional and spiritual wounds. But it is hard to witness.<br /><br />It all partially started because Oprah recently had a special two-part episode on adult male survivors of child abuse. I only saw the second part, but it really, really touched me. At one point, each survivor held up a picture of themselves from when they were kids and this abuse was going on. It was a very powerful visual representation of the horrible loss of innocence that they endured. <br /><br />Not having been abused myself, I can only imagine what these men went through and how it altered the course of their lives. Each of them were so significantly damaged by what happened, that to this day they still struggle with authority figures, intimacy, self-worth, trust, anger...the list goes on.<br /><br />How does one heal from such a horrible experience that happened at such a young age? Seriously - regardless of whether you are a man or a woman. I just can't even imagine. It has to be one of the most, horrendous, devastating, traumatizing things that occurs on this earth. These children were abused by the people in their lives who they were supposed to be able to look up to, the people who were supposed to keep them safe and protect them, the people who were supposed to <em><strong>love </strong></em>them. Parents. Teachers. Priests. Family. Friends.<br /><br />It is ironic that I am blogging on this topic right after blogging on what "evil" means. Because, I tell you, child abuse (sexual or otherwise) is probably the most Evil thing I can think of - and that's Evil with a capital "E".<br /><br />I understand the value of going through tests. I believe that many of the horrible things that happen in the world have a reason and a place in the grand scheme of things. I can have faith and trust in God in most all things in life. I can deal with murder. I can deal with infant mortality. I can deal with natural disasters. But this...I just don't know.<br /><br />Healing from traumatic events is important, I am certain of that. And praying and meditating can help, I believe that too. But where do you begin to truly heal from something like that? How do you start? I am completely overwhelmed just trying to imagine how difficult it must be. How can you heal your inner child from something so hideous? I am really at a loss.<br /><br />Any feedback, thoughts and/or support on this would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.<br /><br />For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after." (King James Bible, Jeremiah 30:16-17)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"...if one deals with objects of the sense<br />Not loving and not hating, making them<br />Serve his free soul, which rests serenely lord,<br />Lo! such a man comes to tranquillity;<br />And out of that tranquillity shall rise<br />The end and healing of his earthly pains,<br />Since the will governed sets the soul at peace." (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Thy name is my healing, O my God, and remembrance of Thee is my remedy. Nearness to Thee is my hope, and love for Thee is my companion. Thy mercy to me is my healing and my succor in both this world and the world to come. Thou, verily, art the All-Bountiful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise." (Baha'u'llah, Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah, p. 262)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-79845859488312534722010-11-08T16:13:00.004-07:002012-12-19T11:31:15.171-07:00The Nature of Evil<div align="left">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TNiLcbBtRvI/AAAAAAAAAHg/GjlIeDAK8c4/s1600/Good_vs_Evil_by_Saibel.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537329062259541746" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TNiLcbBtRvI/AAAAAAAAAHg/GjlIeDAK8c4/s400/Good_vs_Evil_by_Saibel.jpg" style="display: block; height: 388px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><align center="center">(Photo courtesy of ©Isabel Castaño.<a href="http://www.isabelcastano.com/">www.isabelcastano.com</a>)<br /><br />What is “evil” to you? A bully in school? A corrupt politician? A murderer? A terrorist? A demon hiding in the shadows ready to jump out and possess your soul? All of the above?<br /><br />I think it is all of those things (in a way). I believe that "evil" is just the absence of "good". Each and every one of us are pure, noble, creations of God and our true reality is a spiritual one. But because that reality has to go through a "human" existence here on earth, we are given the opportunity to live up to our spiritual, "good" nature......or not.<br /><br />It is at those times when we don't live up to our potential as spiritual, loving beings that true "evil" rears its ugly head. Those times when we show a lack or "absence" of patience, compassion, generosity and love. At those times our baser nature, what you could even call "ego" decides that what we want is more important than anyone or anything else. Our "self" gets in the way of what we know is right.<br /><br />I do not believe in Satan, or demons or evil spirits that "push" us to do bad things. I believe that the "push" we feel is within ourselves and originates from our lower nature - the nature of self, of ego, of selfishness.<br /><br />I think when we focus on being of service to others and on the betterment of the world as a whole - then we are exhibiting our true, spiritual nature. When we tell our selfish needs to take a hike and our "ego" to take a break, then we become more aligned with our higher, truer selves. We give "evil" the old heave-ho. LOL!<br /><br />What do you think? I know there are a huge array of thoughts on this subject so please share them! And of course, quotes from your spiritual belief system would be awesome! I have posted a few below that I found to be compelling.<br /></align><br />
