2008 - A Special Year

Over the last couple of days, over a billion Muslims have been celebrating the start of a new year.

As the lunar year is slightly shorter than the year that the Gregorian calendar measures, 2008 will actually see a very strange phenomenon as three lunar years will pass during this one year.

2008 will see the very last few days of 1429, the full year of 1430 and the first few days of 1431. These are Muslim years that we are currently living through, as the Muslim calendar began when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) left Mecca towards Medina in a journey known as the Hijra.

The reason why Muslims measure the new year from this journey is because of the change in fortunes for Muslims that this journey represented. In Mecca, Muslims were persecuted and had to practice their faith secretly. In Medina, Muslims were free to practice their faith openly and to build places of worship.

As we enter a new Muslim year where we are, in most places, free to think, act, pray and live as we want, without any limitations and restrictions from either the state or from the prejudices of other members of society, it is important to value this freedom. After all, it is for this freedom that many Muslims left their homes and families in Mecca for 1429 years ago, a freedom that we are experiencing daily today.

Abraham and Sacrifice

Although Abraham is the father of the religions of the book, the most important purposeful event in his life was a very personal one.

God ordered Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac onto him.

The thought of this terrified and saddened Abraham, but depsite this Abraham was willing to this.

As Abraham was about to slay his son, God told him that the greatest sacrifice had already been made and that this was a test of faith for him.

There is great wisdom in the story of Abraham and of the strength of his faith.

Faith, for Abraham, was stronger than his love for God. It was from this faith that Christianity, Judaism and Islam were born.

Throughout our lives, we all encounter many tests of faith. A test of faith is an event which reveals your strength to you. It is one of lifes' greatest gifts.

The story of Abraham is a story of great faith and sacrifice. Abraham sacrificed his homeland and, almost, his son for the love of his god. The German Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, "The most spiritual beings, provided they are the most courageous, are also by defintion the most tragic cases. But it is precisely for that reason that they value life the most, as it throws against them its fiercest weapons." This epitomises the life of Abraham and, to many extent, all that followed him.

Be The Most Loving

In Conversations with God, Neale Donald Walsh writes the following:

"You have been told about the survival of the fittest and the victory of the strongest and the success of the cleverest."

In these words, Neale Donald Walsh is outlining the causes of many of the world's problems.

He is stating that because we are so concerned with being the strongest, the smartest, the richest and the most successful, we have become innately selfish.

Neale Donald Walsh then asks a profound questions.

What about being the most loving?

By being the most loving, Neale Donald Walsh explains, we may not materially be the strongest, smartest, richest or most successful, but spiritually we will. In addition to this, the world would be a much better place where we share all that we have.

Ultimately, Neale Donald Walsh is stating that most of the problems arise because too many people want to be the strongest, smartest, richest and most successful, whilst too few want to be the most loving.

Take some time today to try and be the most loving, as opposed to the richest, smartest, strongest or most successful, and see how rich this makes you feel.

Buddha and the Common Man

When we think of Buddha, we think of one of the most spiritually enlightened people to have ever lived.

However, the truth is that throughout his life, Buddha always tried to be as common as everyone around him. Even though Buddha could speak and write eloquently, he always wrote and spoke in simple language so that everyone around him could understand.

When Buddha was asked by his companions if a shrine should be built under the tree where he gained enlightenment, Buddha replied by saying that the tree should be left as it was so that others could also find enlightenment under it.

Although there are many accounts of Buddha’s death, all of the sources all agree that Buddha’s last words were “all living things shall past”.

As we live in a world in which we are obsessed with position, status and of the opinion of others, the life of Buddha is an example to us all. To be truly enlightened is not the ability to rise above other people but it is, in effect, the ability to be in touch with the common man and to meet him at his own level.

Buddha and the Murderer

There is an inspiring Buddhist story that clearly reflects our ability to improve ourselves.

In the time of Buddha, there lived a man who had murdered 999 people.

Whilst he was searching for his 1000th victim, he met Buddha.

Upon meeting Buddha for the first time, Buddha began to ask the mass murder a series of questions.

Once Buddha knew about this man and his plight, Buddha taught him to meditate and to control his emotions.

After encountering Buddha and learning from him, the mass murderer did not murder anyone again.

This story shows us one powerful lesson. No matter how much we have wronged in the past or how bad our situation is, we all have the ability and the resources to make positive changes in our own lives and, consequently, in the lives of others as well.

