SSE Group 3 Blog

The Essence of Service - the Story of Nancy Rivard

2007-02-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

"Like the in breath and the out breath," she says, "you gather the light and give it out. That's just the way it works."

Wings of Love

Love in action. We've all heard the clich� a million times but there's something about the way Nancy Rivard says it, that it reverberates in your heart for days to come. Maybe it's because she actually walks the walk and speaks with the confidence of experience; maybe it's because there is an uncanny sincerity in her demeanor; or perhaps it's impossible to pinpoint one particular reason.

Whatever the case, if you spend an evening with this World Woman of Peace (1999), you get a flavor of that infectious enthusiasm, a love affair with humanity that fills Nancy's heart and surrounds her

presence. "Like the in breath and the out breath," she says, "you gather the light and give it out. That's just the way it works."

Discover The Love

On Christmas Eve 1983, Nancy Rivard suddenly lost her father to bladder cancer. "I wondered what life was about that it could be taken from us like that," she recalled. "I began to evaluate where I was going." Nancy purposely got herself demoted from the management track at American Airlines and went to work as a flight attendant. With low-cost travel passes and a flexible schedule, she toured around the world, searching for a calling -- for healing.

As a child, Nancy would write letters to "God" and submit them to her messenger -- the wind. Perhaps her father's untimely death provided the answer to her incessant question -- what is the deeper purpose of my life? In pursuit of understanding life and death, Nancy's travels took her to exotic places and provided incredible experiences and insights. She lived with the Hopi Indians, adopted a girl in Sri Lanka who was later killed, encountered healers in the Philippines, met with spiritual teachers in Thailand, Africa, India, Russia and the list goes on an on. But she kept on learning and re-learning the same answer. "Stop looking outside for teachers and answers. Look within, find yourselves in service and discover the love that is aldready within you," she says.

Power of One

Looking for a way that she could use her job as a flight attendant to serve the world, Nancy Rivard thought of an idea: volunteers could deliver medical supplies, school materials and plain old love to needy children in the United States and abroad, travelling at the same low fares airline employees receive. "I knew that if I could expose people to the types of helping experiences I'd had, they would find the same joy and fulfillment," she says. Nancy wanted to share the love she was so vividly experiencing. Excited about her proposals, she took 'em to upper management at American Airlines, where she was working. But all her attempts were in vain.

"To get rejected again and again was very tough," Nancy recalls. "I wanted to share love and awaken humanity to a higher connection with life but I didn't know how." But then she got yet another powerful message from a spiritual teacher -- think small, change yourself, know the power of one. So she did just that. Nancy began collecting sample-size hotel soaps and shampoos from her co-workers and delivering them to Bosnian refugees. The recipients were so grateful, they had tears of thankfulness and joy in their eyes. Following her first trip, two other flight attendants joined.

Today, Airline Ambassadors delivers close to $10 million in goods with the help of 4000 volunteers and less than 5% overhead! Nancy often tells friends, "When you do good work, doors keep opening."

It's simple: love in action

If you're really tuned in, Nancy's riveting stories coupled with an electrifying presence can just blow you off your seat. I mean, who has experienced instantaneous hurriances when they open their arms to the sky and ask for help? How many people have witnessed first-hand, mind-shattering miracles where the only thing you can

Art by David Delany

do is cry? How many folks get a chance to personally hang-out with sages like Sai Baba and Babaji? Who has been spontaneously cured of 36 gall bladder stones -- that's right, thirty six -- without a surgery? It's almost unbelievable. Even for Nancy.

But you see, that's the thing about Nancy. Despite all her escapades, experiences and endeavors, she comes down to one basic thing: love in action. It's that simple. Everything comes down to that. "The extra-ordinary lies in the ordinary," she says with confidence. While she used to travel the world seeking answers, she now looks to each present moment.

"Each moment contains everything you ever need to know. If you're confused, it's simply because you don't have enough information," Nancy notes, "Just stay with it for a while and it'll clear up." And per Nancy's experience, when that confusion clears up, you naturally arrive at service to all. While before you might've thought of cleaning up your life and then doing service, now you realize that your personal life works itself out when you are focused on giving unconditional love in each moment. The tomorrow you were waiting for has never come and never will. Start now.

Experiencing The Thunder

On paper, one could rant and rave about the work that Nancy has inspired, about how she was on the back cover of Reader's Digest, is a World Woman of Peace, a Rotary fellow, an Ambassador for Peace and so on, but to know her is to really to meet her, to share her presence, and to hear the thunder of love behind her voice.

After searching for life's deeper meanings in all corners of the world, after meeting numerous sages and saints, after experiencing inexplicable phenomena, after all the mundane trials and tribulations, Nancy came to an understanding: she saw that the extra-ordinary lies in the ordinary, that joy comes in service, and that the potential of love resides in each action, every moment.

So when she says "love in action", it's no longer a cliche. It's an experience.

Time Management - Week 2

2007-01-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

Sai Ram all,

Last week we covered the importance of having goals, and the reason for doing the time management exercise.

Students, please complete the exercise from last week to track your time.

Why set goals?

Goals help keep you in focus towards achieving a target, and help you motivated.

Here's a story from the Indian Epic Mahabharat where once Dronacharya takes the Pandavas to the forest to test their skills in archery. He hung a model of a bird on a branch and asked each of them, one by one, to take aim at the bird and tell him what they saw. He first called Yudhishtir, the eldest of the 5 brothers. Yudhishtir saw the entire cosmos of which the earth was a part, then a tree which was a part of the earth, and finally a bird hung on the branch of the tree. Dronacharya asked him to sit down. One of the brothers, Arjun, could see only the eye of the bird, and nothing but the eye. He shot the bird right in the eye cause he could see nothing but his target.

While goal setting seems like a huge task, it's the only way you'll get what you want in life. The challenge is in how to identify and set goals, and how to achieve them. But without knowing where you want to go, you'll never get there!

Focus is what allows us to concentrate rays of diffused sunlight into a force powerful enough to start a fire.

Next Week

Next week, we will 1) work on goal setting, and we will 2) place your time usage side by side with your goals.

Regards,

Sandeep

Time Management Preamble - by Sandeep

2007-01-07T19:03:00.000-08:00

Sai Ram Students!

In preparation for the SSE Group III activity on Time Management and Study Skills - please prepare the following for January 14 SSE Group III class.

For each day (all 5 week-days, and Saturday), write down the activities in which you are spending time each day, the timing of each activity, and how you feel after the activity is over.

Break it up in smallest 15 minute chunks, so here is an example of the results you may have for next week.

- 7:00 - 7:30 - get up and get ready for school - (I'm already late for the bus!)

- 7:30 - 7:45 - prayers and breakfast - (3 Gayatris, and some toast, that's it!)

- 7:45 - 8:15 - bus to school - (I've got a big basketball game tomorrow, I'd better do well at practise today)

- 8:15 - 9:00 - basketball practise - (coach really has me running hard today, wonder why?)

- 9:00 - 3:00 - School - today: Gym, Math, English, French, Social Studies, and Art - (I'm already behind in French)

- 3:00 - 3:30 - bus home - ( what a day, can't wait to watch some TV )

- 3:30 - 4:00 - snack and television - (now I can hit the books, better get some work done - I've got swiming tonight)

- 4:00 - 5:00 - homework for Math, English - (that was soooooo easy!)

- 5:00 - 6:00 - swimming at Sportsplex - (I can make lifeguard in no time.)

- 6:00 - 6:30 - chatting online with friends ( it's a secret! )

- 6:30 - 7:00 - talking on the phone with friends (it's a secret!)

- 7:00 - 8:00 - dinner and sit to chat with parents ( They really push me hard that I have to be better in French, but I just don't have time. )

- 8:00 - 8:15 - getting ready for bed - (big basketball game tomorrow morning!)

- 8:15 - 8:30 - I'm not sure what I did - (I'm too tired anyway)

- 8:30 - 7:00 - lots of zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Why are we doing this? The goal of the time management exercise is four-fold:

- help you successfully identify time wasters and time savers

- help you do something productive with free-time

- help you transition to High School or University

- help you to use a planner

Swami sets a wonderful example of using time - not even a single millisecond is wasted. Let's all learn from Swami's example to use time more efficiently in our daily lives.

