As we begin a new year, it is disturbing to take in all the terror and violence and injustice in the world. Sometimes it seems that we are so very lost as a human family. Distracted. Off our course. We are breaking the rules. Forgetting what we are here do discover in one another and with one another. Yet, across the ages, if we would just listen, the wisdom of peace continues its conversation with us ---- the how-to-do-it is clear. Just a small sampling, sets our direction, reflects the beauty of our differences and affirms the common ground upon which we walk. Hold this vision...
Baha'i:
Blessed is he who preferreth his brother before himself.
Christianity:
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. ...Love thy neighbor.
Islam:
"Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart..."
----Qur'an - Hadith in al-Bukhari
Taoism
"Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain and your neighbor's loss as your own loss." ---- T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien
Judaism:
What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary." ----The Talmud
Confucianism:
"Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not unto others that your would not have them do unto you." ----The Analects 15, 23
Hinduism:
"This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you."
The Mahabharata, 5, 1517
Buddhism:
Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful."
----The Udana-Varga, 5, 18
Zoroastrianism:
"That nature alone is good which refrains from doing unto another whatsoever is not good for itself."
Dadistan-I-Dinik, 94, 5
It is easy to get discouraged with all that is going on in the world --- or maybe all around YOU. In a cherished book by Emmet Fox, scientist, philosopher and spiritual (1886-1951), he reminds us of the promise that "...miracles always all happen if you believe them to be possible" and call upon the Power of that belief.
In a more recent reminder, inspired by the teachings of Viktor Frankl, Dr. Alex Pattakos, author of Prisoners of Our Thoughts shared his perspective about having a positive outlook in a recent podcast interview I did with with him entitled The Meaning Difference. It really hit home. He said,
"I know the one thing that resonates with me that has kept me going and has kept me very close to the line to Frankl's ideologies, his approach, his maintaining a positive outlook on my personal life as well as, as much as possible, personal—a positive outlook on what's going on around me, I mean, I—and try to stay in the moment, remember to do that, challenging yes, but I certainly has been much more helpful. I tell people that are negative, I say look, if you can prove to me, but your negativity, you are worrying your attacks, will in fact prove that it will bring my life you know, and everybody else's life to a higher plane, then I will start worrying too. But, if I can't find solutions in that, you know, then I would rather take my positive outlook as my approach." Listen to the podcast.
There are many positive things happening in the middle of all the dispair Perhaps, they are signs of a great awakening among all the world's people. Hold that vision! Imagine YOU + ME X many.
Your thoughts?
Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Visit the Global Dialogue Center. Bring your ideas and imagine what we can do together!
The agitation for a \"Sovereign State of Biafra is an indication that all is not well with Nigeria. Punishing and Persecuting the members of MASSOB is only making them matyrs and saints of a noble cause. The powers that be cannot wish Biafra away. In all fairness, that may infact be a better option for the peoples of the former Eastern Region. History has proved Ojukwu right. History will prove Uwazuruike and others right. International community should act now the Igbos are wasting away in Nigeria, all we want is Biafra
Posted by: Nnamdi Ukah | Wednesday, July 05, 2006 at 07:34 AM