<hr />
<br /><br />
<blockquote>
As long as man is a captive of habit, pursuing the dictates of self and desire, he is vanquished and defeated. This passionate personal ego takes the reins from his hands, crowds out the qualities of the divine ego and changes him into an animal, a creature unable to judge good from evil, or to distinguish light from darkness. He becomes blind to divine attributes, for this acquired individuality, the result of an evil routine of thought becomes the dominant note of his life." (Abdu'l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 133)</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br /><br /> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (King James Bible, Matthew 6:22-24)</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<br /> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"By oneself is evil done,<br />
By oneself does one get defiled,<br />
By oneself is evil left undone,<br />
By oneself is one purified.<br />
Purity or impurity depends on oneself,<br />
No one can purify another." (Buddhist, Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 3 (tr. J. Richards))</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br /><br /> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"There! for that ye did rejoice in the land without right; and for that ye did exult; enter ye the gates of hell, to dwell therein for aye; for evil is the resort of those who are too big with pride!" (The Qur'an (E.H. Palmer tr), Sura 40 - The Believer)</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<br /> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"The reality underlying this question is that the evil spirit, Satan or whatever is interpreted as evil, refers to the lower nature in man. This baser nature is symbolized in various ways. In man there are two expressions, one is the expression of nature, the other the expression of the spiritual realm. The world of nature is defective. Look at it clearly, casting aside all superstition and imagination. If you should leave a man uneducated and barbarous in the wilds of Africa, would there be any doubt about his remaining ignorant? God has never created an evil spirit; all such ideas and nomenclature are symbols expressing the mere human or earthly nature of man. It is an essential condition of the soil of earth that thorns, weeds and fruitless trees may grow from it. Relatively speaking, this is evil; it is simply the lower state and baser product of nature." (Abdu'l-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 77)</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
<br /></blockquote>
<br /></div>
Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-61127526977835902892010-10-28T16:42:00.012-06:002010-10-28T19:31:48.323-06:00"Music as a ladder for your souls..."<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TMoBiXWGd9I/AAAAAAAAAHY/OVMCqLbVWIY/s1600/wedding%2520ceremony%2520music%2520sheet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TMoBiXWGd9I/AAAAAAAAAHY/OVMCqLbVWIY/s400/wedding%2520ceremony%2520music%2520sheet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533236782071969746" /></a><br /><br />I really strongly believe that music can lift us up when we are down, reinvigorate us when we are tired, enlighten us when we are lost. There is something about certain types of music that really make me feel good. Sometimes the songs may be slow and contemplative, other times they may be upbeat and energetic, but regardless there are certain songs and or music that move me. <br /><br />Check out the mantra sung below by a Buddhist nun from Nepal...<br /> <br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QCOnRUj_SeE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QCOnRUj_SeE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="430" height="255"></embed></object><br /><br />Isn't that beautiful? (Thank you Bryan for posting it to Facebook). It is that type of simple, beautiful music that just takes my soul away and lifts it up! I love it! I need to remember how powerful music is in lifting the soul when it is down. I thought with this weeks blog I could share some of my very favorite uplifting/beautiful/contemplative pieces of music or chants that make me feel closer to that Something which is higher than myself. And you all could share yours! Here they are in no particular order...