As I reflect upon this closing year, I can honestly say that, for me, it has been one of great personal loss, and profound disappointment; a year of struggle, and deep regret. If it were possible, I would like to forget the majority of the events that occurred in my life within the span of 2009. However, a closer, more internal look reveals that it has also been a year of an even deeper spiritual enlightenment. I've learned some very valuable lessons about the minutia inherent in some of mankind: I've witnessed the ways of commerce and cruelty... and people who profit from deceit. It has been a year of harsh observations about ignorance and inhumanity, about faith and the faithless, about courage and cowardice, and most of all about the concept of personal perseverance. It is my belief that having gleamed those painful lessons, I am all the richer, as they will guide me through smoother, less turbulent waters in the future.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
There are so a few things that any of us KNOW for sure. And yet there are some Essential Truths, that, no matter one’s faith (or belief system, religion, creed or personal dogma), they become footsteps to the path of true Enlightenment.
During this Holiday Season, it is my sincere wish and hope that each of us, that all citizens of humankind will walk along that path of decency.
Brahmanism: This is the sum of duty: Do naught
unto others which would cause you pain if done to
you.: Mahabharata 5:1517
Christianity: All things whatsoever ye would
that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.:
Matthew 7:12
Islam: No one of you is a believer until he
desires for his brother what which he desires for
himself. Sunnah
Buddhism: Hurt not others in ways that you
yourself would find hurtful.: Udana Varga 5:18
Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not to your
fellowmen. That is the entire Law; all the rest is
commentary.: Talmud, Shabbat 31:a
Confucianism : Surely it is the maxim of
loving-kindness: Do not unto others that you would
not have them do unto you.: Analects 15:23
Taoism: Regard your neighbor's gain as your own
gain, and your neighbor's loss as your own loss.:
T'ai Shag Kan Ying P'ien
Zoroastrianism : That nature alone is good which
refrains from doing unto another whatsoever is not
good: for itself. : Dadistan-i-dinik 94:5
Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Eid to One & All!
One.
Lin
10 comments:
LOVE how you present yourself...
I find it hard to believe that I'm the first to comment here...
Wishing you all the best for 2010, Len!
Peace!
Dorrie
What an uplifting post.
Wishing you all the best in the New Year to come.
And the happiest of 2010 to you...good blog
saludos,
raulito
http://fromtop2bttm.blogspot.com/
It is a lofty goal, but what you have written here, the quotations, proverbs and dogma...are my words of faith or spirituality to me. All we can do is strive, one good deed begets another...
Happy Holidays! Wishing you all the best in the coming year.
Found you by way of Teri and so glad I did. You have a wonderful blog here and this post resonated with me very much.
Everything you spoke of here - ignorance, humanity, faith, courage, cowardice, commerce, cruelty - are the things that we encounter each day in varied forms and peoples. I believe that we are always richer because of it - the good and the bad - because we learn from it and puts us further and more assuredly on our path towards the betterment of our Selves. I have found that my road has been one that has gifted me with many things, most of all with wisdom. This comes later in life once one releases the ego because ego and wisdom cannot occupy the same space. Acceptance of things and people foremost and its subsequent understanding and wisdom it gifted; then the opening of a heart...oh, dear heart...that is where the Truth of humanity lies and where all pain is birthed. The older I get, the more deeply I feel about the injustices, cruelty and inhumanity that surrounds this world. The path towards Enlightment is the way, but how do we get there without so much pain? But then again, is it the pain and sorrow that we see and feel that keeps us human?
I love how you included all religions and their tenets on love, peace and understanding.
Great message!
sorry to hear 09 was a rocky road for you - but i know that you have the heart and soul and skill to beat those swords - those thrust at you - into ploughshares. and i hope your new year will be filled with light and love and goodness.
Visiting your blog for the first time and running through your previous posts. I'm delighted to find The Golden Rule in the major religions posted here.
Post a Comment