For each week, we will cover:

January 15:

- write down our goals for 2007

- take a look at where we are spending time each day

January 21:

- take a look at whether we are using time efficiently

February 4:

- using time more efficiently, and learning how to use a planner

----------------

Regards,

Sandeep.}

Reading 6 - Hinduism

2007-01-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

“ Listen to the primeval Pranava AUM resounding in your heart as well in the

heart of the Universe. ” - BABA -

INTRODUCTION TO HINDUISM

A highly developed civilisation flourished in the Indus Valley, around the sites of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, about 2000 B.C. . In 1500 B.C., India was invaded by the Indo-Aryan tribe who settled in Punjab, bringing with them their religion. By 900 B.C. the use of iron allowed the Indo-Aryans to move down to the lush Ganges Valleys, where they developed a far more elaborate civilisation and system where Hinduism could grow and develop. During the Gupta Period about 320-480 B.C., Hinduism became more consistent. The sacred Hindu laws were coded; the great Hindu temples were being built and the rituals of prayer were written and recorded in sacred texts.

Hinduism is the religion that originated in India and is still practised by most of its inhabitants. It is a major world religion which began in 1500 B.C. . The word Hindu is derived from the Sanskrit word Sindhu meaning river, more specifically, the Indus River. The Hindus are those who follow Dharma, or the way of the four classes; which are known as Varnas, and the four stages of life, which are Ashramas.

The myths of Hinduism survive not only in the Temples of India but reside in the Hindu ancient scriptures. Hinduism continues to serve a vital function, by giving passionate meaning and supportive form to the lives of Hindus today.

THE SCRIPTURES OF HINDUISM

The Hindus believe that the various God’s words, and stories depicting their lives are recorded in scriptures such as the Vedas. These are the oldest scriptures in India's history. The Puranas are another collection of sacred scriptures, which discuss the Hindu philosophy. The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are epics which tell of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama's lives respectively. The Mahabharata tells of the war between the Pandava brothers led by Lord Krishna, and their cousins the Kauravas. The Ramayana depicts the story of Lord Rama and his journey to recapture his wife Sita, after she was taken by the demon Ravana. These stories are filled with other small tales and discourses on the topics of law, geography, political science, and astronomy, all from the Hindu perspective.

THE MANY GODS OF HINDUISM

Most Hindus are believers of the Gods : Lord Brahma known as The Creator, Lord Vishnu known as The Preserver, and Lord Shiva known as The Destroyer, who are together known as the Hindu Triad. But there were other Avatars, or Gods come to earth in human form. Among them are : The dwarf Vamana, who thought that he could trick the demon Bali out of the Universe. The man-lion Narasimha, who destroyed the demon Hiranyakashipu. The Avatar known in the scriptures as Kalki, has yet to come. This Avatar is known as the one who will come to destroy the universe at the end of this Age of Kali. Of all the Avatars in Hinduism, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, both the incarnation of the Lord Vishnu, are perhaps the most popularly followed among the Hindus.

TEACHINGS OF HINDUISM

PERIODS IN TIME - Yugas

The Hindus believe that time is ever changing, going from the first Yuga; the Golden Age, referred to as the Kritha Yuga, to the last and present age, which is the Age of Distruction, referred to as the Kali Yuga. It is said that after each Yuga, the earth is destroyed by fire and flood, and a new Yuga evolves.

REINCARNATION - Samsara

The Hindus believe that after death the soul leaves the body and is reborn in a body of another person, an animal, a vegetable, or a mineral. This process of reincarnation is called Samsara. Reincarnation is said to be determined by all the good and bad actions which were committed in the previous life by an individual. These actions are defined by the Hindus as Karma.

FOUR STAGES OF LIFE - Ashramas

According to Hinduism life has four stages. The three original stages are the student or Brahmachari, the householder or Grihastha, and the forest-dweller or Vanaprastha. During the sixth century another stage was added : The renouncer or Sannyasi, whose aim is, to get rid of goals and debts from the other stages, and then release themselves to God.

THE ETERNAL DUTY - Sanatana Dharma

The most important doctrine of Sanatana Dharma for all Hindus, is Ahimsa or Non-Violence, which is used to justify the common Hindu practice of vegetarianism. The other four doctrines are Sathya or Truth, Dharma or Righteousness, Shanti or Peace, and the final doctrine, Prema or Love. These are also the doctrines which Sri Sathya Sai Baba the present Avatar, expects his devotees to abide by.

FESTIVALS OF HINDUISM

Hindu festivals are colourful and happy occasions. They encourage the continuance of religious traditions and enable Hindu children to learn about the various Gods to whom the festivals are dedicated. Dewali, is the Festival of Lights, which takes place in the early winter, and Holi is the spring carnival, when members of all castes mingle and sprinkle one another with bright colours of red and orange powder. Janama - Ashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna. This takes place at midnight on the eighteenth day of the fifth month according to the Hindu calendar. Another important Hindu festival is Shivarathri. Worship is offered to Lord Shiva between midnight and sunrise (a twenty-four hour period), by repeating the many names of Lord Shiva and placing flowers and milk on the Lingam, which is a form representing Lord Shiva.

PRAYER & HINDUISM

In daily ritual, a Hindu gives offerings of fruits and flowers when doing Puja, a form of prayer. A Hindu will have a small altar in the house with statues of the various forms of God. Many villages and towns in India have Temples, which are the places of worship for Hindus, where Priests perform ceremonies throughout the day. When the sun arises certain prayers are read to awaken the Gods. The statues in the Temples are bathed, clothed and fanned and then offered food. The distribution of this food called Prasad takes place afterwards. The Temple is also a cultural centre where songs are sung, holy texts are read aloud, and sunset and sunrise rituals are performed.

THE CEREMONIES OF LIFE IN HINDUISM

There are general ceremonies that a Hindu would follow in life. First a child is born, and when it starts eating solid food a ceremony is performed. Two important gender related ceremonies are next. The first hair-cut given to a baby boy, and the purification of the first menstruation for a girl. For Hindu women the marriage ceremony along with the blessings upon a pregnancy are both very important as well. The last ceremony for any Hindu, is the funeral ceremony. This ceremony involves cremation of the body and, if possible, the sprinkling of ashes in a holy river in India such as the Ganges, and the yearly offerings to dead ancestors by the remaining family members of the deceased.

Reading 5 - Judaism

2007-01-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM

Judaism is one of the oldest existing religions in the world. It is a Monotheistic religion; in which God is The Creator and the source of all righteousness. The Hebrew Bible teaches that there is only one God. All Jews are said to be descendants of the sons of the Patriarch Jacob, known as The Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Over time Judaism retained its core belief in the nature, and the unity of God, and in the return to the land of Israel from which they were ejected by the romans two thousand years ago. For most of their modern history they have lived as a minority in a majority Christian or Muslim society, depending on the good will of the majority, to survive and thrive as a people. Often they were excluded form the political and economic mainstream because they were not allowed to own land or take up a craft or attend university. The Jewish were frequently persecuted for not accepting the majority religious beliefs of neighbours.

The Jewish community in canada today, consists of approximately three hundred -thousand people with the majority living in Toronto and Montreal.

The Rabbi and the Cantor are hired by the individual Synagogue or Temple and often stay in that community for their whole professional career. There is no strong, central, overriding authority in the Jewish community. In all Synagogues the conduct of the service is the responsibility of the whole congregation and every member may lead the service. The Cantor and Rabbi may be assigned to prominent portions of this task but rare is the service where some members do not come to the platform to assume ritual functions. Their presence symbolises the most important aspect of Jewish worship; it knows of no Ministers in the Christian sense, it is essentially worship by the congregation

Although the two names for place of worship for the Jewish, are often used interchangeably, the difference between Synagogues and Temples centres around the varying emphasis on the place of traditional ritual and practice in the daily life of the Jewish. There are four distinct approaches, or sects of Judaism :

1. Orthodox - most traditional

2. Conservative - modern traditional

3. Reform - stresses the prophetic call to moral action tradition

4. Reconstructionist - reinterprets Judaism as an evolving religious civilisation.

There are two main cultural and historical streams of Judaism as well. One is European or Ashkenazic Jewry. The other is Asian North African of Sephardic Jewry.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

The Ten Commandments are the basis of Judaism. They are the laws God gave to the Prophet Moses to give to his people. The sanctity of the laws is the core of the Jewish religion. God is the judge and any trespass against the law is punished. The Ten Commandments are written as follows :

1. I am the Lord, Thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the

house of bondage.

2. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. Thou shalt not make any graven image

or likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or

is in the water beneath the earth.

3. Show mercy unto thousands of them that love Me and keep my commandments.

4. Thou shalt not take the name of the lord, thy God, in vain.

5. Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it as the lord, thy God, hath commanded thee.

Six days thou shalt labour and do all the work. The seventh day is the Sabbath of

the Lord, thy God. (REST DAY FOR ALL)

6. Honour thy father and thy mother as the Lord thy God has commanded thee so

that thy days may be prolonged.

7. Thou shalt not kill.

8. Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

9. Neither shalt thou steal.

10. Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbours. Neither shalt thou

desire thy neighbour’s possessions.

SCRIPTURES & TEACHINGS OF JUDAISM

The Jewish people believe in :

1. The Advent of the Messiah or Saviour.

2. The idea of “Chosen People” entrusted to carry out the “Covenant with God”.

3. The Laws contained in the torah, which is Judaism’s Revealed Will of God.

4. The concept that all people are made in the “Image of God”.

Among the holy books of Judaism the Torah is sacred. It was compiled embodying the Jewish Laws and Disciplines. Later it was further enlarged in the book of Talmud.

Kosher Food

Keeping Kosher is another daily aspect of Judaism. People of the Judaism faith have been instructed in the Torah about which foods they are, and are not allowed to eat, and how to prepare them. The Jewish do not eat meat and milk together in one meal. They eat only certain kinds of meat that are ceremonially slaughtered and prepared a certain way. The only seafood they can eat, is fish with fins and scales. A meal that has meat as its main course will not include butter with the bread or milk with the coffee.

Kosher signifies primarily, “ceremonially cleaned” when applied to food. Meat is Kosher when it comes from a limited group of four legged animals. Birds and fish which may not exhibit certain blemishes, and which have to be prepared in a special way. Quadruped mammals are permitted if they chew the cud and have cleft hooves. This excludes rabbits; because they do not chew cud, or horse; which have single hooves. Camel flesh is prohibited, and so is the pig. Also the reptiles, amphibians, and sea creatures; like oysters, crabs and shrimp are prohibited. Birds are generally allowed, except for a specific biblical list of predators, and those that eat the flesh of dead animals. Most important of these is the prohibition about eating milk and meat products at the same meal. Tradition bases this on the thrice repeated biblical injunction : “Do not boil a kid in its mothers milk”, so there is no butter on the table when steak is served and no ice-cream for dessert unless the meal was all comprised of dairy products.

What is the purpose of keeping Kosher? Some hygienic advantages have long been apparent for instance the Jews abstinence form pork saved him from the ill effects of Trichinosis. The Jew observes Kosher because he takes it to be the Will of God, or because it forms an important religious discipline, and recall to him during the act of eating, that he is a spiritual being who must feed not only his body, but also his soul.

FESTIVALS OF JUDAISM

The Yomin Noraim also referred to as the Days of Awe, are the ten days of penance, when each person of the Jewish faith is called upon to reassess the values of life, and to consider how its quality may in improved. They begin with Rosh Hashanah or the Jewish New Year and close with the Day of Atonement.

On Rosh Hashanah the individual is judged, and on Yom Kippur the judgement is sealed. During the entire month of Elul, which precedes the Jewish New Year, there are Ticyhinto and Pizmonim performed. These are special repentant prayers of soul searching, and of seeking forgiveness from man and from God. The keynote of this period is its feeling of solemn redemption, yet it is mixed with a spirit of quiet confidence, in which man places his trust in God. At the end of the services of Yom Kippur, as soon as the fast is broken, the Orthodox Jew immediately sets out to construct his Sukah. A Sukah is a beautiful rectangular tent constructed in the back yard. It is adorned with leaves and fruit and the family partake their dinners inside the Sukah for nine days.

The Rosh Hashanah meal consist of a Chalah, which is bread in the form of a wheel; to symbolise the wheel of life, and sometimes in the form of a ladder; to represent men climbing and descending in life. A slice of Chalah is then dipped in honey as a hope for sweet year to come. Many people eat fish at the meal to symbolise that there good deeds for the year may be plenty as the fish in the sea.

Each week ends with the celebration of Sabbath which begins on Friday night and continues through to Saturday night. The Jewish organise their week around this holiday and prepare their best meals for the celebration. After synagogue services they invite friends home for company and relaxation.

The yearly “clock” of the Jewish community revolves around the Autumn celebration of the Jewish New Year and the spring celebration of Passover. These holidays are also times for the extended family to gather for meals and visits. The major rituals of most holidays take place at home. The Jewish mark the onset of holidays by lighting ritual candles at home in the evening because for Jews each day begins at sunset of the previous evening.

PRAYER AND JUDAISM

The traditional Saturday morning services at Synagogue lasts about three hours. Men dress in suits and ties and women wear dresses. Men are expected to cover their heads with a skull cap that is readily available outside the sanctuary. The holy ark is the focal point of every place of Jewish worship. A simple curtain or a lavish gate may guard the contents of the Holy Ark. Within rests the scrolls of the Torah, hand-written copies of the Five Books of Moses, lovingly penned by devoted scribes each copy like the rest to the last letter and the last space. And the near the Holy Ark will burn the Eternal Light, a symbol of man’s faithfulness and God’s watchful sign of the everlasting covenant in which the people of Israel believe themselves to be bound to the God of their fathers who is the “Father of All Men”. Some people sit quietly or leave during the service if necessary. In each Sabbath service, the prayers are written in Hebrew with translations provided. There is reading from the first five books of the Torah and another reading from the Book of Prophets of Kings.

PRAYER bEFORE mEAL tAKING

Blessed is the Lord our God, Ruler of the universe whose goodness sustains the world. The god of grace, love, and compassion, is the source of food for all who live for Gods love, is everlasting. Through Gods great goodness we do not lack and will not ever lack. God is in the goodness that sustains and nourishes all, providing food enough for every living being. Blessed is the Lord, Source of food for all who live.

MORNING pRAYER

Blessed is the Eternal our God, who has awakened me to the new day, made me a Jew, called me to be free, and formed me in the Divine Image. Blessed is the one who opens the eyes of the blind, who provides clothes for the naked, who brings freedom the captive, and whose power lifts up the fallen. Blessed is the Eternal our God, Ruler of the Universe, who removes sleep from the eyes, slumber from the eyelids. Help me Lord to be awake to Beauty and love, aware that all being is precious, that we walk on holy ground wherever we go.

EVENING pRAYER

Lord your touch unseen brings sleep upon my eyes, you make my lids grow heavy with the night. Grant that I may lie down in peace, and rise up to life renewed. Let your majesty and beauty be in my thoughts at the end of the day, and the moment of awakening. Lord Guardian of you neither slumber nor sleep. Blessed are you by day, and blessed by night, blessed when we lie down, blessed when we rise up. For in your hands are the souls of all the living, and spirits of all flesh. May angels wings caress me all through the night, let your good presence hover at my side. Lord spread the shelter of Your peace upon me, my dear ones and all Your children.

Life Cycle Events In JUDAISM

The celebration of life cycle events for Judaism is also built around the shared belief that they are part of the biblical Jewish community. A Jew is born to a Jewish mother or a person who converted to Judaism. When children reach the age of religious majority they are called to say the blessing and read from the Torah in Hebrew. A Bar Mitzvah is held only for thirteen year old boys and a Bat Mitzvah is held for twelve year old girls. The children read a segment of the Torah and there is usually a celebration after the service for family and friends.

The next event in the life cycle of the Jews is marriage. In a Jewish marriage the bride receives a contract which is her official record of the marriage and grooms obligations to her in the event of divorce.