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_g21wl48AY">"Armed" - Devon Gundry</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpDQJnI4OhU">"One" - U2 feat. Mary J. Blige</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4bib4PBqGA">"Let it Be" - Carol Woods and Timothy T. Mitchum</a><br />"Universal Prayer" - Dave Stringer (Thank you Aminda for that one)<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM">"Stand by Me" - Playing for Change</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG2UH4bXcsI">"Here's Where I Stand" - Camp Soundtrack</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXM4qKVxeHw&feature=related">"You Walk With Me" - The Full Monty Soundtrack</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFbsZu7ZN7A">"Bring Him Home" - Les Miserables Soundtrack</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_FRluQgYpI">"In The Deep" - Bird York</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdFlHuyWr0o&feature=fvst">"Papa, Can You Hear Me?" - Barbara Streisand</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoSL_qayMCc">"Falling Slowly" - Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8iTeDl_Wug&feature=related">"Seasons of Love" - Rent Soundtrack</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn0WqfK3NIc">"Imagine" - David Archuleta</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xotoDy5806Y">"What a Wonderful World" - Louis Armstrong</a><br /><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/embraceworld1">"Night Hath Succeeded Day" - KC Porter</a><br />"Jewel in the Lotus" - Jack Lenz<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKmowHANzgE">"Breathe Me" - Sia</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skUJ-B6oVDQ&ob=av2e">"Fix You" - Coldplay</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I">"Over the Rainbow" - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole</a><br /><br />What are some of your favorites that really make you feel at peace and a little more at one with the universe? As always, share quotes also if you'd like.<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"...in this new age the Manifest Light hath, in His holy Tablets, specifically proclaimed that music, sung or played, is spiritual food for soul and heart. The musician's art is among those arts worthy of the highest praise, and it moveth the hearts of all who grieve. Wherefore, O thou Shahnaz,[1] play and sing out the holy words of God with wondrous tones in the gatherings of the friends, that the listener may be freed from chains of care and sorrow, and his soul may leap for joy and humble itself in prayer to the realm of Glory." (Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 112)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Let our city shrines and chaityas with a lofty music shake,<br />And ourpriests to bright Immortals grateful gifts and offerings make,<br />Bards, reciters of Puranas, minstrels versed in ancient song,<br />Women with their tuneful voices lays of sacred love prolong,<br />Let our queens and stately courtiers step in splendour and in state,<br />Chieftains with their marshalled forces range along the city gate,<br />And our white-robed holy Brahmans hymn and sacred mantras sing." (Hindu, Ramayana (R. Dutt, abridged tr))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely." (King James Bible, Psalms 147:1)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"The treasure of the Naam, the Name of the Lord, is obtained by singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord of the Universe, and centering one's mind in meditation on Him." (Shri Guru Granth Sahib, Section 10 - Raag Dayv)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"We, verily, have made music as a ladder for your souls, a means whereby they may be lifted up unto the realm on high..." (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Aqdas, p. 38)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-84980414041818539792010-10-21T15:07:00.008-06:002010-10-21T15:58:57.039-06:00What are you MOST afraid of?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TMCtapikIYI/AAAAAAAAAHE/epDbheDN_Qk/s1600/scary_mary_poppins_trailer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TMCtapikIYI/AAAAAAAAAHE/epDbheDN_Qk/s400/scary_mary_poppins_trailer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530611015750001026" /></a><br /><br />What are you MOST afraid of? Since Halloween is right around the corner, I thought it appropriate to post one of my videos that I developed for <a href="http://www.soulpancake.com">www.SoulPancake.com</a> last year. Go ahead and watch my video directly below. It is only three and a half minutes long:<br /><br /><object width="430" height="255"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZTN3xNDVpnM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZTN3xNDVpnM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="285"></embed></object><br /><br />I really enjoyed filming that video and I think I got a good variety of honest answers from people. If I were to answer the question honestly, the thing I am most afraid of is not being a good enough person. I don't want to move on from this world without having developed and grown as an individual as much as I possibly can in the time that I have. I am constantly worried that I may be squandering my opportunities to make a difference and/or grow as a human being and that terrifies me. I don't believe that I will have another chance to do better so I want to make sure I do my very best right now.<br /><br />Here are some quotes from different world faiths on fear. As always please share your thoughts, quotes and stories - and for this post let me know what scares YOU the most.