tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101133560151559502024-03-07T10:15:50.595+01:00Buddhism and the Bahai FaithThis website is designed to show how Buddhism and the Bahai Faith are alike in values and principles. Its objective is to show that deeply the two Faiths are just the manifestations of the same eternal Faith which rules and concepts adapt through time adapting to the needs of an evolving humankind (through the humble and personal understanding of its author).hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-91024798786620422242011-10-18T22:25:00.003+02:002011-10-18T22:32:26.284+02:00Self-control and empathy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1VUzxG4pffyQnzrF3IBY-JOgKHf_gt9FzBN3GrgoFZjqNWKcGHfvIjW2XjvGbKancerrtvUYXWGhmmXaB-Uqa_SoGHc9OFS3ShhQTzqylRMCwT4jZ32CY3v-OX8R9yaOgVnOqpkUkhIL/s1600/siddharth_buddha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="276" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1VUzxG4pffyQnzrF3IBY-JOgKHf_gt9FzBN3GrgoFZjqNWKcGHfvIjW2XjvGbKancerrtvUYXWGhmmXaB-Uqa_SoGHc9OFS3ShhQTzqylRMCwT4jZ32CY3v-OX8R9yaOgVnOqpkUkhIL/s400/siddharth_buddha.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"He who is <b>master of himself</b> is <b>greater</b> than he who is the master of the world."<br />
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"<b>Happiness</b> is born of <b>altruism</b> and misery of selfishness."<br />
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~ Siddhârtha Gautama, known as <b>Buddha</b>hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-56124241724305914922011-10-13T23:35:00.005+02:002011-10-22T22:40:56.306+02:00The necessity of "action" by Benjamin Disraeli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5vRJpdrkSaMeP3Rcg_nk5N2_N4vimLpBwcBBisKs6BDSDekihAX8bU8DK8SLEQdw-5zbhfcxE630fKXI6sN_xHoxF08o37DcPWxPAYbM5gFRbXF1exGD0VZEtTO4GXpMbxHNgjlRKxKv/s1600/Benjamin_DISRAELI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="261" width="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5vRJpdrkSaMeP3Rcg_nk5N2_N4vimLpBwcBBisKs6BDSDekihAX8bU8DK8SLEQdw-5zbhfcxE630fKXI6sN_xHoxF08o37DcPWxPAYbM5gFRbXF1exGD0VZEtTO4GXpMbxHNgjlRKxKv/s400/Benjamin_DISRAELI.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>Action</b> may not always bring <b>happiness</b> but <b>there is no happiness without action</b>.<br />
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~ Benjamin Disraelihisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-41593046928328800452011-09-18T18:37:00.002+02:002011-09-18T18:39:13.929+02:00Wise insights inspired from Taoism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbf2t5Y74V_md0lZ62tNf_EqRLC5lv44FXZTBo07rXcKeuzMf4DYGLbrjHWlBQIlFM5xeRentp0Vec0hihiGIBLSiWMDV1LgbrWk19-6hyphenhyphenO_E92Rb_TQnbzR8QmSolEam09MYqax7N_xNS/s1600/Lao_tseu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="349" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbf2t5Y74V_md0lZ62tNf_EqRLC5lv44FXZTBo07rXcKeuzMf4DYGLbrjHWlBQIlFM5xeRentp0Vec0hihiGIBLSiWMDV1LgbrWk19-6hyphenhyphenO_E92Rb_TQnbzR8QmSolEam09MYqax7N_xNS/s400/Lao_tseu.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"Respond <b>intelligently</b> even to <b>unintelligent treatment</b>."<br />
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~ <b>Lao-Tseu</b>, Tao-tö kinghisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-2233725385266603872011-08-18T05:52:00.003+02:002011-08-20T22:46:16.909+02:00When will mankind adopt the Faith ?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhx_MhzipogM33iFHe-oyCxsdv5dWZfDCO6BsGeboD6RZke9RwxNLT65UM7U8ZdPD4fLfKVdZiAiiLEZVa_315nn3YhwNGIcTYkwuodVYgdwVolNaCUIfNMc9aa6ppFLlrC1WKCS9-Xnk/s1600/image03044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="275" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhx_MhzipogM33iFHe-oyCxsdv5dWZfDCO6BsGeboD6RZke9RwxNLT65UM7U8ZdPD4fLfKVdZiAiiLEZVa_315nn3YhwNGIcTYkwuodVYgdwVolNaCUIfNMc9aa6ppFLlrC1WKCS9-Xnk/s400/image03044.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Once Varqa asked <b>Baha'u'llah</b>, "How will the Cause of <b>God</b> be universally adopted by mankind?" <b>Baha'u'llah</b> said that first, the nations of the world would arm themselves with infernal engines of war, and when fully armed would attack each other like bloodthirsty beasts. As a result, there would be anormous bloodshed throughout the world. Then the wise men from all nations would gather together to investigate the cause of such bloodshed. They would come to the conclusion that prejudices were the cause, a major form being <b>religious prejudice</b>. They would therefore try to eliminate religion so as to eliminate prejudice. Later they would realize that man cannot live without religion. Then they would study the teachings of all religions to see which of the religions conformed to the prevailing conditions of the time. It is then that the Cause of <b>God</b> would become <b>universal</b>.<br />
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~ Revelation of <b>Baha'u'llah</b>, vol. 4, p.56hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-21591509741025507202011-08-18T02:09:00.003+02:002011-08-18T02:14:27.412+02:00Dealing with insults<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tbhS6i3E4KnN2mIK4I-wLl4Eky251Z0tOZsnqQaY1qJslootfyqaP3tADbxTTb_AmbufERmFlAsyztkeo8KCBQjf5YVRjpACS8atH50_v9lxdx1UE86JSoBvdaGG43yBVbOO_SvigxAp/s1600/Buddha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="158" width="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tbhS6i3E4KnN2mIK4I-wLl4Eky251Z0tOZsnqQaY1qJslootfyqaP3tADbxTTb_AmbufERmFlAsyztkeo8KCBQjf5YVRjpACS8atH50_v9lxdx1UE86JSoBvdaGG43yBVbOO_SvigxAp/s400/Buddha.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The <b>Buddha</b> explained how to handle insult and maintain compassion.<br />
One day <b>Buddha</b> was walking through a village. A very angry and rude young man came up and began insulting him. "You have no right teaching others," he shouted. "You are as stupid as everyone else. You are nothing but a fake."<br />
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<b>Buddha</b> was not upset by these insults. Instead he asked the young man "Tell me, if you buy a gift for someone, and that person does not take it, to whom does the gift belong?"<br />
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The man was surprised to be asked such a strange question and answered, "It would belong to me, because I bought the gift."<br />