In Judaism there are rituals and traditions around death, burial and mourning that are designed to honour the life of the deceased, and to comfort and support the bereaved. The Jewish try to bury the dead within twenty four hours of death. The family sits in mourning for seven days, in honour of the deceased. The Jewish do not send flowers but do prepare meals for the family in mourning. When this part of the mourning cycle is completed the family members attend regular morning and evening services at their Synagogue.

Reading 4 - Islam

2007-01-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

“Be like the Star which never wavers from the Crescent and is ever fixed in steady faith.” - BABA -

INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM

The Islamic religion is the youngest of man’s great religions. The birthplace of this faith was Arabia. The word Islam means submission, and a Muslim is one who submits to the Will of God. For Islam the individual is not so much the image of God as the representative of God in creation. In the world today there are an estimated 860 million Muslims.

Belief in one God, Allah is the cornerstone of Islam. Islam’s purpose from the outset has been to uphold the Oneness of God. Muslims regard their holy book, the Qur’an, as the final, unchanged word of God. However, they also believe that the Jewish Torah and Psalms and the Christian Gospels are important too, being God’s Revealed Word.

Muslims, believe in eighteen Old Testament Jewish Prophets and in John the Baptist and Jesus, and honour them as genuine Messengers of God. They do not follow Christians in believing that Jesus is the Son of God. There is also a belief in various classes of angels, who rank below the Prophets and above humankind. Their duties include guarding the gates of hell and recording the thoughts and actions of every individual while on earth.

Muslims believe in five basic observances, called the Five Pillars of Islam. They are :1) Islamic Profession of Faith, 2) Prayer, 3) Almsgiving, 4) Fasting, 5) Pilgrimage. In addition to the Five Pillars, there is Jihad or striving in the path of God. This is not simply, or even primarily Holy War against infidels. It can take on many forms including learning, good works, and self control. Jihad as Holy War is not a Pillar of Islam because it is a duty imposed on the community as a whole, not on every individual.

Islam has not escaped a fate common to all religions : sectarian divisions. Although there are numerous sub-sects, the two main branches of Islam are the Sunni and the Shi’ite. They split over the question of the line of succession from Prophet Mohammed. The Sunni, by far the major and the Orthodox branch of Islam, recognise the first four Caliphs as true successors of Prophet Mohammed. Which were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali. The Shi’ite, a minority group which represents the Liberal branch of Islam and is mainly concentrated in Iran and India, disregard the first three Caliphs who were not related to Prophet Mohammed, uphold family succession only and regard Ali (son-in-law and cousin of Prophet Mohammed) and his successors as divinely ordained Caliphs. A Shi’ite sub-group, known as the Twelvers, recognises twelve Imams or religious leaders since the death of the Prophet Mohammed. The members of this sect believe that there is yet one more Imam to come who may appear at any time to conquer the world and usher in justice and righteousness.

From architecture to literature and law, traditional Muslim culture has been a seamless whole.

THE LIFE & MISSION OF MOHAMMED

Mohammed ibn Abdullah was born in Mecca into the tribe of Quraish. His father died a few days before His birth. His mother died when He was six years old. His grandfather who took care of Him after his parents passed away, also died three years later. So at the age of nine, His uncle Abu Talib was entrusted with Mohammed’s care.

As a young man, Mohammed conducted business in the trade caravans of Mecca. At the age of twenty-five Mohammed entered the services of a wealthy widow named Khadijah. Their relationship flourished to a point where they finally wed. This union gave Mohammed freedom from economic burdens and a chance at pursuing his spiritual pursuits. However, Mohammed’s full ministry did not begin until fifteen years after he was wed to Khadijah.

Often Mohammed would wander off into the hills and caves outside Mecca, to seek solitude for his meditation. It was on one such outing, that Mohammed received instructions from the Archangel Gabriel to begin preaching in the name of Allah. Upon receiving instructions, the now Prophet Mohammed was fired by an overwhelming desire to proclaim his revelations to his countrymen. When preaching Prophet Mohammed focused on three main points. They were : 1) The Oneness of Allah, 2) The Moral Responsibility of Man Towards Allah, and 3) The Judgement Day of Humanity. Prophet Mohammed also stressed constantly that he was not divine, but merely chosen to be a spokesman of Allah.

Despite all kinds of opposition, Prophet Mohammed proceeded to preach against Idolatry and called men to recognise the worship of Allah only. Prophet Mohammed claimed for Allah the attribute of being God. Allah was not a God, or even the greatest of Gods; Allah was what his name literally claimed : The One and Only God Without Rival.

As Prophet Mohammed’s fame spread, so did the opposition of what he was preaching. A delegation from Yathrib, later renamed Madina, offered Prophet Mohammed protection in return for his mediation skills to calm tribal feuds. So, Prophet Mohammed and some of his disciples fled on September 24, 622 A.D. This migration is known in Arabic as the Hegira and is the year from which all Muslim calendars are dated.

Although the people of Medina were more interested in a political figure than in a religious leader, Prophet Mohammed won over the people to his faith. He became the city’s political chief as well as religious leader. Thus, under his direction, civil and religious authority were fused. For the next ten years, until his death, Prophet Mohammed struggled to unite his countrymen into a coherent politico-religious group; and he succeeded! At the time of his death in 632 A.D. virtually all of Arabia was under his control. No other Arab had ever succeeded in uniting his countrymen as Prophet Mohammed had.

THE FIVE PILLARS IN ISLAM

1. CREED - Shahadah

The Creed or Islamic Profession of Faith is : La ilaha illa’llah muhammadun rasulu’llah. When translated reads : There is no other God but Allah and Mohammed is the Prophet of Allah. This Creed is recited once a week in a formal service, but many times a day by countless devoted Muslims as they go about their work. Five times a day, a similar, though somewhat longer formula, is proclaimed by the Muezzin. A Muezzin is one who calls people to prayer from the tower or Minaret of the Mosque, the Islamic place of worship.

2. PRAYER - Salat

A faithful Muslim is to show his gratitude to Allah through prayer five times a day. The periods during the day at which a Muslim must pray are : at daybreak, at noon, in mid-afternoon, after sunset, and before retiring to bed. Of course, Muslims are supposed to go to the Mosque; but if that is not possible, then it does not matter where the religious duty is performed, as long as it is observed.

Prior to praying, a Muslim must follow a certain bathing ritual. This ritual requires the individual to wash head, hands, and feet with water. If no water is available, then the individual must wipe hands and face with fine, clean sand. Upon completion of this bathing ritual, the individual spreads a prayer mat on the ground facing Mecca, and kneels to pray. Regardless of the spoken language of the individual, prayer is recited in Arabic. Naturally, this schedule is not absolutely binding during times of sickness and travelling. Under such circumstances the Qur’an recognises the difficulties and hence prescribes a more relaxed ritual. One day during the week is set aside for public prayer. Every Friday noon, all Muslims join together in the Mosque and its surrounding area for communal prayer. There are no images of any kind in the Mosque; no paintings or pictorial windows, for Muslims dislike such representations. Instead, many Qur’anic verses are written on the walls in Arabic. There are no seats or pews in the Mosque, simply because everyone must spread his carpet for prayer. Qur’anic texts are chanted and the service lasts half an hour.

3. ALMSGIVING - Zakat

Together with prayer the Qur’an stresses the giving of alms as the outward sign of true piety. In the early years of the Islamic religion, almsgiving was a free-will offering, but what began as a voluntary act of charity soon evolved into an obligatory tax, the Zakat. The money collected in this way was used for the care of the poor, the building and support of Mosques, and at one time during the great Islamic Empire, for expenses incurred in the administration of the empire. Naturally, with the disruption of the empire, the Zakat has become a voluntary gift once more. Many devout Muslims regard it as a loan made to God, which He will repay many-fold.

4. FASTING - Sawm

The most carefully observed of all Muslim religious duties is to fast during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Muslim calendar which is the month in which Prophet Mohammed is supposed to have received his first revelations. In order to commemorate this occasion, the faithful are commanded to fast, without anything to eat or drink, from dawn till sunset for this whole month. However, since it is a month in a lunar calendar, Ramadan rotates around the year. When Ramadan falls in the winter months, a religious fast does not seem too demanding, but during the summer months, and in hot countries especially, this duty becomes particularly rigorous.

