October 22, 2013
peace
October 22, 2013
ONE CANNOT PLEASE ALL
A man and his son were once going with their donkey to market. As they were walking along by its side, a countryman passed them and said: “You fools, what is a donkey for but to ride upon?” So the man put the boy on the donkey and they went on their way. But soon – Read More –
September 4, 2013
RABIA
Rabia of Basra (C. 717-801), a Sufi Saint, and perhaps the first to introduce the concept of Divine Love…that one should not love God for fear of Hell or the promise of Heaven but that God should be loved for God’s own sake. Rabia was born 500 years before Rumi, and was perhaps the greatest influence – Read More –
August 29, 2013
ONENESS
Recently, I have been fascinated to read accounts from people who have “crossed over”. A consistent theme has been the overwhelming sense of compassion, unconditional love, and oneness that was felt by these individuals. They described being connected with everyone around them and having such a strong feeling of empathy that they could experience the emotions – Read More –
August 14, 2013
WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FAITH?
Faith is a funny thing. As with all things, it means different things to different people. Today I was considering the concept of prayer…when one’s “wish is granted” (so to speak), there is celebration and happiness. However, if the result is not as desired, some question their God and wonder why their “prayer” wasn’t answered. – Read More –
August 10, 2013
STAYING GROUNDED
When a triumphant general returned to Rome, he would ride through the street while the crowd cheered on both sides. Yet he always had an attendant sitting in the carriage to whisper in his ear, “Respice post te! Hominem te esse memento! Memento mori!” (“Look behind you! Remember you are only a man! Remember you – Read More –
August 6, 2013
TOMORROW IS AN ILLUSION
A Japanese warrior was captured by his enemies and thrown into prison. That night he was unable to sleep because he feared that the next day he would be interrogated, tortured, and executed. Then the words of his Zen master came to him, “Tomorrow is not real. It is an illusion. The only reality is – Read More –
August 6, 2013