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The <b>Buddha</b> smiled and said, "That is correct. And it is exactly the same with your anger. If you become angry with me and I do not get insulted, then the anger falls back on you. You are then the only one who becomes unhappy, not me. All you have done is hurt yourself."<br />
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"If you want to stop hurting yourself, you must get rid of your anger and become loving instead. When you hate others, you yourself become unhappy. But when you love others, everyone is happy."<br />
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The young man listened closely to these wise words of the <b>Buddha</b>. "You are right, o Enlightened One, "he said. "Please teach me the path of love. I wish to become your follower."<br />
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The <b>Buddha</b> answered kindly, "Of course. I teach anyone who truly wants to learn. Come with me."<br />
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~ Stories about <b>Buddha</b>hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-33426691526391215622011-07-23T12:08:00.002+02:002011-07-23T12:10:16.193+02:00Detachment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYA6QjbEXiew9eDxG74cO05Vx50qhNOKKmqmQrRxq_1taMYibQHmR2MDWsE9ahL-Aho6WqTBVvnfWSyyQG4y8Dnh22VpYYq174VGlwYRJaNhImn8195z36lpVDPqmM4uLR-NA_YycyhHy/s1600/power-of-detachment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="304" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYA6QjbEXiew9eDxG74cO05Vx50qhNOKKmqmQrRxq_1taMYibQHmR2MDWsE9ahL-Aho6WqTBVvnfWSyyQG4y8Dnh22VpYYq174VGlwYRJaNhImn8195z36lpVDPqmM4uLR-NA_YycyhHy/s400/power-of-detachment.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<b>Detachment</b> is as the <b>sun</b>; in whatsoever <b>heart</b> it doth <b>shine</b> it quenches the <b>covetousness of self</b>. He whose sight is illumined with the <b>light of understanding</b> will assuredly <b>detach himself</b> from the world and the vanities thereof.... Let not the world and its vileness grieve you. <b>Happy</b> is he whom <b>riche</b>s fill not with <b>vainglory</b>, nor <b>poverty</b> with <b>sorrow</b>."<br />
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~ <b>Baha'u'llah</b>, The Divine Art of Livinghisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-51911501706028874982011-07-23T11:50:00.004+02:002011-07-23T11:59:42.731+02:00What is the Bahai Faith ?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VJxU6CNGVfXjgO9av-zotY98Zhiy2Kd_B5_CtHJOy8Mrc1z0mk1pJlu-4z_2fHQiDAFk9Vf97ZJOTFhGHzRIcCLE-zdnWB1gthJcNWQ8xp7T01k4STk7iqycsOtA2Z6ASFC-0YanlLnZ/s1600/_MG_3121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VJxU6CNGVfXjgO9av-zotY98Zhiy2Kd_B5_CtHJOy8Mrc1z0mk1pJlu-4z_2fHQiDAFk9Vf97ZJOTFhGHzRIcCLE-zdnWB1gthJcNWQ8xp7T01k4STk7iqycsOtA2Z6ASFC-0YanlLnZ/s400/_MG_3121.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<b>Official definition</b> :<br />
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The Bahá'í Faith upholds the <b>unity of God</b>, recognizes the <b>unity of His Prophets</b>, and inculcates the principle of the <b>oneness</b> and <b>wholeness</b> of the entire <b>human race</b>. It proclaims the necessity and the inevitability of the <b>unification of mankind</b>, asserts that it is gradually approaching, and claims that nothing short of the transmuting <b>spirit of God</b>, working through His chosen Mouthpiece in this day, can ultimately succeed in bringing it about. It, moreover, enjoins upon its followers the primary duty of an <b>unfettered search after truth</b>, <b>condemns</b> all manner of <b>prejudice</b> and <b>superstition</b>, declares the <b>purpose of religion</b> to be the <b>promotion</b> of <b>amity</b> and <b>concord</b>, proclaims its essential <b>harmony with science</b>, and recognizes it as the <b>foremost agency</b> for the <b>pacification</b> and the <b>orderly progress of human society</b>. It unequivocally maintains the principle of <b>equal rights</b>, <b>opportunities</b> and <b>privileges</b> for <b>men and women</b>, insists on <b>compulsory education</b>, eliminates <b>extremes of poverty and wealth</b>, abolishes the <b>institution of priesthood</b>, prohibits <b>slavery</b>, <b>asceticism</b>, <b>mendicancy</b> and <b>monasticism</b>, prescribes <b>monogamy</b>, discourages <b>divorce</b>, emphasizes the necessity of <b>strict obedience to one's government</b>, exalts any work performed in the <b>spirit of service</b> to the level of <b>worship</b>, urges either the creation or the selection of an <b>auxiliary international language</b>, and delineates the outlines of those institutions that must establish and perpetuate the <b>general peace of mankind</b>.<br />
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~ <b>Shoghi Effendi</b> to the United Nations Special Commission on Palestine (1947)hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-12339302391326452362011-05-07T05:37:00.000+02:002011-05-07T05:37:10.467+02:00Justice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvj8HAvP6PNgMEGCGhBAFSeyD4bCMOILhTX7ML8BnkEBsf249Za_K5ZsjT5j5rACzb4Q4OGgCcSIMC6-M2VE4TylGiFWxrjYFKq1HdmWaSnMuTrx13h5eho6KEC5AbgZ2P_RtEWWugT_PH/s1600/Justice.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvj8HAvP6PNgMEGCGhBAFSeyD4bCMOILhTX7ML8BnkEBsf249Za_K5ZsjT5j5rACzb4Q4OGgCcSIMC6-M2VE4TylGiFWxrjYFKq1HdmWaSnMuTrx13h5eho6KEC5AbgZ2P_RtEWWugT_PH/s400/Justice.gif" /></a></div><br />
"Be <b>generous in prosperity</b>, and <b><i>thankful in adversity</i></b>. Be <b>worthy of the trust of thy neighbor</b>, and look upon him with a <b><i>bright and friendly face</i></b>. Be a <b>treasure to the poor</b>, an <b><i>admonisher to the rich</i></b>, an <b>answerer to the cry of the needy</b>, a <b><i>preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge</i></b>. <b>Be fair in thy judgment</b>, and <b><i>guarded in thy speech</i></b>. Be <b>unjust to no man</b>, and <b><i>show all meekness to all men</i></b>. Be as a <b>lamp unto them that walk in darkness</b>, a <b><i>joy to the sorrowful</i></b>, a <b>sea for the thirsty</b>, a <b><i>haven for the distressed</i></b>, an <b>upholder and defender of the victim of oppression</b>. Let <b><i>integrity and uprightness</i></b> distinguish all thine acts. Be a <b>home for the stranger</b>, a <b><i>balm to the suffering</i></b>, a <b>tower of strength</b> for the fugitive. Be <b><i>eyes to the blind</i></b>, and a <b>guiding light unto the feet of the erring</b>. Be an <b><i>ornament to the countenance of truth</i></b>, a <b>crown to the brow of fidelity</b>, a <b><i>pillar of the temple of righteousness</i></b>, a <b>breath of life</b> to the body of mankind, an <b><i>ensign of the hosts of justice</i></b>, a <b>luminary above the horizon of virtue</b>, a <b><i>dew to the soil of the human heart</i></b>, an <b>ark on the ocean of knowledge</b>, a <b><i>sun in the heaven of bounty</i></b>, a <b>gem on the diadem of wisdom</b>, a <b><i>shining light in the firmament</i></b> of thy generation, a <b>fruit upon the tree of humility</b>."<br />