Most people have areas of their life that they want to change or improve. However, they have lived and put up with those lower standards for so long that they do not believe that it is possible to improve them. The truth is that it is very easy to change anything. First make a firm decision to accept nothing less than the new high standard you want to implement. Secondly, find the resources and characteristics that will allow you to maintain this new high standard. Finally, live out your commitment and inspire others to do the same.

Buddhism and the Value of Life

Buddhism is a religion based on the value of life.

Its main premise is that everything has come from God and, thus, must be respected equally.

Everything from an ant to an elephant should all be respected with an equal dignity.

The philosophy behind this is simple.

Buddha once said that if one wanted to appreciate an orchard of apple trees, one first needs to appreciate the seed that it came from.

Similarly, if one wants to appreciate the creator, the only way to do this is by valuing its creations.

Chinese New Year

Yesterday marked the start of the Chinese New Year, the year of the rat. We would like to wish Kung Hai Fat Choy (Happy Chinese New Year) to all of our readers.

One of the most important aspects of the Chinese New Year is family. During the celebrations, families reunite and begin the new year together.

In addition to this, old ancestors are remembered with respect as they were responsible for laying down the foundations for the fortune and glory of the ancestors.

This is done through a meal called weilu, which roughly translates as surrounding the stove. The Chinese believe that the spirits of the ancestors join the present family during this meal and, as a result, current generations and past generations celebrate the new year together.

The Chinese New Year is usually celebrated over a 15 day period, during which friends are visited and gifts are exchanged, specifically to children who get red and gold envelopes with money inside.

How do you and your family celebrate the start of the new year or any other milestones? Which aspects from different cultures could you incorporate to enrich your celebrations?

Collecting Sticks

One day, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was with his followers in the desert.

He asked his people to go and collect as many sticks as possible, so that they could all light a fire.

This confused many people, as they were in the desert. However, as it was their Prophet who had asked them to do so, they did so dilligently.

After the people had gathered many sticks, they asked the Prophet why he had asked them to do such a thing.

The Prophet replied by telling them that although each of these sticks look small and insignificant on their own, when collected together they can be used together for a needful purpose.

Similarly, with life, although all the small acts of good and bad may seem insignificant at the time of doing them, when collected together, they can have a major effect.

No matter how insignificant a task may seem, it is always crucial to look at how quickly and powerfully they all add up to affect the direction of your life.

 

Dalai Lama and Change

We live in a world where religious has an affect on most of our lives.

One of the issues with this, however, is that there are many old manuscripts that have simply been disproved by modern scientific discoveries.

Most religions, however, regress this fact. They put the manuscripts before the scientific evidence to the contrary.

The Dalai Lama, however, sees things differently. As well as studying Buddhist manuscripts, he is aware of the latest scientific discoveries and developments.

If he finds a Buddhist manuscript that has been disproved by science, he simply asks for it to be abandoned.

The Dalai Lama realises that although that manuscript may have been influential in the past and affected people before, its time has been served and it is no longer of value.

As we enter a new week, try to evaluate your life with this attitude. What thoughts, people, beliefs, values and possessions do you have that have served their time and are no longer of any use to you? How can you progress in life by abandoning them?

Death and the Buddha

One day, a man named Raj went to Buddha and asked him some questions.

He asked the Buddha why his mind was so clear and his was not. He asked why Buddha had so much compassion and he did not.

The Buddha replied to Raj and told him that he had only 24 hours to live.

Raj had always been told that Buddha was the wisest person alive and that he spoke only the truth.

Upon hearing the Buddha's words, he immediately began to worry. He realised how short he had to live and went to visit his parents and friends so as to spend time with those he valued.

With only an hour left to live, Raj lay down in a cot with all of his friends and family around him, waiting to die. Then the Buddha came to see him.

The Buddha asked him if he had sworn in the last 24 hours, or if he had cheated or lied or been untrue. Raj replied no to all of these questions and understood the Buddha's wisdom.

The Buddha always kept death close in his mind. He did not do this in a negative manner, in stead he used it to help him always remember how precious life was. What Buddha taught Raj to do for only 24 hours, the Buddha practiced for his whole life. This helped him to answer many deep questions that no one else had ever answered.

Easter Reflections

As we approach the Easter Weekend, we remember a day that happened 2,000 years ago.