<br /><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Those who fear what they should not fear<br />and do not fear what they should fear,<br />such people, following false doctrines, enter the wrong path." (Buddhist, Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 2 (tr. J. Richards))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (King James Bible, Psalms 23:4)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Good is the Intellect which comprehends<br />The coming forth and going back of life,<br />What must be done, and what must not be done,<br />What should be feared, and what should not be feared,<br />What binds and what emancipates the soul" (Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"It is clear and evident that all men shall, after their physical death, estimate the worth of their deeds, and realize all that their hands have wrought. I swear by the Day Star that shineth above the horizon of Divine power! They that are the followers of the one true God shall, the moment they depart out of this life, experience such joy and gladness as would be impossible to describe, while they that live in error shall be seized with such fear and trembling, and shall be filled with such consternation, as nothing can exceed." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 171)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-27866882781534111822010-10-17T10:22:00.006-06:002010-10-17T17:24:11.872-06:00How did we become so mean?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TLteOqjbjmI/AAAAAAAAAG0/1APTKHS9i-s/s1600/bullies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TLteOqjbjmI/AAAAAAAAAG0/1APTKHS9i-s/s400/bullies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529116573561491042" /></a><br /><br />Bullying is in the news a lot lately and it is really getting to me. There have been a slew of teen suicides revolving around gossip, name-calling, backbiting or just plain mean-spiritedness. I am not going to recount any of the numerous stories here, if you listen to the news at all you've heard them. But it is truly beyond me how we have let our nation, our culture, our society, become this warped, ugly, nasty version of ourselves. <br /><br />And I don't care who's fault it is either, it doesn't matter. Religion, schools, media, parents... doesn't matter. <em><strong>What matters</strong></em> is our dedication to changing away from what we've become. We can make this world what we want it to be. Do we want it to be a world where children as young as eleven feel so alone, hurt and humiliated that suicide is their best answer? I know I don't.<br /><br />I also know that each and every one of us has to take some responsibility for our own behavior. We (as adults) are supposed to set the example, and I know there are plenty of times where we don't. Why? How did we become so mean? What joy does humiliating others bring us? What kind of happiness does backbiting about our neighbor fulfill? What satisfaction is created by gossiping about our co-workers? Seriously. Don't we know better? Where has our conscience gone? Has it taken some sort of endless break?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TLtzSw3G37I/AAAAAAAAAG8/1DVWFeBlaSg/s1600/secrets_at_water_cooler-2_s600x600.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TLtzSw3G37I/AAAAAAAAAG8/1DVWFeBlaSg/s400/secrets_at_water_cooler-2_s600x600.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529139733718294450" /></a><br /><br />If we want to turn the tide on this bullying epidemic then I think it begins with each one of us as an individual. We can't be bystanders anymore. If we care about changing the world it all begins within us, and I think we need to go back to basics, i.e. "the Golden Rule". This is the very foundation of peace and the core of our humanity. We need to rekindle it in our hearts - love and compassion for every living soul - even the bullies - because I promise you they weren't born that way.<br /><br />Here are some thoughtful quotes on this topic from various world scriptures. And as always, please leave your own quotes and/or thoughts.<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"(A true seeker)... must never seek to exalt himself above any one, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vain-glory, must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endureth a century." (Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 264)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit." (King James Bible, Proverbs 15:4)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"O ye who believe! let not one class ridicule another who are perchance better than they; nor let women ridicule other women who are perchance better than they; and do not defame each other, nor call each other bad names-an ill name is iniquity after faith! O ye who believe! carefully avoid suspicion; verily, some suspicion is a sin. And do not play the spy, nor backbite each other; would one of you like to eat his dead brother's flesh?- why! ye would abhor it! then fear God; verily, God is relentant, compassionate." (The Qur'an (E.H. Palmer tr), Sura 49 - The Inner Chambers)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"He avoids tale-bearing, and abstains from it. What he has heard here, he does not repeat there, so as to cause dissension there; and what he heard there, he does not repeat here, so as to cause dissension here. Thus he unites those that are divided; and those that are united, he encourages. Concord gladdens him, he delights and rejoices in concord, and it is concord that he spreads by his words.