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~ <b>Baha'u'llah</b>, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 93hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-51316449427533536422011-05-06T03:30:00.002+02:002011-07-23T12:11:22.415+02:00The Power of Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGwNPjaIflyMeYUxy_B8Sz7NikWBpTg1_5FgzKqWY6E2l5IIQ7dPyM7wnryjscOnSClwVWMQ0SDCzVbNmQ7rdsrWqaE2ZCH53l3J5F7oyn0ZRl5G9xSodMRNmOupx3gAL3dn2Dc7OMzMJ/s1600/LOVE_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGwNPjaIflyMeYUxy_B8Sz7NikWBpTg1_5FgzKqWY6E2l5IIQ7dPyM7wnryjscOnSClwVWMQ0SDCzVbNmQ7rdsrWqaE2ZCH53l3J5F7oyn0ZRl5G9xSodMRNmOupx3gAL3dn2Dc7OMzMJ/s400/LOVE_3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"<b>Only by Love</b> can men see me, and know me, and come to me."<br />
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~ Baghavad Gita<br />
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<br />
"<b>We are what we think</b>, <br />
having become what we thought.<br />
Like the wheel that follows the cart-pulling ox,<br />
<b>Sorrow follows an evil thought</b>.<br />
<br />
And <b>joy follows a pure thought</b>,<br />
like a shadow faithfully tailing a man.<br />
<b>We are what we think</b>,<br />
having become what we thought...<br />
<br />
<b>There is only one eternal law</b>:<br />
<i>Hate never destroys hate;</i> <b>only love does</b>."<br />
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~ Dhammapadahisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-77830993395926818902011-04-09T22:22:00.003+02:002011-08-20T22:46:37.960+02:00Friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VOkoRn_V-ruI9FsaFYw7b62ykzdZPNMKiOFrrAkFArShbBRA8Z7KGjyZIf2r4tOaGmxcrT_xs5J2Z_In8md-iWpPqhR2jp5f9byDbRD4jpDrPFKSBIayb-eEr9RojaH-SAhFVGGskJ2P/s1600/lins-vip-blog-com-673216friendship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VOkoRn_V-ruI9FsaFYw7b62ykzdZPNMKiOFrrAkFArShbBRA8Z7KGjyZIf2r4tOaGmxcrT_xs5J2Z_In8md-iWpPqhR2jp5f9byDbRD4jpDrPFKSBIayb-eEr9RojaH-SAhFVGGskJ2P/s400/lins-vip-blog-com-673216friendship.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"There is always an important <b>difference</b> between <b>friends</b> and <b>tested friends</b>. No matter how precious the first type may be, the <b>future of the Cause</b> rests upon the <b>latter</b>."<br />
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~ <b>Shoghi Effendi</b>, The Light of Divine Guidance v I, p. 34hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-86777387292560079582011-02-01T20:12:00.000+01:002011-02-01T20:12:35.696+01:00Be Happy ! :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUhGcP_fSuVpqkAfuDMk4494RAylsDwj3ZiurAx1qxe3Evubw2zhU2DWWdZ79wY4QwRlcrgMr3KcRJopDskjxf-fXrJgIvvFRzp7N95_LesbX5vkwM1bTq0QEzIxwSwSwdE_xywUhbnS9/s1600/Happiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="268" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUhGcP_fSuVpqkAfuDMk4494RAylsDwj3ZiurAx1qxe3Evubw2zhU2DWWdZ79wY4QwRlcrgMr3KcRJopDskjxf-fXrJgIvvFRzp7N95_LesbX5vkwM1bTq0QEzIxwSwSwdE_xywUhbnS9/s400/Happiness.jpg" /></a></div><br />
If we are not <b>happy</b> and <b>joyous</b> at this season, for what other season shall we wait and for what other time shall we look?<br />
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...This is the time for <b>growing</b>; the season for <b>joyous gathering</b>! Take the cup of the Testament in thy hand; leap and dance with <b>ecstasy</b> in the triumphal procession of the <b>Covenant</b>! Lay your confidence in the everlasting <b>bounty</b>, turn to the presence of the <b>generous God</b>; ask assistance from the <b>Kingdom of Abha</b>; seek confirmation from the <b>Supreme World</b>; turn thy vision to the horizon of <b>eternal wealth</b>; and pray for help from the <b>Source of Mercy</b>!<br />
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~ <b>Abdu'l-Baha</b>, Baha'i World Faith - Abdu'l-Baha Section, p. 351hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-69834825639598408682011-01-08T04:22:00.002+01:002011-04-09T22:26:04.428+02:00Do not feel depressed about not finding the right job<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVN8FdqxO8HCJQaSvrwVXD7oG42uNFdTdhccpd4H9qqWQ8imQPCX4EypXUwonknS7u1rlOb0I-rlGqZcTPFEJ5IyS6vi0K8Hz0y1BMRcLThKnZ26PKEGs5cS2RhxmxpXrHQnl2jonTHwPV/s1600/IMG_3362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVN8FdqxO8HCJQaSvrwVXD7oG42uNFdTdhccpd4H9qqWQ8imQPCX4EypXUwonknS7u1rlOb0I-rlGqZcTPFEJ5IyS6vi0K8Hz0y1BMRcLThKnZ26PKEGs5cS2RhxmxpXrHQnl2jonTHwPV/s400/IMG_3362.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You should <b>never be too depressed</b> about your <b>dissatisfaction</b> concerning <b>not finding a job you like</b>, a <b>place</b> in the world that <b>fits you</b>. If you analyze it, this <b>general sense of mis-fit</b> is one of the <b>curses of your generation</b>, one of the products of the world's <b>disequilibrium</b> and <b>chaos</b>. It is <b>not confined to your life</b>, it is pretty <b>general</b>.<br />
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~ Letter written on behalf of <b>Shoghi Effendi</b> to an individual believer. <b>Shoghi Effendi</b>, <b>Unfolding Destiny</b>, p. 454hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-56628565782087020212011-01-04T02:43:00.005+01:002011-04-09T22:26:15.903+02:00Our materialistic civilization<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwDA549ktjEe2rbpIn2Zhn1u1B2X0IVZz0CTr-JjUdfbs_Wowy-aT1NCekGWwaS9Ej2RTKf5aHmrLiOm1DiQbTktyXTW2m_aqWhiA_42AxdxRo6L3JK-Yh0QdB1chcz7986Od5POVmENr/s1600/Fiji_Sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwDA549ktjEe2rbpIn2Zhn1u1B2X0IVZz0CTr-JjUdfbs_Wowy-aT1NCekGWwaS9Ej2RTKf5aHmrLiOm1DiQbTktyXTW2m_aqWhiA_42AxdxRo6L3JK-Yh0QdB1chcz7986Od5POVmENr/s400/Fiji_Sea.jpg" /></a></div><br />
... the chief reason for the evils now rampant in society is the <b>lack of spirituality</b>. The materialistic civilization of our age has so much absorbed the energy and interest of mankind that people in general do no longer feel the necessity of raising themselves above the forces and conditions of their daily material existence. There is not sufficient demand for things that we should call <b>spiritual</b> to differentiate them from the needs and requirements of our physical existence.<br />