The key question to ask ourselves is how something that happened so long ago still has an influence today.

There is a line from the movie, Riding in Cars With Boys, that could help us to understand this.

"One day can change your life. One day can ruin your life. All life is four or five days that change everything."

The significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is that it was a a day that not only changed one life, but changed the life of millions of people for many years to come.

In my view, this is the definition of a great person. A great person's actions affect not just one person but millions of people.

Over this Easter, take some time to reflect upon the great people who we have been privileged to share this world with. They may still be with us or they may have left us many years ago. Be grateful that they aspired to be great and to create a legacy that expanded beyond themselves.

Furthermore, take some time to reflect about the key events in your own personal history. What are the days that have significantly changed your life? What meaning have you attached to those days? What have those days taught you and are you proud of the person that they have helped you become?

Forgiveness

The German city of Dresden was heavily bombed by the British during the Second World, causing 35,000 deaths. During these bombings, the city's 200 year old cathedral was destroyed.

The cathedral has recently been restored to its glory, with the contribution of a 21 foot golden cross being presented to the city by the British.

This touching act of reconciliation shows how forgiving men and women can be.

It shows that no situation is so bad that two people or two communities cannot find a reconciliation.

Human history is plagued with countless wars and bloodshed. However, for every war, there is a reconciliation that has or will follow it.

Take some time to evaluate the concept of forgiveness and reconciliation. Develop the habit of understanding and forgiving others.

There is great relief in the act of forgiveness as it unlocks the links that tie you down in past disappointments and allows you to work towards the future together.

Every action, no matter how significant or insignificant, is born out of a good intention. Even though it is very hard to rationally justify this intention, the root of it is always subjectively good for the person who chooses to do this. By understanding this concept, you will realise that of all the things that have hurt you or upset you in the past, none were born with the intent of harming or upsetting you in the first place. Take some time to understand and forgive others for their mistakes. By doing this, you free yourself from the pains of the past that will otherwise take much longer to heal.

Guidance

Albert Schweitzer once said:

"The most difficult thing I have ever had to do is follow the guidance I prayed for."

Man is a complex being. He can remain troubled by something so long that he eventually seeks a solution for it.

However, once he has found this advice, he very rarely uses it properly.

Guidance is crucial to everyone. It can help you reach a goal or an ideal much quicker than it normally would do if you went uneducated and alone.

The definition of guidance is simply to be guided to something by someone who is already there.

The next time someone offers to guide you, first ask if that person is actually where you want to be and if their strategy is correct. If the answer is positive, to follow their advice is a great gift you must utilise.

We spend our lives giving advice to other people. Similarly, throughout our lives, many people give us guidance on a daily basis. To use this guidance is one of the greatest things possible. It is essentially being given a short-cut or a trade secret, that if utilised can make life much easier and much pleasurable. The first step in life is to differentiate effective guidance from inaccurate guidance. The second step, and hardest to do, is to act on it.

Guru Nanak and Misinterpretation

Guru Nanak is the father of Sikhism who lived in India in the 15th Century.

One event of Guru Nanak bares significant meaning.

Whilst walking one day with his disciples, Guru Nanak came upon what appeared to be a corpse covered in a white sheet.

He asked his disciples who would eat this. They all declined the offer, except for one.

When Guru Nanak removed the sheet, there was a bounty of holy food underneath it.

It is human instinct to always look at the danger of a situation before its potential benefits.

However, with the wisdom of Guru Nanak's life, we can all learn that is often unwise to judge too soon.

The story of Guru Nanak is one that revolves around non-judgement. Guru Nanak created a faith that teaches people not to judge people and not to judge circumstance too quickly. Often in life, many of our greatest victories and feelings of satisfaction come from things that we thought were beyond our grasp. As Guru Nanak teaches us, we should defer judgement as first impressions often deceive.

Infinite Patience

There is a wise quotation in A Course in Miracles that says the following:

"Infinite patience produces immediate results".

The wisdom behind this saying is the type of results that it produces. Infinite patience results in inner peace and a stress-free life.

How many of your problems in the past have resulted from the fact that you have run out of patience? This could have caused you to become frustrated, stressed, unhappy or, quite simply to have ended something that could have proven to be successful with more time.

We live in an age of speed. Patience is a dying art and, as a result of this, fewer and fewer people are feeling the inner peace that patience brings.