5. PILGRIMAGE - Hajj

No religious ritual has done more to unite the Muslims than the rite of pilgrimage. Every true Muslim must make a pilgrimage to the sacred city of Mecca at least once in his lifetime. Each year and during the same period each year, thousands of Muslims, from all walks of life and of different colour, race or nationality meet on common ground and realise their equality before Allah. Before entering the holy precincts, all pilgrims wear white seamless garment and abstain from shaving or cutting hair. However simply visiting Mecca is not enough. Three main rituals and various other duties are prescribed :

Before entering the very large open-air centre, where the Ka’aba the sacred cube shaped shrine in Mecca, is located, pilgrims stop to perform their ablutions, put on the white seamless garment, remove their footwear, and approach the Ka’aba barefoot. Then they walk counter-clockwise around the Ka’aba seven times; three times quickly and four times slowly. On each round they either kiss or touch the Southeast corner of the Ka’aba where the Black Stone is located. Next, pilgrims walk quickly seven times between two points five hundred yards apart. This is done in a valley between two mounds referred to as Safa and Marwa. The climactic ritual is a march to the Mount of Mercy, in the Plain of Arafat, fifteen miles East of Mecca. This ceremony is a day’s journey on foot but many stop to rest at the Sanctuary of Mina, the half-way point. All pilgrims must however arrive the next morning at the Mount of Mercy. Once there, pilgrims stand before Allah from noon to sunset, absorbed in pious meditation. The night is then spent in the open. The following morning, pilgrims return to Mina, where they follow animal sacrifices and three days of feasting. A final round of the Ka’aba back in Mecca, and the discarding of the seamless garment completes the pilgrimage. The pilgrim is now permitted to assume the special title of Hajj, or : One Who Has Made Pilgrimage to the Holy City, which is Mecca.

TEACHINGS OF ISLAM

Allah : The Only God : Tauhid

Allah is regarded as Creator, Provider, and Determiner of Man’s Destiny by Muslims. He is the Lord of the Universe, the Only One that should be worshipped. It is impossible for Allah to have a body because that would limit Him, and Allah is infinite. Allah has no parents, no children and no partners : no one can share in His being, His power or his personality. Allah has created everything and everyone but there was nothing and no one to create Him.

Islam’s Holy Law : Shari’a

Muslims believe that the Shari’a, the Law of Islam, sets out a divinely ordained way of living. This is because it derives primarily from the Holy Book of the Qur’an and then from sound tradition, or Hadith, a body of literature consisting of the sayings and practices of Prophet Mohammed, his companions, and other notable Muslims. Islamic Law differs from Western law in that it is, in principle, immutable. It regulates how Muslims relate to the state and their fellow citizens and also determines their conscience and relationship with God. Because the Qur’an and Hadith are applied to particular situations, law rather than theology is the most important area of Islamic scholarship. As a result, Islamic Jurisprudence displays great diversity.

Life After Death : Akhirah

Belief in Akhirah is definite in Islam and vital for all Muslims. The life we have now is a preparation for eternal life after death. The things we do; only have meaning if good is rewarded and bad punished. Muslims believe that there will be a Day of Judgement - Yawmuddin - in the Court of Justice of Almighty Allah.

Universal Islam Philosophy : Sufism

Sufism is Islam’s Universal Philosophy. Its message of Suh-i-kul, meaning Peace With All, has endeared it to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. It appeals to all Muslim sects and social classes. Sufis see the unity of God, Tauhid, in everything and everyone. Sufism has acquired distinctly un-Islamic practices, its origin is unimpeachable, tracing back to Prophet Mohammed himself. The Sufi must first master the Shariah, the True Path of Islam, before venturing on to the Tariqah, the Sufi Way.

FESTIVALS OF ISLAM

The two most important festivals of the Islamic year are the Hari Raya Haji, also called Eid-ul-Adhar, which marks the successful conclusion of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The highlight of the event is the sacrifice of lambs, an enactment of the sacrifice made by the Prophet Abraham who, at the last moment, was instructed to replace the lamb for his son, Ismail in sacrifice to Allah. The meat from this sacrifice is distributed to the poor and deserving. Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid-ul-Fitr, marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Hari Raya Puasa, is celebrated for the whole month of Syawal. The day begins with congregational prayers in the morning, unlike normal Friday prayers held in the afternoons. And no celebration is complete without food. Dishes like Ketupat, which is rice cooked in packets of coconut leaves, and Rendang, which is a spicy beef dish, are specially prepared for this occasion. On both occasions the day starts with mass prayers in the Mosques, followed by the provision of cakes and sweet meats in the homes. During Hari Raya Puasa everyone wears new clothes, and the home itself is decorated and cleaned. Visiting other houses also takes place on a large scale. A moving part of Hari Raya Puasa is when, on return from the Mosque, the children formally approach their parents and ask their forgiveness for their sins and omissions during the previous year. Another practice associated with Hari Raya Puasa but perhaps not of Islamic origin, is that of putting up lights around the house for the seven days preceding the festival known as the Malam Tujuh Likur, the lights are there to welcome the angels who, so it is said, visit earth during this period. These displays of lights are very attractive, particularly in certain districts, and in Kuala Kangsar they provide the basis for a competition of the best display every year.

Hari Raya Haji is a much quieter occasion. Of course the fasting month itself, though not a festive occasion, is of very great significance in the life of a Muslim and is marked by a number of religious observances including special prayers, called Sembahyang Tarawih, at night in the Mosques.

MORE IMPORTANT FESTIVALS OF ISLAM

Maulud Nabi : The birthday of the Prophet Mohammed is marked by special prayers and lectures in the Mosques. "Birthday parties" are also normally held for orphans and underprivileged children.

Awal Muharram : The start of the Islamic New Year, also known as Maal Hijrah.

Israk and Mikraj : Commemorating the night journey of the Prophet Mohammed and his ascension, is normally marked by public lectures.

Nuzul Quran : This festival commemorates the first revelation of the Al-Quran to the Prophet Mohammed. It takes place during the holy month of Ramadan.

THE QUR’AN : SCRIPTURES OF ISLAM

The Holy Book of Islam is the Qur’an also spelled Koran, a word frequently translated as, “to recite”. Prophet Mohammed believed the revelations contained within the book came from a well-guarded tablet concealed in heaven. For Muslims, the Qur’an is the completion of God’s Message to humankind and the culmination of all previous sacred scriptures. The Qur’an is one of the main sources of the comprehensive system of Islamic Law. Although the revelation were given to Prophet Mohammed at intervals, Muslims believe that the Qur’an is a holy book which contains all that has happened and will happen in the universe

The Qur’anic Revelations, which may not be altered by anyone, are written in the Arabic language, and copies of the book may only be touched by the ceremoniously pure. The book is divided into 114 chapters, or Suras according to length, the longer chapters were placed first. The Qur’an addresses the central Concerns of Islam : The Oneness of God; The Need to Obey God; God’s part in history : from creation to the end of the world; and Judgement and the After Life.

Although they exist in complete form in the heavenly book, the revelations were communicated to Prophet Mohammed in Mecca and some in Medina. Since Prophet Mohammed received revelations throughout his life, the Qur’an was not finalised by the time of his death. This led to disputes among his followers.

According to tradition, Caliph Abu Bakr began the process of collating the various revelations and having them written down, and this task continued under his successor Caliph Umar. However, what emerged were several divergent versions, and it was left to Caliph Uthman to rule on which were authentic. Copies of the authorised version, were then made, and one was kept in Medina and others sent to Mecca, Kufa, Basra, and Baghdad.

Reading 3 - Christianism

2007-01-07T07:44:00.000-08:00

“ Cut the ‘I’ feeling clean across, and let your ego die on the Cross, to endow on

your Eternity. ” - BABA

INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIANITY

Christianity is the religion of those who accept Jesus Christ as God incarnate, and are guided by the Holy Spirit, and participate in the fellowship of the Christian Church. Christianity was founded within the Judaism faith. Christians hold that Jesus Christ is the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. The Christian belief was at first taught by the Apostles by word of mouth; however the need for a written record of Jesus Christ’s life and teaching was soon fulfilled by the Gospels.