The universal crisis affecting mankind is, therefore, essentially <b>spiritual</b> in its causes. The spirit of the age, taken on the whole, is <b>irreligious</b>. Man's outlook on life is too crude and materialistic to enable him to elevate himself into the higher realms of the <b>spirit</b>.<br />
It is this condition, so sadly morbid, into which society has fallen, that <b>religion seeks to improve and transform</b>...<br />
<br />
~ From a letter written on behalf of <b>Shoghi Effendi</b> to an individual believer, 8 December 1935. <b>Lights of Guidance</b>, no. 449, pp. 134-5 <br />
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It would be perhaps impossible to find a nation or people not in a state of crisis today. The materialism, the lack of true religion and the consequent baser forces in human nature which are being released, have brought the whole world to the brink of probably the greatest crisis it has ever faced or will have to face. The Baha'is are a part of the world. They too feel the great pressures which are brought to bear upon all people today, whoever and wherever they may be.<br />
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~ From a letter written on behalf of <b>Shoghi Effendi</b> to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, 19 July 1956. <b>Lights of Guidance</b>, no. 440, p. 131hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-73184564792314778652010-12-18T12:56:00.004+01:002011-01-06T01:29:55.851+01:00Attitude towards oneself and others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfuQ45V53XPfGjXZWX7SWfhm8HpRV5P1JrUbOpNkUlsSTGSrbCulPTbEgA8kbjLWb0UT_NaKQUkmXAhjAV9o1uufXOAy8n89ceKDU6jLj5j9gGa3Qsae_GuyypcRfPJLifw_mjGRwceGV/s1600/Fleur_de_lotus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfuQ45V53XPfGjXZWX7SWfhm8HpRV5P1JrUbOpNkUlsSTGSrbCulPTbEgA8kbjLWb0UT_NaKQUkmXAhjAV9o1uufXOAy8n89ceKDU6jLj5j9gGa3Qsae_GuyypcRfPJLifw_mjGRwceGV/s400/Fleur_de_lotus.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Be very <b>demanding with yourself</b> and expect <b>few from others</b>, thus you will <b>prevent yourself</b> from getting into many <b>troubles</b>. <br />
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~ Confuciushisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-16516924515948749672010-12-10T22:39:00.007+01:002011-04-09T22:27:17.285+02:00Others can raise our spirits or depress us<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5Sa8fG2rX9p8EJi1vgSEZRppzyz9kEQq77smTQdX-EtoF-uElbRu_BfaXjmUkrFzqjPW4jw4cKlPShQxgzcDlrKNKvoQM42aOZODMvhl_4AuAW1fFs5NXVSGFbykpOnw8ciBhe7K_4uA/s1600-h/surf_image07.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5Sa8fG2rX9p8EJi1vgSEZRppzyz9kEQq77smTQdX-EtoF-uElbRu_BfaXjmUkrFzqjPW4jw4cKlPShQxgzcDlrKNKvoQM42aOZODMvhl_4AuAW1fFs5NXVSGFbykpOnw8ciBhe7K_4uA/s400/surf_image07.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338584660348268642" /></a><br />
There are persons with whom we associate and converse whose utterances are <b>life-imparting</b>, <b>joy-giving</b>. The withered and faded are <b>refreshed</b>, the joyless become <b>happy</b>, the extinct become <b>enkindled</b> and the lifeless are <b>quickened</b> with the breaths of the <b>Holy Spirit</b>. The one drowned in the sea of hesitation and doubt is saved by the life-boat of <b>certainty</b> and <b>assurance</b>; the one attached to this material world becomes <b>severed</b> and the one steeped in blameworthy deeds is adorned with <b>praiseworthy attributes</b>. On the other hand there are some persons whose very respiration extinguishes the <b>light of faith</b>; whose conversation weakens <b>firmness</b> and <b>steadfastness</b> in the <b>Cause of God</b>; whose company diverts one's attention from the <b>kingdom of Abha</b>.<br />
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~ Attributed to <b>'Abdu'l-Baha</b>, Fire and Gold, Benefiting from Life's Tests, Brian Kurzius, p.84-85hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-17371214658603919372010-11-04T17:05:00.002+01:002010-11-18T09:07:27.966+01:00The perfect human sentiments and virtues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO1PdAEzJCCoo1a-6wPGjeDWNCPXAtzLGR8GNwn8L2LZ_oBrUVTL3KIBXPWC61RqR3lZiLx5yqBUGpA-67fzUqaENMMGxRDTfqr8B1k9fedzlQWQPn_XvuoF0bSF75gh7P_at41C8CQ7m/s1600/IMG_3357.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO1PdAEzJCCoo1a-6wPGjeDWNCPXAtzLGR8GNwn8L2LZ_oBrUVTL3KIBXPWC61RqR3lZiLx5yqBUGpA-67fzUqaENMMGxRDTfqr8B1k9fedzlQWQPn_XvuoF0bSF75gh7P_at41C8CQ7m/s400/IMG_3357.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535727780252945138" /></a><br />
You live to <span style="font-weight:bold;">do good</span> and to <span style="font-weight:bold;">bring happiness to others</span>.<br />
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~ <span style="font-weight:bold;">'Abdu'l-Baha</span>, Paris Talks, p. 112<br />
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The <b>greatest happiness</b> can only be found in the <b>happiness of others</b>.<br />
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~ <span style="font-weight:bold;">Baha'u'llah</span>, the Divine Art of Livinghisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-29181120850412153532010-10-19T11:02:00.006+02:002011-01-06T01:29:24.799+01:00Inspiring quote from Sir Winston Churchill<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGC3SKuel-HaRmkDFV2wGGQjwiWtSenPeq4vDMc1Zm4Q97WhEf0_SLJtbxxw33xGx6WtTLO2di-IW_l4wEwGYeQOf0rTfycMdsHfbH5iwPvENLzPOvo9fC2ieM8uPRQmNQdNWysiruJmb/s1600/Churchill.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 369px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGC3SKuel-HaRmkDFV2wGGQjwiWtSenPeq4vDMc1Zm4Q97WhEf0_SLJtbxxw33xGx6WtTLO2di-IW_l4wEwGYeQOf0rTfycMdsHfbH5iwPvENLzPOvo9fC2ieM8uPRQmNQdNWysiruJmb/s400/Churchill.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529681083165468786" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">Success</span> consists in going <span style="font-weight:bold;">from chess to chess</span>, without losing one's <span style="font-weight:bold;">enthusiasm</span>.<br />