Today, try to be patient. Develop infinite patience. After all, patience is not about surrendering from your desired income but, more importantly, vanquishing the negative feelings that a lack of patience brings which, ultimately, affect our chances of achieving succeeding in the long run.

Jesus and His Actions

It is said that if one is to directly quote all that Jesus himself said in the Bible, it would take less than two hours.

This personifies the character of Jesus. He was a man of action, who portrayed his message in his actions.

When we think of Jesus, we think of the man who died on the cross with a crown of thorns or the child born in Bethlehem 2004 years ago.

The message is simple in the story of Jesus, let your actions speak so loudly that your words dim into silence.

This philosophy is a very effective one if we utilise it properly.

It is important to always remember that one has to think before acting, but not always before speaking!

The life story of Jesus is a very interesting one. This is because many religions are based on the word. However, for Jesus, the word was not as important as the deed. If one is to ponder Jesus' life, most of his key teachings came through his actions. He personified his beliefs, as opposed to simply speaking them. We can learn much from this philosophy as actions speak louder than words.

Khalil Gibran and His Mother

Khalil Gibran was once sitting with his mother and talking to her about a book that he was writing.

During the conversation, he started to talk about angels and also about how he, too was an angel.

His mother was confused by this, how could he be an angel? Angels have wings and fly, Khalil's mother asked. You do not have wings and do not fly, therefore how can you be an angel, she continued.

Khalil then placed both of his arms on his mother and said, I am angel and these are my wings.

This beautiful story teaches us the true value of those who support and love us. They are the ones who help us to succeed and to become angels through the virtues and character that we develop.

Who provides your wings? Who has helped you develop the most? More importantly, who sees you as their wings and how can you help them to fly even higher?

Knowledge and Muhammad (SAW)

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) once asked him companions a question. He said that I was once given a drink and I drank a lot of it. I drank so much that it started to fill every fibre in me and started flowing out of me. Even after this had happened, I still wanted more. What drink was this? The wisest amongst him replied, this drink was knowledge. There is little doubt that knowledge makes life interesting and pleasurable.

The reason why knowledge is so important is simple.

It is with knowledge that we make decisions, draw conclusions, understand other people, plan ahead and reflect on events past.

Many people see knowledge as a two-dimensional object that only helps them at school or work.

The truth is that it has a synergistic quality that flows into every area of your life.

Take heed of knowledge and play with it. Pledge to learn one thing new each day.

By investing in knowledge, you invest in the seed from which everything in your life will grow.

 

Love like the Sun

There is an Ancient Indian saying that when you love, you should love like the Sun.

Upon reflection, one realises the true wisdom of this advice.

When the sun shines, it does not spread its rays on some whilst ignoring others. It spreads its heat evenly, depriving nobody.

Similarly, in order to love, one cannot judge who is worthy of love and who is not worthy. One must love like the Sun, spreading it to everywhere and evenly.

The most compassionate human beings have fully accepted this concept. Buddha once said that we should love every living creature as if it were his only child.

As human beings, love is a crucial concept as its focus is on abundance and not on scarcity.

By living in this state, our focus is always on what we have and what we have to contribute. If we do not, our lives will always feel empty.

Love has many meanings to many people. For some it is a romantic concept, for others it is a question of responsibility and for others it is something that they always believe that they are unlucky in! In truth, love is a much simpler concept. It is simply a matter of being at peace with yourself. Once you have managed this, you can be at peace with others. The mistake that many people make is that they expect that when they are loved, they will change. The truth is that love is a proactive word and can only be a gift you choose to give yourself.

Moses and Patience

The life of Moses can essentially be divided into two.

There were the years in which he reigned as an Egyptian Prince and the period in which he led the Hebrew slaves into Exodus, away from the wrath of Pharoah.

Moses led his people through patience. He explained to them that a time would come when they were free.

After the ten plagues that reigned over Egypt, Pharoah granted the Hebrew slaves freedom. This, however, was not the end of their struggles.

The free Hebrews had to wonder through the desert for 40 years before they found their promised land. Through this time, they suffered hunger and thirst. They were tempted away from the hand that freed them, but eventually they found their freedom.

One story of note is that of Manna. Whilst the Hebrews starved, Moses promised them that God would feed them. The following day, the land was ripe with manna and the Hebrews feasted on it.

There are many lessons that we can learn from Moses. The most important is the value of patience, provided that it is supported by a faith that God will deliver his manna onto you.