<br /><br />He avoids harsh language, and abstains from it. He speaks such words as are gentle, soothing to the ear, loving, going to the heart, courteous and dear, and agreeable to many." ((The Eightfold Path), Buddha, the Word (The Eightfold Path))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>Beware lest ye harm any soul, or make any heart to sorrow; lest ye wound any man with your words, be he known to you or a stranger, be he friend or foe." (Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 73)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Let them purify their sight and behold all humankind as leaves and blossoms and fruits of the tree of being. Let them at all times concern themselves with doing a kindly thing for one of their fellows, offering to someone love, consideration, thoughtful help. Let them see no one as their enemy, or as wishing them ill, but think of all humankind as their friends; regarding the alien as an intimate, the stranger as a companion, staying free of prejudice, drawing no lines." (Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 1)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-72860707963423410692010-10-03T15:48:00.001-06:002010-10-03T19:07:41.784-06:00Don't throw the Baby out with the Bathwater!!!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TKkZCwljYGI/AAAAAAAAAGk/J4G2icgHmIQ/s1600/babybathwater1.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 254px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TKkZCwljYGI/AAAAAAAAAGk/J4G2icgHmIQ/s400/babybathwater1.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523973953139466338" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />I've mentioned this concept before, but I think it is worth repeating. Nowadays I hear all the time from people that are disillusioned with religion and have therefore decided to forgo being a part of it all together. They are perfectly content just believing in God and doing their best to be a good person all on their own. They let their conscience be their guide.<br /><br />I can completely understand why so many have given up on religion. As I said in July, "...many of the reasons behind it are understandable - materialism, outdated dogma, horrible scandals, "holy" bloodshed due to ancient prejudices and a lack of a modern vision for the world". So because of all this filthy, nasty "bathwater", many choose to completely throw religion out of their life. Problem is, there is some really important stuff floating around in there that they should have "fished out" first - the Holy Verses of God. <br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TKkZIsVRuiI/AAAAAAAAAGs/y_KErFrdNMk/s1600/q_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TKkZIsVRuiI/AAAAAAAAAGs/y_KErFrdNMk/s400/q_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523974055076674082" /></a><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />It's the main reason I created this blog. I wanted a variety of people to share their thoughts and opinions on important and philosophical subjects with a focus on the actual heavenly writings of all religions. By removing the fear-based preaching and the dogma and focusing on the beauty of the original scriptures, you can truly see the golden thread of truth that binds them all together.<br /><br />Here's my thing. Based on the research I've done and the numerous Holy Scriptures I've read, either <em><strong>all </strong></em>of the religions are from God or <em><strong>none </strong></em>of them are. Nothing else makes sense to me. And based on the beauty and poetry I have found within them and they way I feel when I read them, I choose to believe that they originated with the one and only God who created us all.<br /><br />He wanted us to know about Him and gave us commandments so that we did not have to figure it out on our own. He wanted us to have knowledge about Him so that there would be no question about the best way to live our lives while we are here. Seems to me that we should value and treasure the wisdom and guidance that He sent down for us.<br /><br />Which leads me back to the original issue - throwing the "baby" out with the "bathwater". Sometimes the bathwater does need to be thrown out, its dirty, its filthy and it needs to be purified and renewed. Just don't throw the baby out with it. Please? The "baby" is precious and beautiful and somehow important, don't you think? Or else why would these precious words have been given to us in the first place?<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Even if the faithful can recite<br />only a few of the scriptures,<br />if they act accordingly,<br />having given up passion, hate, and folly,<br />being possessed of true knowledge and serenity of mind,<br />craving nothing in this world or the next,<br />they are living the holy life."<br />(Buddhist, Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 2 (tr. J. Richards))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.<br /><br />And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.<br /><br />For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (King James Bible, 2 Peter, 1:2-8)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"...after the deeper meaning of the Udgîtha or Om has been described, the advantage of knowing that deeper meaning is put forward, and it is said that the sacrifice which a man performs with knowledge, with faith, and with the Upanishad, i.e. with an understanding of its deeper meaning, is more powerful." (Upanishads vol. 1, Introduction to the Upanishads, vol. 1)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"The supreme cause for creating the world and all that is therein is for man to know God." (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 267)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-63284713154385238082010-09-26T11:14:00.006-06:002010-09-26T20:27:36.182-06:00When do YOU feel Weak?