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~ Sir Winston Churchillhisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-40488523075026481462010-10-04T08:13:00.004+02:002010-10-04T08:20:50.078+02:00Guidances<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaYqXNsSH9ODtH-JBxedJTeehWPtYUKnuretIwST9VNgJ9kl054kGLPClHinoWPCU7kl3YKElaLAEEfeSBAKAcW6sz-xruxOJD6L0HD9cc4hSeg2KK7nMD6T1KrkpPNnvf8HRuTg13OWJ/s1600/Fiji_Sunrise.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaYqXNsSH9ODtH-JBxedJTeehWPtYUKnuretIwST9VNgJ9kl054kGLPClHinoWPCU7kl3YKElaLAEEfeSBAKAcW6sz-xruxOJD6L0HD9cc4hSeg2KK7nMD6T1KrkpPNnvf8HRuTg13OWJ/s400/Fiji_Sunrise.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524071718606785650" /></a><br />Man must always associate with <span style="font-weight:bold;">those from whom he can get light</span>, or be with <span style="font-weight:bold;">those to whom he can give light</span>. He must either <span style="font-weight:bold;">receive</span> or <span style="font-weight:bold;">give instructions</span>. Otherwise, being with people without these two intentions, he is spending his time for nothing, and, by so doing, he is <span style="font-weight:bold;">neither gaining nor causing others to gain</span>.<br /><br />~ <span style="font-weight:bold;">'Abdu'l-Baha</span>, Misc Baha'i, The Diary of Juliet Thompsonhisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-88931788605830427942010-09-27T23:29:00.003+02:002010-09-27T23:45:04.630+02:00Dynamics of prayer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCWC2TIwSIRMhRgPunYJrQOE0JhQEYHcS_YeeQyetuAMLxRQkr46HBwrjyDAG9__kgjnv-PFng_Vktm7XJfetKIeInAFn_nWIJ-cAwdYZyQUJ4hwaCg38ya5Pt88041uQzS_Hn0VRxCno/s1600/Serenity_prayer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCWC2TIwSIRMhRgPunYJrQOE0JhQEYHcS_YeeQyetuAMLxRQkr46HBwrjyDAG9__kgjnv-PFng_Vktm7XJfetKIeInAFn_nWIJ-cAwdYZyQUJ4hwaCg38ya5Pt88041uQzS_Hn0VRxCno/s400/Serenity_prayer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521712575254407826" /></a><br />While in Haifa, the beloved Guardian of the Cause gave to the writer (Mrs Ruth Moffat), the most concise, complete, and effective formula she has ever seen, for the Dynamics of Prayer. After saying to stress the need of <span style="font-weight:bold;">more prayers and meditation among the friends</span>, he said to use these <span style="font-weight:bold;">five steps</span> if we had a <span style="font-weight:bold;">problem</span> of any kind for which we desired a <span style="font-weight:bold;">solution</span> or <span style="font-weight:bold;">wished help</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">First Step</span>. - <span style="font-style:italic;">Pray and meditate about it</span>. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Use the prayers of the Manifestations</span> as they have the <span style="font-weight:bold;">greatest power</span>. <span style="font-style:italic;">Then remain in the silence of contemplation for a few minutes</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Second Step</span>. - <span style="font-style:italic;">Arrive at a decision and hold this</span>. <span style="font-weight:bold;">This decision is usually born during the contemplation</span>. It may seem <span style="font-weight:bold;">almost impossible</span> of accomplishment but if it <span style="font-weight:bold;">seems to be as answer</span> to a prayer or <span style="font-weight:bold;">a way of solving the problem</span>, then <span style="font-style:italic;">immediately take the next step</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Third Step</span>. - Have <span style="font-weight:bold;">determination</span> to carry the decision through.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Many fail here</span>. The decision, budding into determination, is blighted and instead becomes a wish or a vague longing. <span style="font-weight:bold;">When determination is born</span>, <span style="font-style:italic;">immediately take the next step</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fourth Step</span>. - Have <span style="font-weight:bold;">faith and confidence</span> that <span style="font-style:italic;">the power will flow through you</span>, the <span style="font-weight:bold;">right way</span> will appear, the <span style="font-weight:bold;">door will open</span>, the right thought, the right message, the right principle or the <span style="font-weight:bold;">right book</span> will be given you. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Have confidence</span>, and the <span style="font-weight:bold;">right thing</span> will <span style="font-style:italic;">come to your need</span>. Then, <span style="font-weight:bold;">as you rise from prayer</span>, <span style="font-style:italic;">take at once the fifth step</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fifth Step</span>. - Then, he said, lastly, <span style="font-weight:bold;">ACT</span>; <span style="font-style:italic;">Act as though it had all been answered</span>. Then <span style="font-weight:bold;">act with tireless, ceaseless energy</span>. And <span style="font-weight:bold;">as you act, you, yourself, will become a magnet</span>, which <span style="font-style:italic;">will attract more power to your being, until you become an unobstructed channel for the Divine power to flow through you</span>. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Many pray</span> but <span style="font-weight:bold;">do not remain for the last half of the first step</span>. <span style="font-style:italic;">Some who meditate arrive at a decision, but fail to hold it</span>. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Few have the determination to carry the decision through</span>, <span style="font-style:italic;">still fewer have the confidence that the right thing will come to their need</span>. But <span style="font-weight:bold;">how many remember to act as though it had all been answered</span>? <span style="font-style:italic;">How true are those words - "Greater than the prayer is the spirit in which it is uttered" and greater than the way it is uttered is the spirit in which it is carried out</span>.<br /><br />~ Selected Statements and Special Documents Prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly, (Compilations, Principles of Bahai Administration, p. 91)hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-28470174277591483122010-07-16T01:22:00.009+02:002011-01-03T22:03:47.862+01:00Four qualities which the Blessed Beauty [Baha'u'llah] loved to see manifested in people<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP9qWOk00l-MyhbC42RixGde7qGCPAiLmsJWkZmJQAG6LVuV9QBr6DyJp3SkJrvlJjL2NIXt7aFzt_PftfuCkNHRLvjBTcLpTOUuXCx1SrpL5yG9I1CjbgmyixhdUGi6Qnvi64zDADXuj/s1600/fleur.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 381px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP9qWOk00l-MyhbC42RixGde7qGCPAiLmsJWkZmJQAG6LVuV9QBr6DyJp3SkJrvlJjL2NIXt7aFzt_PftfuCkNHRLvjBTcLpTOUuXCx1SrpL5yG9I1CjbgmyixhdUGi6Qnvi64zDADXuj/s400/fleur.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494278547423346306" /></a><br />