Although Moses was born 1400 years before Jesus, his message is still relevant today. Moses' life story teaches us of the value of patience and of the need to have faith that all of our bounties will be delivered onto us. It is an important lesson to realise that God's delays are not always God's denials.

Mother Teresa

It is alot more difficult to love than we actually think it is. To love is to love unconditionally. It is to love everyone and everything unconditionally and not someone or a few people uncontrollably.

Mother Teresa understood how to love. She learnt it a very hard way, but nonetheless, experience is the greatest teacher.

One day, whilst returning home from work, she found a person dying in the street. Ashamed by the indiginity of death, she held him so that at least that person would have an easier passing.

This moment changed Mother Teresa's life. She changed from being commited to her life and her pleasures to devoting herself to God, as she believed the best way to serve God was to help those that he had blessed the least.

There are many lessons we can learn from the Angel of Calcutta.

We can learn of success. Mother Teresa changed the way she lived from a convenitonal 'successful' existence to one in which she abandoned today's values and followed her own calling. To be true to yourself is the greatest success, no matter how late it begins.

We can learn alot about people. Very often it is the people with the least to offer or to give that are the humblest and most honest people that are alive. Life is often a very good teacher and the harder the lessons, the greater the student's understanding of the real issues at heart.

Finally, Mother Teresa gave up what she had to the people who needed it most. She said that all she had was her love. Perhaps that is enough.

We often forget that we are alone in life. We are often caught up in believing that our problems are the only things that matter. I have a problem at home, my bank balance is poor, work is hard. These questions often dominate our minds. In truth we are very fortuate and our problems are, in truth, someone else's dreams. Mother Teresa realised this in a true epiphany. Perhaps we should too.

Muhammad (SAW) and Family

The binding Philosophy that holds Islam together is that of the common brotherhood of man. Islam is based on the principle of everyone being in one large universal family.

This is highlighted in a certain event in the Prophet Muhammad's life in which a young person came to him.

He asked the Prophet who he should love most.

The Prophet answered that he should love his mother most.

The young person asked who he should love second most. The Prophet replied he should love his mother the second most. The the young person asked who he should love the third most. The Prophet replied, again, with his mother.

The young person then asked who he should love fourth most. The Prophet replied his father.

From the life of the Prophet Muhammad, we learn of the value of family, especially that of parents.

Prejudgements

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was walking in Mecca one day when he came accross an old woman who was carrying a heavy baggage.

The Prophet decided to help her and carry her baggage.

The Prophet walked with her for a long while until they both reached the desert.

The lady decided to sit down and said that this is where she would spend her days.

The Prophet was confused as to why she had decided to leave her home in Mecca and to move to the middle of the desert.

The lady said that in Mecca, there was a man named Muhammad (SAW) who was spreading dangerous ideas about how people should live.

The Prophet did not judge her, but in stead told her to come back to Mecca where he would keep her in his house, so that she would not have to hear such lies. The lady agreed and the Prophet carried her back to Mecca.

In this story, we see how the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) helped this lady and, even when he had found out why she had left Mecca, he still helped her back and looked after her. As the lady was approaching the house of the Prophet, she realised whose house she was entering. The lady soon converted to Islam upon finding out how badly she had misjudged her through her prejudices.

Ramadan

Today is the start of the Holy Islamic month of Ramadan. During this month, almost a quarter of the world's population will begin to fast for 30 days.

For the 1.2 billion Muslims in the world, today begins a religious practice that has been observed for over 1400 years.

Since the birth of Islam, the physical world around us has changed enormously. However, on a spiritual level, it remains very similar.

As individuals, we still share the same yearning for truth, for love, for acceptance, for acknowledgment and for appreciation as our forefathers did so many years ago. As individuals, we have changed very little.

Ramadan is a perfect opportunity to reflect on who we are. It is the perfect opportunity to realise that whether you are rich or poor, fed or hungry, you will still remain the same. Situations may change, but you will always remain as you are.

It is no accident that the worlds' greatest religions were born in the most desolate places. When there was nothing to observe externally, one was forced to look inside and find a deeper meaning, a deeper truth and a deeper faith.

Many people see Ramadan as a month of sacrifice in which much has to be given up. In truth, it is an opportunity to look deep within and to quench your appetite with self-knowledge and realisation. By focusing less on what is happening around you, it naturally follows that you will begin to look within.