Challenged in the 19th and 20th centuries by Materialism, Atheism, and Agnosticism, the Christian Churches have come under severe pressure in many parts of the world. The ecumenical movement of the 20th century has sought to unite various Schisms. The belief of Christianity is based on the New Testament and for most Christians is summarised in the traditional creeds of the Church. The doctrines of the Trinity, the Incarnation of Christ, and the Resurrection are central, as is Christ’s role as the redeemer of mankind. The total number of Christians has been estimated at more than 944 million, or approximately 24% of the world population. Christianity has moulded the shape of Western civilisation, and has been carried by missionaries to nearly all the countries of the world.

There are many kinds of Christians who interpret the way of life Jesus prescribed in different ways. Christians interpret these ways to help them best live the life they believe Jesus commanded. The three major “ways” or sects of Christianity are Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox. However, all Christians regardless of sect, believe that Jesus is the Son of God who became a man, lived in a particular place during a particular historical time, was put to death, rose from the grave to a new life, and lives now as the Lord of the Universe and the Lord of history.

THE BIBLE : SCRIPTURES OF CHRISTIANITY

The Bible consists of 66 books in total. That is 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament. In these books there are 1189 chapters all together, 927 chapters in the Old Testament and 620 in the New Testament.

The Old Testament consists of : 1) The Law, 2) The Historical Books, 3) The Poetical Books, and 4) The Prophetic Books. Overall, it deals with ancient Prophets and Kings of the Hebrews. While the New Testament contains the life teachings of Jesus Christ and his Apostles. It had been promised in the Old Testament that God would send a Saviour. Jews believe that their Promised Saviour was not Christ and is yet to come. Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Promised Saviour. The New Testament consists of : 1) The Historical Books, 2) The Epistles And Letters, and 3) The Prophetic Books.

THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, a small town Southwest of Jerusalem. His parents took him to Egypt for a period to escape a threat to His life posed by Herod, the Rome-appointed king. After returning from Egypt, Jesus Christ and His parents settled in Nazareth, a town in Galilee, a Jewish province in the northern part of Palestine.

Jesus Christ grew up in Nazareth and worked as a carpenter when He came of age until He was about thirty years old. At that time, He moved from Nazareth to Caoernaum, a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, and became a preacher. After being Baptised or ceremonially bathed to remove all sin, Jesus Christ began His own mission of preaching that the reign of God was at hand. During nearly three years of preaching, in which He made an extraordinary impression on all who met him.

Jesus Christ came into conflict with some of the Jewish religious authorities. They had Him put to death by the Romans; who were the military, economic, and political rulers of Palestine. Jesus Christ was condemned to death by crucifixion. After having been scourged by the Roman guards and crowned with thorns, He was forced to carry a cross to Golgatha, a hill of execution outside the city of Jerusalem. He was nailed to the cross and exhibited to curious onlookers between two thieves who were also crucified. After three hours on the cross, Jesus died. After a Roman guard ran a spear through His heart to insure His death, He was taken down from the cross by his friends, anointed with burial oils and herbs and buried in a tomb near Golgatha. He was about thirty-three years old.

Jesus Christ’s career as a preacher was marked by unusual ability as a speaker, and by many signs that led a great number of people to accept him as a messenger of God. He was, as later events showed, a very extraordinary person who had influence on people's lives, the course of history, the development of civilisation, and people's awareness of the nature of God and the relationship that all of creation has with God.

As unique as the person and career of Jesus Christ was, the event which told His followers who He was and how unique He really was, was His resurrection from the dead. His followers said they saw Him alive, talked, ate, and met with him several occasions after He had been buried. When they became convinced of who they believed Him to be, they preached about Him, not simply as the Messiah which is a term meaning a human person sent by God to lead the Jewish people to their days of glory, but as the Son of God; God Himself, expressing Himself as a human person.

JESUS CHRIST & HIS TEACHINGS

In various cities that were visited by Jesus Christ, the inhabitants received him warmly. He came to them with a special message of hope. Many could not afford the special sacrifices that had to be taken annually to the Temple at Jerusalem. The priests had told them that such sacrifices must be offered if they wished to be in God’s favour. Jesus Christ said that that the offerings of a loving heart and a pure life were far more important to God.

There were Jewish laws telling the people what to eat, and how the food should be served according to their religious customs. Jesus Christ told them that they should not be worried about the laws for their literal meaning, but to remember the inner significance of the laws. The laws emphasised two things: love of God and love of the neighbour.

Not all people liked what Jesus Christ had to say. There were many Jews who felt that a man could not live a good life unless he fulfilled each Jewish Law in the most exacting detail. Some of the religious leaders became very angry as Jesus Christ’s reputation as a healer increased. They thought that sinful people deserved to suffer. What right did Jesus Christ have to make them feel that they had been forgiven? God alone knew whether they were forgiven.

Many followers could not understand what it was that Jesus Christ was saying when He described His ideas of the Kingdom of God. He emphasised again and again that people did not have to wait until conditions were ideal in order to live in the right way. A man is what he is inside himself. This quality of the inner life is not determined by occupying armies, by exact following of laws, or by large offerings at the Temple. The thought you have before you speak is more important than what you say. The attitude you have underneath your act is more important than what you do.

Jesus Christ told stories to make the Kingdom of God seem real to his listeners. The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, smallest of all the seeds. But when it is grown, the mustard plant is very large. Just so, the Kingdom of God within is at first so tiny that one may not even be aware of it. But when it is fully developed, it overshadows everything else in a person’s life. The Kingdom of God is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man discovered it, he rushed out and sold everything he had in order to buy that field. In the same way, when a man discovers the inestimable value of the Kingdom of God, he gives up everything for it.

To Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of God was the ultimate goal of all human effort. There was really nothing else worth seeking. Men were designed to live in such a Kingdom. It did not depend upon a certain time or a certain place. The Kingdom of God required only righteous people as its citizens, only mercy, kindness, and love as its laws. Wherever there were righteous people using mercy, kindness, and love as their way of life, there was the Kingdom of God.

THE CHRISTIAN TRINITY

The doctrine of the Trinity is difficult to understand because no other teaching of the Church ventures so deeply into the nature of God himself. Christians confess that the one true God has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of the Christian life. One cannot enter into the full meaning of God as He was revealed to the first Christians unless they enter into the meaning of the God who is revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Christianity focuses upon God as the Creator of all things, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, who revealed Himself to Israel by His great redeeming acts. He delivered the enslaved people of Israel from Egypt; He led them through their wilderness journey; He gave them a land of their own; He sent them Prophets and Kings. And through all these events Israel came to worship the Lord as a God of Righteousness and Grace. Even when the nation faced ruin in the face of foreign invaders, a remnant in Israel saw that the Lord was somehow working out His purpose for His people.

Fifty days after Jesus Christ’s resurrection, the disciples experienced in Jerusalem an overwhelming event. All who spoke in this supernatural power interpreted it to mean the fulfilment of Jesus Christ’s promise. His Spirit; the Father's Spirit had come to fill them and empower them to be witnesses of God's work for them and in them.

The early Christians intended to designate something genuinely threefold when they spoke of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They knew that the Trinity is more than three attributes or three appearances of God. Within His own mysterious being God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Within the Godhead there are three persons who are neither three Gods nor three parts of God, but coequally and coeternally God.

In summary, The Father is God, The Son is God, and The Holy Spirit is God. The result is not three Gods, but one. What they share equally and completely is deity. At the same time, The Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Spirit, and the Spirit is not the Father.

FESTIVALS OF CHRISTIANITY

Christian festivals are recollections of God's saving actions through Jesus Christ in the past, and in the present. These Liturgies, as they are called, are the Churches official, public worship of God through Jesus Christ. Although various Christian groups celebrate these actions in various ways, and each group has its own special feast days, all Christian groups celebrate three major feasts: Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, and Christmas Day.

Easter Sunday, the most important feast day for Christians, celebrates what Christians believe was Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Christians believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the second day after his death by crucifixion. It is also a celebration of a present reality for Christians : Jesus Christ's presence in his Church and the resurrection of all people to a new life in God.

Pentecost Sunday, celebrates what Christians believe took place some fifty days after Jesus Christ's crucifixion. They believe that on that day the Holy Spirit came to the Apostles to enlighten them about Jesus Christ. It is also the celebration of a present reality for Christians: the action of the Holy Spirit in the continuing creation of the world, and his action, in the life of each Christian.