The Blessed Beauty [<span style="font-weight:bold;">Bahá’u’lláh</span>] often remarked: <br />
"There are <span style="font-weight:bold;">four qualities</span> which I love to see manifested in people: <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">first</span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">enthusiasm</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">courage</span>; <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">second</span>, a face wreathed in <span style="font-weight:bold;">smiles</span> and a <span style="font-weight:bold;">radiant countenance</span>; <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">third</span>, that they see with their <span style="font-weight:bold;">own eyes</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">not through the eyes of others</span>; <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;">fourth</span>, the <span style="font-weight:bold;">ability</span> to <span style="font-weight:bold;">carry a task</span> once begun, through to its <span style="font-weight:bold;">end</span>."<br />
<br />
~ Stories of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Bahá'u'lláh</span>, Furútan, `Alí-Akbar (editor), 1986hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-39620220853666277172010-07-10T17:36:00.003+02:002010-07-10T17:51:44.666+02:00Spirituality: the best religion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwn-iszXEMgih3vP4-dLorakYV3lTcTRdZ4sgv6UZypC88xj1qjSHtWp-iKq_SYT6yD_2EiImNflHX2X9wYUvpFL0c3HzIeQOWXtBwx_MmhHpF8q0xGnAqXCPXhbZJU0JjU8n7TZQ-1CY/s1600/buddhism6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwn-iszXEMgih3vP4-dLorakYV3lTcTRdZ4sgv6UZypC88xj1qjSHtWp-iKq_SYT6yD_2EiImNflHX2X9wYUvpFL0c3HzIeQOWXtBwx_MmhHpF8q0xGnAqXCPXhbZJU0JjU8n7TZQ-1CY/s400/buddhism6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492304268284190290" /></a><br />The best religion is the one that gets you <span style="font-weight:bold;">closest to God</span>. It is the one that makes you a <span style="font-weight:bold;">better person</span>.<br /><br />Whatever makes you<br />more compassionate,<br />more sensible,<br />more detached,<br />more loving,<br />more humanitarian,<br />more responsible,<br />more ethical.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The religion that will do that for you is the best religion</span>.<br /><br />I am not interested, my friend, about your religion or if you are religious or not.<br /><br />What really is important to me is your behavior towards your peers, family, work, community, and towards the world.<br /><br />Remember, <span style="font-weight:bold;">the universe is the echo of our actions and our thoughts</span>.<br /><br />The law of <span style="font-weight:bold;">action and reaction</span> is not exclusively for <span style="font-weight:bold;">Physics</span>. It is also of <span style="font-weight:bold;">human relations</span>.<br /><br />If <span style="font-weight:bold;">I act with goodness, I will receive goodness</span>.<br />If <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">I act with evil, I will get evil</span></span>.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">You will have what you desire for others</span>.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Being happy is not a matter of destiny.<br />It is a matter of options</span></span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Take care of your thoughts</span> because they become <span style="font-weight:bold;">words</span>.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Take care of your words</span> because they become <span style="font-weight:bold;">actions</span>.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Take care of your actions</span> because they become <span style="font-weight:bold;">habits</span>.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Take care of your habits</span> because they will form your <span style="font-weight:bold;">character</span>.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Take care of your character</span> because it will form your <span style="font-weight:bold;">destiny</span>,<br />and <span style="font-weight:bold;">your destiny will be your life</span>.<br /><br />...and...<br /><br />There is <span style="font-weight:bold;">no religion higher than</span> the <span style="font-weight:bold;">truth</span>.<br /><br />~ Adapted from an interview to the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Dalai Lama</span>hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-66177547335592568162010-05-13T21:46:00.005+02:002010-05-13T21:56:57.394+02:00Happiness and serenity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F8SRffUY4IP7aIkNTDS6VWA4aWDz_TMaiNxYp6Co67ENs2pKhUPDDotxy3HZqfSIOQNRxO-VgKB4Ev6b9asKF5PkXw560aXARy5I2uTSza08GFmkkFCgjFuY7QCbCJKxSkQeFeRboFB6/s1600/image02929.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1F8SRffUY4IP7aIkNTDS6VWA4aWDz_TMaiNxYp6Co67ENs2pKhUPDDotxy3HZqfSIOQNRxO-VgKB4Ev6b9asKF5PkXw560aXARy5I2uTSza08GFmkkFCgjFuY7QCbCJKxSkQeFeRboFB6/s400/image02929.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470845402701053538" /></a><br />When you are <span style="font-weight:bold;">content to be simply yourself</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">don't compare</span> or <span style="font-weight:bold;">compete</span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">everybody will respect you</span>.<br />~ Lao Tzu<br /><br />Once <span style="font-weight:bold;">Buddha</span> was walking from one town to another town with a few of his followers. This was in the initial days. While they were traveling, they happened to pass a lake. They stopped there and <span style="font-weight:bold;">Buddha</span> told one of his disciples, "I am thirsty. Do get me some water from that lake there."<br /><br />The disciple walked up to the lake. When he reached it, he noticed that right at that moment, a bullock cart started crossing through the lake. As a result, the water became very muddy, very turbid. The disciple thought, "How can I give this muddy water to <span style="font-weight:bold;">Buddha</span> to drink!"