The concept of abstinence and fasting is one that is observed in many religions. There are many reasons why fasting is so important. Firstly, by fasting, you realise just how fortunate you are and how much you take for granted. Secondly, you begin to appreciate the plight of the poor and the hungry and, in doing so, become more generous to good causes. The most important reason, however, is that by fasting, you develop aspects of your personality that are otherwise left untouched. You develop willpower, spirituality, generosity and faith. Many people see fasting as a time when they are forced to give up many things. In truth, it is an opportunity to find things that otherwise would be left undeveloped.

Religion and the Individual

There are two different styles of religion. The first is a doctrine based religion where the individual adapts himself to the faith. The second is an individualistic type of religion in which one adapts the faith to suit them.

In truth, religion is similar to a shoe.

If a person had one shoe and expected everybody's foot to fit into it perfectly, this would simply not happen.

Similarly, with religion, everybody cannot fit into the idealistic concepts that are the foundation of their beliefs.

The purpose of religion is to help people find meaning and guidance.

It is not something to force other people into as they simply may not fit into that spiritual mode of thinking.

At the end of the day, decisions about religion are the most personal and, consequently, important choices that we will ever make.

Religious Festivals

This weekend brings about important festivals for three main religions.

Today, Hindus and Sikhs celebrate the festival of Divali. Tomorrow, Muslims celebrate Eid.

For Hindus, Diwali is the festival of light and is seen as the start of the new year.

For Sikhs, Diwali is celebrated to remember the release from prison of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind. It is believed that upon his release in 1620, the Golden Temple in Amristsar was illuminated and this tradition is still alive today.

For Muslims, Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramazan, a month through which Muslims fast and give alms to the poor.

In recent years, there has been a great tension between these three communities.

Since India gained Independence from the British Empire and Pakistan was consequently formed, these three communities have fought on and disputed many issues, specifically in regards to the region of Kashmir.

However, with all three communities celebrating religious festivals, all will be united in this front.

A key characteristic of an advanced society is the ability to allow different religions to be practiced with freedom and in peace. A key characteristic of an intelligent person is the ability to value and appreciate other religions and people who practice other religions. This weekend is a perfect opportunity for us to practice this.

Spirituality

We are all born on two levels. The first is the physical level and the second is the spiritual level.

On the physical level, we see everything as scarce. Time is scarce, money is scarce, life is too short and the risks are always too high.

On the spiritual level, we see everything as abundant. Life is long enough to achieve our dreams and we have more than enough to achieve them.

In essence, we sometimes view the world through the physical level and focus on what we do have.

At other times, we view it on a spiritual level and focus on what we do have.

Take some time to evaluate which viewpoint you take to interpret life and all of its events.

Afterall, the only meaning something has is the meaning that you give it.

A spiritual person truly experiences life as it should be. His focus is always on what he has given and the deep root of belief is that he has been given enough to achieve all that he has been given. On the other hand, a physical person looks only at the scarcity of life. He sees that life is too short to achieve anything, his abilities are too little to make a difference and his contribution to the world has little meaning. By looking at the world from a Spiritual perspective, you will experience life as it should be.

St. Augustine's Definition of Evil

Throughout our lives, we often wonder why bad things happen and, more importantly, why they often happen to innocent and good people.

Many people believe that the answer lies in the concept of evil. Everything that happens in the world that is positive is because of good and everything that happens that is bad is because of evil.

What then is evil? Why does it exist? What is its purpose?

The religious philosopher, St. Augustine, defined evil in two ways:

1. Like darkness is an absence of light and cold is an absence of heat, evil is an absence of good.

2. What appears to be evil at present is actually happening because it will lead to a greater good. As we are bound to the present, we are unable to see why this is happening and so we see it as an unnecessary evil that is taking place.

An understanding and appreciation of these two definitions will lead to a deeper understanding of why things happen.

Most religions and civilisations follow the premise that good things happen because of the force of good and bad things happen because of the force of evil. Is this a justified argument? Can life really be simple? If so, why do bad things happen to good people and vice versa? The argument of evil is as valid today as it always has been and St. Augustine's definitions are still the best we have.

Suffering

One of the key factors that makes us human is the fact that we cannot stand to see others suffer.

The images of children suffering from famine, for example, is often a site that can bring hurt into the most hardest of hearts.