Christmas Day, December twenty-fifth, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Although it celebrates a specific event in history, it also celebrates what is for Christians a reality : the presence of God in the world.

For further reading, refer to Heart2Heart publication:

BE A GOOD CHRISTIAN… A TRUE CHRISTIAN… A BETTER CHRISTIAN
(Heart2Heart - Volume 4 - Issue 04 - April 2006)

Click here for the article

Reading 2 - Zoroashtrianism

2006-12-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

“ Offer all bitterness in the sacred Fire and emerge grand, great and godly. ”

- BABA -

INTRODUCTION TO ZOROASTRIANISM

In modern times, Zoroastrianism has few followers; for only those who are born as Zoroastrians are permitted to practice this faith. It’s influence in ancient times was so great that no modern religion is untouched by it. Prophet Zoroastra was the first to bring about the beliefs of one God, heaven and hell, the coming of a Savior figure, the resurrection of the dead, and a Last Judgment which many scholars believe have permeated Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The founder of Zoroastrianism was the Persian Prophet Zoroastra who lived about 8,500 years ago.

Zoroastrians are fire-worshipers, fire being a symbol of purity-a mighty cleaning power in the universe. It is all-pervading and it is vital for life, having originated from the sun, who represents the most luminous body of Ahura Mazda, the Creator.

SCRIPTURES OF ZOROASTRIANISM

The Avesta is the sacred book of Zoroastrianism as it contains the holy scriptures which were compiled by Zoroastra. Within this sacred text, there are three sections which are; 1. The Yasna, 2. The Yasht, and 3. The Videvdat.

The Yasna consists of prayers and liturgy. Within this group there is a group of song called the Gathas which are believed to be written by Zoroastra. A fascinating fact about these hymns is that they have a close linkage between the language and history of the Rig Veda. The Gathas seem to be known as the principal teachings of Zoroastra. The Yasht is a collection of sacrificial hymns which are addressed to individual deities before the sacred fire. The Videvdat which literally means, “Law against the demons” is a group of writings concerned mainly with ritual purification.

FESTIVALS OF ZOROASTRIANISM

A strict obligation Zoroastra places on disciples is to celebrate seven feasts annually, dedicated to Ahura Mazda, His six attributes and the seven creations on earth. Six of these feasts called Gahambars are dedicated to farming and are scattered through out the year. The seventh is separate from the others. The festivals are as follows :

FESTIVALS MEANING DEDICATED TO

Maidhyoi-Zaremaya Mid- Spring Ahura Mazda

Maidhyoi-Shema Mid-Summer

Paitishahya Feast of bringing corn

Ayathrima Feast of home-coming

Maidhyairya Mid Winter

Hamaspathmaedaya Last night of the year Khshathra

*No Ruz New Day Asha Vahista and Fire*

THE LIFE OF ZOROASTRA

Zoroastra was born in the priestly family of Spitama. His mother was Dogdo and His father’s name was Paurusharp. He was born in Bactra, in the town of Rae, near the river Vebdait. The day was Khordad, the sixth day of the month of Fravardin, or the first month of the year. Prior to Zoroastra’s birth, His mother Dagdo had dreams which foretold the divine mission of her son. When Zoroastra was born, it is said that His aura spread light all over the town of Rae. This occurrence signifies that the one who will destroy the darkness of ignorance and spread the light of love and wisdom in the hearts of men, has taken birth. The parents named the child Zoroastra which means Golden Shining Star. The scriptures describe how all nature blossomed and was jubilant at the birth of the Prophet and the heart of man, beasts, and birds felt blessed and happy.

The terrorist gangs, however, greatly feared that the divine child would be the cause of their downfall, and Durasurn, their leader was busy scheming and plotting to have the baby destroyed. The child survived by the grace and protection of Ahura Mazda (literal meaning- “Wise Lord”)

Zoroastra was growing into an intelligent and devoted young boy. It was then that the last attempt was made by one of Durasarun’s men disguised as a physician to poison him with some drugs. But Zoroastra easily discovered the trick and refused to take the medicine. At the age of seven, he was placed under the care of a wise man called Borjin-khursh from whom he learned all he could. He initiated Zoroastra into the Mazdayasnin faith. At the age of fifteen, Zoroastra was invested with the sacred thread or Khusti. At the age of twenty five, Zoroastra felt that he should retire to a secluded spot for deep meditation and contemplation on God’s Plan and the purpose and meaning of man’s life. So, Zoroastra chose to stay in a place near a shepherd’s hut on the top of a mountain. The shepherd used to help Zoroastra by bringing him little gifts of milk and bread. In this way, Zoroastra spent ten years and during this time the Gathas, the holy scriptures of the Zoroastrians, were revealed to him within his own mind. When Zoroastra was convinced that he had a very clear Revelation from God, he left the mountain spot and made his way to the court of King Vistasp. He began his task of reforming the existing Mazdayasnin faith and when King Vistasp embraced the teachings of Zoroastra, the Zarathshtri Mazdayasnin faith became the national religion of Iran.

On Khordad Sal, the birth of Prophet Zoroastra, the Zoroastrians pay homage to the memory of Zoroastra, by remembering and endeavoring to practice the teachings he gave to mankind.

PRAYER OF ZOROASTRIANISM : THE SUPREME MANTRA OF AHURA

The Mantra, or form of prayer, consists of twenty one words and three couplets. The twenty one Nasks, or volumes, which contained all the teachings of the religion, were based on these twenty one words. The first couplet deals with the highest Theological aspect of the religion. The second couplet deals with Philosophy and Science, and the third couplet with Law and Ethics.

Yatha Ahu Vairyo

Atha Ratush Ahat chit Hacha;

Vangheush Dazda Manangho

Shyaothranam Angheush Mazdai;

Khshathrem-cha Ahuraia

Yim Dregugyo Dadat Vastarem.

TRANSLATION

As Ahura (is) omnipotent

so (is) Guru through store (of) ASHA;

Loving Creation (is a) gift (of) mind

Act (of) Creation (is) Mazda;

And Divine strength (of) Ahura unto

who humbly becomes (a)Protector.

INNER SIGNIFICANCE

1) When a sufficient store of Asha has been accumulated by treading the Path of Asha or Atma-Dharma, the darkness of ignorance is removed by the Inner Guru or Ahu and it is realized that the self is the same omnipotent Ahura. In Vedantic parlance it means Tat Twam Asi and Aham Brahma Asmit.

2) Creation is projected from the Mind of God or Sankalpa and God is manifest in His creation as the Divine Energy or Shakthi which is the basis of all things created. In Vedantic parlance it is said, Sarva Brahma Mayam, of Sarvam Vishnu Mayam Jagat. The word Vishnu or Brahma stands for the omnipotent Lord, and the word Maya means that which hides and produces an illusion. Even through the society, the individual and the world, are experienced as separate multi ferrous entities, the unchanging truth behind all these is the one basis, God.

3) He who humbly protects Asha or The Eternal Law, is protected by the Divine Strength of Ahura. In Vedanta it is said, “Dharmo-Rakshati-Rakshithah.” He who protects Dharma, is protected by Dharma.

TEACHINGS OF ZOROASTRIANISM

Zoroastrians believe in one God Ahura Mazda, translated to mean “Wise Lord”, and his attributes which are called the Amesha Spentas or “Immortal Beings”. Zoroastrians believe that Ahura Mazda and the six Amesha Spentas created the earth as follows :

Vohu Manah (Deity of Good Thought) : Animals

Asha Vahista (Deity of Justice & Truth) : Fire and energy

Kshathra (Deity of Dominion) : metals, minerals, and sky

Spenta Armaiti (Deity of Devotion and Serenity) : the earth and land

Haurvatat (Deity of Wholeness) : water bodies

Ameretat (Deity of Immortality) : plants

Ahura Mazda (Creative Energy) : human beings

THE CONCEPT OF NATURE FOR ZOROASTRIANS

Sanctity of nature is a staunch belief in the religion. Human beings should do nothing to pollute nature’s sanctity, as nature is but the vast garment of God. Earth, Air, Light, and Water are the four sacred elements. Burial of the dead causes pollution and desecration of the earth. Burning of the dead caused pollution and desecration of the fire. Hence, the dead are consigned to the Tower of Silence, under the direct rays of the sun, to be devoured by birds of prey.