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TJ-Sur-9ZgI/AAAAAAAAAGc/HUMkSa-5Dkg/s1600/Weak__Grow_Me_Yourself__by_wish_and_dream_4ever.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TJ-Sur-9ZgI/AAAAAAAAAGc/HUMkSa-5Dkg/s400/Weak__Grow_Me_Yourself__by_wish_and_dream_4ever.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521292998957950466" /></a><br /><br />Many times in my life I have felt "weak" for one reason or another - meaning not capable of taking one more step, giving it one more try, pulling myself back up and choosing to strive again and grow. When I set personal goals for myself and fail to live up to them I really beat myself up. It can become exhausting and very disheartening - especially when they are goals around my journey to become a more spiritual person. I end up feeling like that flower in the picture.<br /><br />It's strange I guess, because in many ways I feel I am a fairly strong person (nowadays) than ever before. I stopped smoking seven years ago which was very hard but I kept on trying until it stuck. I became Vegan over a year ago because I saw no other choice in light of my life values. Again, hard, but I did it. Most times when I make a strong choice to do something, its done - my will is pretty dang strong! <br /><br />Maybe that is why when I strive and fail to reach a goal, I am that much harder on myself. Most religions or faiths teach that ultimately we need to have faith in and depend on the support of a higher power to help us achieve our goals - especially if they are focused on heavenly virtues.<br /><br />But sometimes that can be really difficult too, don't you think? Is there really some sort of invisible force out there helping push me in the right direction and support me in my efforts? Or am I all alone? How can I really tell one way or the other? Especially when I repeatedly fail? <br /><br />Check out this video from this past season of "So You Think You Can Dance". It is a contemporary piece choreographed by the brilliant Travis Wall and danced by Robert and Allison. It is the story of a son striving to support his mother through her journey and struggle after major surgery. <em>(The actual embed code is not working so you'll have to go to YouTube to watch it - but I highly recommend you do - its phenomenal.)</em><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><object style="background-image:url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/_TsR1yiAe9g/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_TsR1yiAe9g?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_TsR1yiAe9g?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br />Isn't that the most beautiful and moving thing ever? It was by far my favorite piece of the season. And I thought it was appropriate to this topic due to the aspect of the mother feeling supported and loved through her struggle. The thing is, she KNEW he was there for her. But how can we know? How do we truly, and I mean <strong><em>truly</em></strong> continue to have faith that a higher power is there supporting us on <em><strong>our </strong></em>journey?<br /><br />Here are some quotes from various world religions on this topic. As always, please, please share your own thoughts and quotes. In my mind, that's what makes this blog great. Love to all!<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Do not look at your weakness, nay, rely upon the confirmation of the Holy Spirit. Verily, It maketh the weak strong, the lowly mighty, the child grown, the infant mature and the small great." (Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v2, p. 274)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (King James Bible, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"'O my people! ask pardon of your Lord; then turn to Him; He will send the skies down on you in torrents; and He will add strength to your strength: do not then turn back sinners.'" (The Qur'an (E.H. Palmer tr), Sura 11 - Hud)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Thou art He Who changeth through His bidding abasement into glory, and weakness into strength, and powerlessness into might, and fear into calm, and doubt into certainty. No God is there but Thee, the Mighty, the Beneficent. Thou disappointest no one who hath sought Thee, nor dost Thou keep back from Thee any one who hath desired Thee. Ordain Thou for me what becometh the heaven of Thy generosity, and the ocean of Thy bounty. Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the Most Powerful." (Baha'u'llah, Prayers and Meditations by Baha'u'llah, p. 249)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1375918605392646377.post-19518303701229829392010-09-19T09:28:00.000-06:002010-09-19T13:13:18.950-06:00The Ego Dysfunction<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TJZHlE3WlvI/AAAAAAAAAGM/m2pQRBqQx9Y/s1600/Ego2-229x300.