<br /><br />So he came back and told <span style="font-weight:bold;">Buddha</span>, "The water in there is very muddy. I don't think it is fit to drink." After about half an hour, again <span style="font-weight:bold;">Buddha</span> asked the same disciple to go back to the lake and get him some water to drink. The disciple obediently went back to the lake.<br /><br />This time too he found that the lake was muddy. He returned and informed <span style="font-weight:bold;">Buddha</span> about the same. After sometime, again <span style="font-weight:bold;">Buddha</span> asked the same disciple to go back. The disciple reached the lake to find the lake absolutely clean and clear with pure water in it. The mud had settled down and the water above it looked fit to be had. So he collected some water in a pot and brought it to Buddha.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Buddha</span> looked at the water, and then he looked up at the disciple and said," See what you did to make the water clean. <span style="font-weight:bold;">You let it be</span>... and the mud settled down on its own - and you got clear water. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Your mind is also like that! When it is disturbed, just let it be</span>. Give it a little time. It will settle down on its own. <span style="font-weight:bold;">You don't have to put in any effort to calm it down</span>. It will <span style="font-weight:bold;">happen</span>. It is <span style="font-weight:bold;">effortless</span>. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mind precedes its objects</span>. They are mind-governed and mind-made. <span style="font-weight:bold;">To speak or act with a peaceful mind</span>, is to <span style="font-weight:bold;">draw happiness after oneself</span>, like an inseparable shadow.<br /><br />~ <span style="font-weight:bold;">Buddhist, Dhammapada</span> - Sayings of the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Buddha</span> 1 (tr. J. Richards)hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-38675187937587559102010-04-30T00:38:00.006+02:002010-05-13T21:59:43.344+02:00Conquer yourself<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL5uoobwNlWwbUZ_FLpHNdLguZDGcNnt3NuB4U6cfAN3-XM3ULIqeJKP2svIp6ZlXjnku2mbbTvvykBLf-iX1mMlC57E-mCw1p2ODTeava2JrCxA_sKZksgGJuJd3BRiVUM35JuKCbfbH/s1600/image03042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL5uoobwNlWwbUZ_FLpHNdLguZDGcNnt3NuB4U6cfAN3-XM3ULIqeJKP2svIp6ZlXjnku2mbbTvvykBLf-iX1mMlC57E-mCw1p2ODTeava2JrCxA_sKZksgGJuJd3BRiVUM35JuKCbfbH/s400/image03042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465696262885836978" /></a><br />"<span style="font-weight:bold;">Shoghi Effendi</span> was a very remarkable young man, and of course he just worshipped <span style="font-weight:bold;">'Abdu'l-Baha</span>. And when <span style="font-weight:bold;">'Abdu'l-Baha</span> pass away, the whole world became dark for him. All light had gone out. When he returned to the Holy Land, he had in mind, from the things which <span style="font-weight:bold;">'Abdu'l-Baha</span> had said to him and I am now telling you what he said he said, 'I had in mind that <span style="font-weight:bold;">'Abdu'l-Baha</span> would give me the honor of calling together the great conclave which would elect the Universal House of Justice. And I thought in His Will and Testament that that was probably what He was instructing be done.'<br /><br />"'But,' he said, 'instead of that I found that I was appointed the Guardian of the Cause of God I didn't want to be the Guardian of the Cause. [In the] first place, <span style="font-weight:bold;">I didn't think that I was worthy</span>. Next place, I didn't want to face these responsibilities I didn't want to be the Guardian. I knew what it meant. I knew that my life as a human being was over.' He said, '<span style="font-weight:bold;">I didn't want it and I didn't want to face it</span>.'<br /><br />"'So remember I left the Holy Land, and I went up into the mountains of Switzerland, and <span style="font-weight:bold;">I fought with myself until I conquered myself</span>. Then I came back and I turned myself over to God and I was the Guardian.' 'Now,' he said, '<span style="font-weight:bold;">every Baha'i in the world, every person in the world has to do exactly that same thing</span>. Whether you are a Hand of the Cause, whether you are a Knight of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Baha'u'llah</span>, whether you are a member of a National Assembly, whether you are a teacher, whether you are a pioneer, whether you are an administrator, regardless of what you are, whatever you are doing in the Cause, <span style="font-weight:bold;">every Baha'i must fight with himself and conquer himself</span>. And when he has conquered himself, then <span style="font-weight:bold;">he becomes a true instrument for the service of the Cause of God</span> and not until that. And <span style="font-weight:bold;">he will not achieve as great a success until he has done it</span>. And this is what every Baha'i in the world should know.'<br /><br />"And this is one of the main things I want you to get out of this talk tonight and bear out of this talk: the Guardian's instructions that <span style="font-weight:bold;">every individual must fight with himself, must conquer himself, must overcome his lower nature, must overcome himself, and turn himself over to God</span> so that the Holy Spirit can function through you. And <span style="font-weight:bold;">when the Holy Spirit functions through you then you will gain victory after victory</span>. Because <span style="font-weight:bold;">the Holy Spirit is the creative aspect of God and it cannot do other than win victories and make successes for the Cause</span>."<br /><br />~ From a talk given by Hand of the Cause of God Leroy Ioas, In the Days of the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Guardian</span>hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-63191862282552291172010-03-14T19:58:00.004+01:002010-03-14T20:49:18.741+01:00What is Love ?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguE2YSQsEDFELX9SZETvCAspGnu2lNZF57qblKrPpVkibfqfUX3LV4I0vYQuXfKhQFcGUYlqW9kmnmNCyUH5zclKQiTeZRwcCCUBPiqwjsmX4w6o8cqpO5PWufoYHe8VojpCkA2iD0Gk5U/s1600-h/LOVE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguE2YSQsEDFELX9SZETvCAspGnu2lNZF57qblKrPpVkibfqfUX3LV4I0vYQuXfKhQFcGUYlqW9kmnmNCyUH5zclKQiTeZRwcCCUBPiqwjsmX4w6o8cqpO5PWufoYHe8VojpCkA2iD0Gk5U/s400/LOVE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448578643787545586" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">mystery of divine revelations</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">effulgent manifestation</span>!