It is very often images like this that cause us to doubt in the existence of God. We often ask ourselves the following question, if there is a god, how can he allow all of this suffering?

One of the most enlightened responses to this is that in every religion, those closest to God have suffered the most. For example, in Christianity, Jesus died for us because it was God’s will for him to die for us.

What is most important is the way in which he died for us. Jesus not only died a gruesome and painful death, but prior to his death he was given a crown of thorns and paraded in front of those he loved with a cross on his back. Surely there are few amongst us, or who have ever lived, that have suffered such a painful death.

Similarly, in Islam, the death of Hussain (AS) and his family on the fields of Karbala, which Muslims over the next few days are mourning, was not simply a gruesome death, but one which very few of us could comprehend, let alone suffer.

The next time you are faced with challenges or with images of suffering and your minds are turned towards the question that if god is good, how can he allow suffering, it is paramount to remember that God has willed that those closest to him have suffered in such a way that all of us, no matter how much we suffer, can compare our pain to that of Jesus, Hussain (AS) and many others who were closest to God and say that in terms of their suffering, our suffering seems insignificant.

The Eastern Foundations of Hinduism

Wheras the Western Religions are based on Dogmatic principles that apply to all, the Eastern Religions are fuelled by Individualism and the fact that each person needs to find their own path.

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religons and follows thie individualistic route.

One of the fundamental beliefs of Hinduism is Karma.

This fatalstic principle essentially deems that everything happens because of a cause set in motion.

More importantly, it is a cause that you set in motion.

In life, it is a most powerful feeling to know that you control what happens to you, that you can make choices that can change you by doing things differently.

Try adopting this belief for a short period of time. Take responsibility for your actions and look to the future knowing that your actions of today determine where you are in the future.

The Guest House

The Sufi poet Rumi beautifully illustrates how we should each day. He begins his poem, The Guest House, with these lines.

"This being human is a guest house, every morning a new arrival".

As he continues the poem, he describes that each guest is an emotion that we feel. Joy, anger, frustration, jealousy, love, despair and the mirage of other emotions are all guests that visit us during the day. When we start the day, we often do not know which emotions will arrive and when they will arrive.

Rumi further emphasises that no matter which guest comes and which emotion is experienced, embrace each emotion and make it feel at home. Do not worry that it might do you damage or that it might harm you, it is your guest and your duty to look after each emotion that you experience.

The reason for this, Rumi states is that we should "Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent, as a guide from beyond".

Throughout life we experience emotions. Whenever we feel good emotions, we know that we are being true to ourselves and are doing good. Whenever we feel negative emotions, we know that we have gone against our nature and are experiencing emotional pain as a result.

Throughout the day, try to keep track of your emotions. Embrace each emotion and try to understand the message that it is giving you.

The Hajj

Over the past few days, more than 2 million people have gathered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform Hajj, a Holy Muslim pilgrimage that every Muslim must perform at least once in their lives.

Yesterday was the zenith of the Haj, where over 2 million Muslims stood on the plains of Mount Arafat and prayed for the forgiveness of their sins.

During the Hajj, all Muslims wear seamless white clothes that are called Ehram.

The reason for this is very important as it ensures that all Muslims are treated equally and all are seen as equal.

It is very rare to see a rich man dressing like a poor man or a European dressing like an Asian. However, on the Hajj everybody dresses and acts in a way that is so perfectly in unison.

For the past five days, 2 million Muslims have dressed, behaved and acted in a spiritual manner that shows how strong the Human bond really is.

We can all learn a lesson from this unity and pray that such unity will last once the Hajj is over.

The Hugging Saint

Mata Amritanandamayi is an Indian Spiritual leader who has spent the last 30 years of her life travelling the world and giving people the experience of darshan.

In simple words, darshan is a hug. Mata Amritanandamayi explains it as being a giving of love. She states that it is like visiting a perfume factory whereby once you leave the factory, you still inadvertently carry the scent with you. For the 26 million people that she hugged over the last 30 years, this is an experience that they still remember and draw strength from.

Psychologists have stated that during a hug, beta-endorpins are released, which are a natural state of opium. Mata Amritanandamayi simply states that her hugs are simply representative of a mother opening her arms to embrace her child.

When asked what Mata Amritanandamayi expects to get out of people from hugging them, she said "I don't expect anything from anyone. My life is to give, not to take."