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TJZHlE3WlvI/AAAAAAAAAGM/m2pQRBqQx9Y/s400/Ego2-229x300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518677095675762418" /></a><br />A couple of times in my career I have attended a workshop called "The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team". They are... (1)Absence of Trust, (2)Fear of Conflict, (3)Lack of Commitment, (4)Avoidance of Accountability and (5)Inattention to Results. Each one is dependent on the one before - meaning if the first dysfunction is apparent on your team, you will most likely have the other four, etc.<br /><br />If a team has some dysfunction in all five areas it means that it all started with the "Absence of Trust". In my opinion, lack of trust usually comes about when one or more members of a team put their own individual self above the good of the group - when they focus on their interests, what they want and what they believe, and do not value or are even interested in other thoughts and opinions.<br /><br />This should not be a "shocker" to anyone. Self-centered egos are not a rarity in the workplace, or in life for that matter. The way in which the world currently operates makes each one of us feel that we have to be better, smarter, stronger, richer and more popular than everyone around us. From a very early age we are taught to strive to be "the best" and if we're not, we are labeled as "less than". And in the opposite way, the more "successful" we are the more valuable we feel. We think we have to be invulnerable. Is it any wonder that we are consumed by our ego and by self?<br /><br />Many of us become so obsessed by how others perceive us that we will manipulate, harass, ignore, dispute and violate the trust of the many in order to impress or glorify ourselves to the few. All just to get ahead and satisfy our ego. Problem is, the ego is never satisfied - its main mantra is "More, more, MORE!" It becomes a never-ending vicious cycle within the rat race of life. And it is certainly difficult to trust someone who has only their own interests in mind. How can you feel like they have your back with they are so focused on their own? This is also where politics come into play and dishonesty thrives...<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote>"Politics is when people choose their words and actions based on how they want others to react rather than based on what they really think." - Patrick Lencioni<blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TJZO4uvGT1I/AAAAAAAAAGU/0MEmQAoHj_4/s1600/draft_lens1406097module48523812photo_1248706084bare_faced_lie-honesty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 378px; height: 358px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_aqarqVv9ebo/TJZO4uvGT1I/AAAAAAAAAGU/0MEmQAoHj_4/s400/draft_lens1406097module48523812photo_1248706084bare_faced_lie-honesty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518685129914339154" /></a><br />So what to do? Well, in my opinion we have got to let go of all aspects of ego that strive to separate us from others and make us "better than". Meaning, we have to focus on the success of the team, rather than ourselves - to stop trying to lead and to instead work side-by-side. True humility, honesty and openness - that is what all the greatest teams have - a sincere and genuine desire focused on the team as a whole with all of the individual parts working in tandem, wanting the best for all. That is the only way we can build a strong and truly unified group of individuals.<br /><br />What are your thoughts? Do you have any stories, anecdotes or quotes from your spiritual belief system to share? Here are some that I found... (this is the participation part) ;-)<br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"If five people meet together to seek for truth, they must begin by cutting themselves free from all their own special conditions and renouncing all preconceived ideas. In order to find truth we must give up our prejudices, our own small trivial notions; an open receptive mind is essential. If our chalice is full of self, there is no room in it for the water of life. The fact that we imagine ourselves to be right and everybody else wrong is the greatest of all obstacles in the path towards unity, and unity is necessary if we would reach truth, for truth is one." (Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 136)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Craving is the worst disease;<br />disharmony is the greatest sorrow.<br />The one who knows this truly<br />knows that nirvana is the highest bliss.<br />Health is the greatest gift;<br />contentment is the greatest wealth;<br />trusting is the best relationship;<br />nirvana is the highest joy." (Buddhist, Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 2 (tr. J. Richards))</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (King James Bible, Luke 18:10-14)</blockquote><br /><blockquote><hr /></blockquote><br /><blockquote>"As long as man is a captive of habit, pursuing the dictates of self and desire, he is vanquished and defeated. This passionate personal ego takes the reins from his hands, crowds out the qualities of the divine ego and changes him into an animal, a creature unable to judge good from evil, or to distinguish light from darkness. He becomes blind to divine attributes, for this acquired individuality, the result of an evil routine of thought becomes the dominant note of his life." (Abdu'l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 133)</blockquote>Justin Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16381819354802760963noreply@blogger.com2