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">spiritual fulfillment</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">light of the Kingdom</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">breath of the Holy Spirit inspired into the human spirit</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">cause of the manifestation of the Truth (God) in the phenomenal world</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">necessary tie proceeding from the realities of things through divine creation</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">means of the most great happiness in both the material and spiritual worlds</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is a <span style="font-weight:bold;">light of guidance in the dark night</span>!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Love</span> is a <span style="font-weight:bold;">bond between the Creator and the creature in the inner world</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">cause of development to every enlightened man</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">greatest law in this vast universe of God</span>!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">one law which causeth and controlleth order among the existing atoms</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">universal magnetic power between the planets and stars shining in the lofty firmament</span>!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">cause of unfoldment to a searching mind, of the secrets deposited in the universe by the Infinite</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">spirit of life in the bountiful body of the world</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">cause of the civilization of nations in this mortal world</span>!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Love</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">highest honor to every righteous nation</span>!<br /><br />~ <span style="font-weight:bold;">Abdu'l-Baha</span>, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v3, p. 526hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410113356015155950.post-62710668859799780642010-02-21T16:16:00.005+01:002010-02-24T23:08:59.225+01:00What is the purpose of religion ?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKWStKneUoAimxf6UVrQO37vg3VClVPi_nzhnvISJ5ZYXQUwnKcOZrMQNV72cWeh9xDnnZQffxxkKlxO2DINku-VzqhTDQlzSvz8LhxeKHfcH9PzCbiXS1WUfPQPdecjaRf3l5fEvjspb/s1600-h/religion-symbols.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKWStKneUoAimxf6UVrQO37vg3VClVPi_nzhnvISJ5ZYXQUwnKcOZrMQNV72cWeh9xDnnZQffxxkKlxO2DINku-VzqhTDQlzSvz8LhxeKHfcH9PzCbiXS1WUfPQPdecjaRf3l5fEvjspb/s400/religion-symbols.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440718705797410594" /></a><br />"Alas that humanity is completely submerged in imitations and unrealities, notwithstanding that the truth of divine religion has ever remained the same. Superstitions have obscured the fundamental reality, the world is darkened ... rites and dogmas are many and various; therefore, discord has arisen among the religious systems, whereas religion is for the unification of mankind. <span style="font-weight:bold;">True religion</span> is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">source of love</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">agreement amongst men</span> ... but the people are holding to the counterfeit and imitations ... Therefore, the realm of the religionist has gradually narrowed and darkened, and the sphere of the materialist has widened and advanced; for the religionist has held to imitation and counterfeit, neglecting and discarding holiness and the sacred reality of religion. When the sun sets, it is the time for bats to fly. They come forth because they are creatures of the night. When the lights of religion become darkened, the materialists appear. They are the bats of night. The decline of religion is their time of activity; they seek the shadows when the world is darkened and clouds have spread over it."<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">'Abdu'l-Baha</span>, 'Promulgation of World Peace', pp. 179-80<br /> <br /> <br />"People think religion is confined to an edifice, to be worshipped at an altar. In reality it is an attitude toward divinity which is reflected through life. The confirmations of the Spirit come to that man or woman who accepts his life with radiant acquiescence. Release comes by making of the will a door through which the confirmations of the Spirit come. By religion we mean those necessary bonds which unify the world of humanity. This has ever been the essence of religion, for this object have all the Manifestations come to the world. Alas! that the leaders of religion afterwards have abandoned this solid foundation and have fabricated a set of blind dogmas and rituals which are at complete variance with the foundation of divine religion."<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">'Abdu'l-Baha</span>, 'Baha'i Scriptures', p.438<br /> <br /> <br />"Universal benefits derive from the <span style="font-weight:bold;">grace of the Divine religions</span>, for they lead their <span style="font-weight:bold;">true followers</span> to <span style="font-weight:bold;">sincerity of intent</span>, to <span style="font-weight:bold;">high purpose</span>, to <span style="font-weight:bold;">purity</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">spotless honour</span>, to <span style="font-weight:bold;">surpassing kindness</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">compassion</span>, to the keeping of their covenanted, to <span style="font-weight:bold;">concern</span> for the <span style="font-weight:bold;">rights of others</span>, to <span style="font-weight:bold;">liberality</span>, to <span style="font-weight:bold;">justice</span> in every aspect of life, to <span style="font-weight:bold;">humanity</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">philanthropy</span>, to valour and to <span style="font-weight:bold;">unflagging efforts</span> in the <span style="font-weight:bold;">service of mankind</span>."<br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">'Abdu'l-Baha</span>, 'Secret of Divine Civilization', p. 98hisokahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16004723843360627120noreply@blogger.com2