What small act of kindness could you do this weekend to share love, the way that Mata Amritanandamayi has devoted her life to doing?

The Search

There is an Ancient Hindu parable in which Lord Krishna tests the wisdom of his Kings.

Lord Krishna firstly calls forward King Duryodana, a man known for his cruelty and miserlines.

King Duryodana is set the task of travelling the whole world and finding one good person.

Following his search, he returns to Lord Krishna and says that he has failed as he could not find one good person. He explained that every man that he found was selfish and wicked.

Lord Krishna then asked another one of his Kings, Dhammaraja, a similar question.

Dhammaraja was a man known for his benevolence and his love for people. Lord Krishna set him the task of finding one bad person.

After travelling the world, Dhammaraja returned to Lord Krishna and said that he too had failed. He found many people who were good and some who were misguided and confused. However, as to finding a truly bad person, Dhammaraja did not find one.

The Biblic story of King Midas is one that we are all familiar with. Everything that King Midas touched turned to Gold. In this parable, we see two similar kings. The first king is wicked and cruel. This is his nature and everything that he sees is selfish and bad. The second king is kind and loving. This is his nature. Everything he sees is good and has value. Although two people can have the same experience, they may not view both events as similar. To one, it may have been good and to the other, it may have been bad. There is great power in understanding that nothing has any meaning except for the meaning that you choose to give it.

The story of Shravan

The story of Shravan is an enlightening Hindu myth with a strong moral theme.

Whilst Shavran was a strong and youthful individual, his parents had grown weak and blind.

One day, Shavran's parents came to him and told them that they wanted to go on a pilgrimage.

They told their son that they needed him to be there guide through the forests, valleys and treacherous terrain.

This was a pilgimage that would take many months as India is a large country and there were many holy sites to visit.

Many people told Shavran that this pilgrimage would be impossible given the circumstances.

However, Shavran's love for his parents found a way. He built a huge set of scales and carried his parents in comfort to all of the holy sites that they wished to visit.

One of the great differences between the Eastern and Western cultures is the attitude that is adopted towards elders and, in particular, their parents. In this parable, it is clear to see Shravan's devotion to his parents. He understood how much they had given him and, when given the opportunity, he desired to return as much as he could.

The Universe in 24 Hours!

If the entire history of the Universe could be compacted into just 24 hours, the following would be true.

The Earth began to be formed at 9:40 AM.

At 4PM, the first forms of life appeared on Earth.

More importantly, at 11:59PM, human beings put in their first appearance.

Sir David Attenborough, a British Naturalist, often reminds us that if the entire human race was removed from the face of the earth tomorrow, life on Earth would still go on without any problem.

Despite our dreams, abilities, politics, wars, discoveries and innovations, human beings still play a very small part in the grander schemes of life on Earth.

It is only when we place ourselves in this context that we realise just where we stand.

Humans have done more good and more damage to our planet than any other creature that we share this planet with. Despite our short existence on Earth, we have rapidly affected the Earth. On a positive front, we have organised and understood the world and have ventured into space as we begin to understand both our origin and our future. On a negative front, we have caused great environmental damage and have caused the extinction of many species. Where the world will be in 1,000 years is, both fortunately and unfortunately, in our hands.

 

The Values of Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion based on the value of life.

Its main premise is that everything has come from God and, thus, must be respected equally.

Everything from an ant to an elephant should all be respected with an equal dignity.

The philosophy behind this is simple.

Buddha once said that if one wanted to appreciate an orchard of apple trees, one first needs to appreciate the seed that it came from.

Similarly, if one wants to appreciate the creator, the only way to do this is by valuing its creations.

True Leadership

Whilst addressing a congregation, Jesus once said:

"Even the least amongst us can do what I have done, if not more."

Through these words, we see the true essence of leadership.

Some leaders focus upon the strength of the opposition. Others focus upon strategy and analysis. Furthermore, others focus upon their own individual strengths.

However, the true leaders focus upon the strengths and abilities of their team.

It is only through this that all members can fully perform to their potential and, more importantly, the team can excel.

We are all leaders. Whether we are leading 5, 5 thousand or 5 million, our purpose as leaders to ensure that everyone in our team is performing to their potential. The one factor that separates the great leaders from those who only lead into confusion and dismay is their focus. If their focus is on the strengths of their team members, and work towards these strengths, success will be most likely.