SUDREH & KUSTI

Every Parsee Zoroastrian wears Sudreh, the sacred garments and the belt like Kusti, the sacred girdle. Sudreh and Kusti form the uniform of a Parsee Zoroastrian. He is invested between age of seven and eleven years with these tow in childhood by the priest at the Navjote ceremony which is like the Upanayanam ceremony of the Hindus. Sudreh is a white garment, whiteness represents purity, cleanliness, the basis on which the Zoroastrian religion is founded. The Sudreh is meant to remind that the deeds done every day are being recorded for the Final Judgment. The Kusti is prepared from wool, obtained out of the sheep which is considered innocent. The Kusti binds the wearer to the Creator. It is woven out of seventy-two threads, which signify seventy -two chapters of the Yasna, one of the holy Zoroastrian scripture. It is tied around the waist signifying moderation, middle path, and in three loops and four knots-two in front and two in the rear. The three loops signify-that Ahura Mazda is the Creator, Sustainer and Destroyer and also the Controller of the past, present and future. The four knots signify: i) Obedience to God’s laws, ii) Sacrificing one’s life to fulfill these laws, iii) Constant struggle and striving against evil and, iv) Supreme faith in God.

For further reading, refer to Heart2Heart publication:

Zoroashtrianism - Shimmering Flame of Eternal Wisdom
(Heart2Heart - Volume 4 - Issue 08 - August 2006)

Click here for the article

Reading 1 - Buddhism

2006-12-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

LIFE OF GAUTAMA BUDDHA

The main events of Lord Buddha's life are well known. The Purnima, or the full moon day of the month of Vaishaka; is connected with three important events in the life of Lord Buddha. First His birth, then His enlightenment and finally His Parinirvana. It is the most sacred day of the Buddhist calendar. Lord Buddha's Parinirvana was said to have taken place in the year 445 B.C., when He was eighty years of age.

Gautama Buddha was the son of the King of Kapilvastu, Suddhodhana. Gautama Buddha grew up in luxury, was married to Yasodhara, who had a son by name Rahula, and led a sheltered life in the palace, veiled from the miseries of the world. On one occasion He went out of the palace and saw an old man and realised that all men were subject to the frailties of age, saw a sick man and realised that all men were liable to sickness and suffering, saw a corpse and felt that all men were subject to death. Lastly, He saw an ascetic who was radiating great peace and happiness in his face. When asked who he was, the mendicant told the prince, "I am an ascetic. In fear of birth and death, I have left the home life, to gain liberation." The sight of the holy man healthy in body, cheerful in mind; though bereft of comforts of life, impressed Gautama Buddha strongly with the conviction that the pursuit of religion was the only goal worthy of man and that He also must strive to gain freedom. Freedom from old age and sickness. Along with freedom from all sorrows of life, by following the ascetic's example. Thereupon, Gautama Buddha left His wife, child, and palace, and went out into the forest seeking enlightenment of the spirit. Seven years later at Bodh Gaya, under the shade of the Bodhi tree, while sitting in the state of deepest meditation, Gautama Buddha obtained enlightenment, also known as Nirvana.

After enlightenment, Lord Buddha referred to himself in the third person, as Tathagata. which meant the 'One who has arrived at the truth.' He wished to preach to the world the knowledge He gained and said "I shall go to Banaras and there I will light the lamp to dispel the darkness in the world. I will beat the drums that will awaken mankind. I shall teach the law Dharma." He travelled from place to place, touching the lives of thousands of people. They all came under the spell of His great personality, which always radiated peace, love and over-flowing compassion. He taught for forty-five years the beauty of charity and the joy of renunciation and the primary need for an ethical life, compassion, simplicity and equality.

At the age of eighty, at Kushinagara, on the banks of the river Hiranyavati, in the grove of Sala trees, Lord Buddha passed into Parinirvana. In His last moments, he tells Ananda, one disciple, who was lamenting inconsolably, "Ananda, do not weep, do not despair; from all that he loves man must part; how could be that what is born, what is subject to instability should not pass? May be you are thinking you will have no Master, but that must not be so, Ananda, the doctrine I have taught will be your Master henceforth." He added, addressing all his disciples, "I say unto you now oh monks: all things are perishable, work out your deliverance with earnestness."

TEACHINGS OF GAUTAMA BUDDHA

LORD BUDDHA & THE OLD WOMAN

Lord Buddha was once in Kapilavastu during a festival where a large gathering of devotees had assembled to listen to His teachings. His disciples were busy serving and looking after the devotees, and two of them had gone into the next town to buy some supplies. On the way back, they had to cross a river along with the crowd of people who were hurriedly making their way to Kapilavastu eager to have the Darshan, or being in the presence of a holy being, of Lord Buddha. Among them was an old woman, who was experiencing difficulty in crossing the river; for it was muddy and the water was quite high, but everyone was rushing and no one bothered to stop and help her. Before Lord Buddha delivered His discourse to the people, He called his disciples together and told them that although they had spent such a long time in His company, they had achieved nothing and that He had not expected such behaviour from them. Then getting up, Lord Buddha began to walk out of town. The disciples had no understanding of what Lord Buddha had meant but they followed Him. Lord Buddha walked down to the river, and he waded across to where the old woman was still struggling hard. He lifted her on to His shoulders and carried her safely to the other side. Although He was very wet and covered with mud from the river, Lord Buddha asked His disciples to fetch some hot water for the old woman to wash in and made her comfortable. He then proceeded to deliver His discourse in which He said to his Disciples "If you love Me, you should see Me in every one, and since you have failed to see Me in the old woman, you do not really love Me or My teachings".

PRAYER OF BUDDHISM

Buddham Saranam Gachaami,

Dharmam Saranam Gachaami,

Sangham Saranam Gachaami.

TRANSLATION : I take refuge in the Buddhi, my power of Discrimination;

I take refuge in the Dharma, I take shelter in truth and righteousness;

I take refuge in the community, I take refuge in the society.

THE RELIGION OF BUDDHISM

THE FOUR CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF BUDDHISM :

(i) Sarvam Dukham : Life is all misery

(ii) Sarvam Kshanikam : Everything is momentary

(iii) Sarvam Anatmam (Anatta) : Everything is substance-less

(iv) Nirvanam Santam : Nirvana is Peace

THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS :

(i) Life is suffering

(ii) It is desires that are the origin and cause of suffering

(iii) Desires can be curbed and cessation of suffering can brought about

(iv) The eight-fold path is the way to curb suffering

THE EIGHT-FOLD PATH FOR NIRVANA :

(i) Right understanding / view of the Four Noble Truths

(ii) Right resolve

(iii) Right speech

(iv) Right conduct

(v) Right means of living

(vi) Right effort / endeavour

(vii) Right reason

(viii) Right meditation.

THE FIVE RESOLUTIONS (PANCH - SHEEL) :

(i) I will refrain from causing injury to any being : Ahimsa

(ii) I will refrain from falsehood : Satyam

(iii) I will refrain from stealing : Asteye

(iv) I will refrain from sense-indulgence : Brahmacharya

(v) I will refrain from intoxicants

For further reading, refer article from Heart2Heart publication:

Fascinating Buddha - The life and teachings of Buddha
(Heart2Heart - Volume 4 - Issue 06 - June 2006)

Click here for the article

Volleyball, soccer or badminton

2006-11-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

Volleyball, soccer or badminton every Mondays from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Beginning 13 November 2006, boys and girls will be able to participate in weekly sports activities. Each week, your SSE guru will confirm the availability of the gym in class.

Venue: St. Paul's Catholic High school gym, 2675 Draper Ave, Ottawa ON - North west of Baseline and Greenbank Rd

To play badminton on Fridays, it is important that students or parents register with the Sai Centre.

Badminton - A weekly family event

2006-10-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

The entire Sai family having a good time together playing badminton every Fridays.

Badminton is played every Fridays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm, in the St. Paul's Catholic High School Gym, 2675 Draper Ave, Ottawa ON. Click on map for larger view.