I can't bring peace to the world till you change, and I can't help you change until you hear what I have to say and then decide to follow, or not follow me. There were some who asked, where does that leave me and my religion, and I said that I welcomed everyone as worthy of God's love, but in the end people would have to give up their material identity, which only got in the way of their spiritual identity. They would have to turn against what they were taught, and find a pure way. If what they believed gave them peace then they should follow that, but if it did not, and their questions remained unanswered, they must leave, and follow me.
There were some who, no matter what I showed them, could not believe, could not have faith, and could not make the final step of following me. I wished them well, and let them go. Whatever happened then was their own karma. But those who did believe!
There was a young man who visited us last year, and was doing poorly at academics. His parents worried he'd end up in technical school. We had this one talk and somehow I made a connection; he now gets A's.
A woman dying of liver disease: within two days of talking of me she received news of a rare liver transplant. She no longer has any signs of Hepatitis C.
There was another who couldn't, wouldn't understand, even though he received ample proof of what I said. He entered into a disastrous marriage, but that was his karma.
And the number of people who over and over again were afraid they would lose everything, their homes, lives, health, even disability benefits: All they had to do was ask, and somehow, miracles happened. I did this not because I could or to prove anything, but out of love. And because they showed faith and trust.
I don't take away or bring your karma. You do, through your actions or inaction, which has its own ego stubbornness I find.
We are coming to the end of an age, as a new Spiritual Age dawns. And those who are most sensitive and gifted are the ones who feel it keenly. I can help you. I may not change your circumstances, but I can take away the power of circumstances to hold you.You will see many things to fear in the time to come, in the economy, the war, and all I can say to you, is, do not fear. You will be well, you will all see wonderful things. But the one requirement of all of you is to have faith.
I write this to the one person, who, out of balance and not imbalance, will leap into the unknown and follow me, and I look forward to meeting you one day.
The next four years will be the greatest journey of all. Some say that Death is the greatest journey, but really, beyond death, is God. And the greatest journey is the one to discover God. And as the Sufi poet said, I am the beautiful friend.
8 comments:
I am the beautiful friend.
I like that — "I am the beautiful friend" — and I have enjoyed reading your articles. They provide much food for thought. Your style, too, it seems to me, has taken on an added simplicity and clarity.
God bless.
I must apologize for saying "God Bless." This is now deemed politically incorrect in my part of the world.
Did you know that public sector workers in Britain are now severely punished for saying "God bless" to their clients, e.g., a nurse to a dying patient or a teacher to his/her pupil?
Even mentioning the word 'God' in public is strictly verboten; we academics have received stern directives from our Masters to keep this inflammatory word out of our conversation at all times! Grim situation, no?
"They would have to turn against what they were taught, and find a pure way."
Purity is the goal, for without purity God cannot be seen. Thus: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall SEE God.
Here's a short poem of Rumi's about purity:
"It is your turn now.
You waited, you were patient.
The time has come
For us to polish you.
We will transform
Your inner pearl
Into a house of fire.
You're a gold mine.
Did you know that?
A gold mine hidden
In the dirt of the earth?
It is your turn now
To be placed in the fire.
Let us burn, burn away
Your impurities!
We haven't had time to read and reflect on your two other recently posted articles, but will do so when we have a spare moment. God bless. Ooops, shouldn't have said that!
It's ok to say whatever you wish, on THIS blog :)
And, the inner heart IS pure.
I remember now that I promised to come back - a lot actually - to help God and people. I knew as a small child that one day I would find you and that would be such a wonderful day. As it happened it was a wonderful experience that began about 10 years ago. By finding you I also found my dear old friends who I was missing in this life. Now I feel so complete and just ready to do whatever it takes to be healthy, to help people that want it, and in doing this help you and your family as well in whatever way I can. It is only when I find you and remember you that I finally feel peace again and also feel contented knowing I have your support. Thanks for everything. Much love, Chaieomie, Desciple:)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Whither Islam?
Have just read the second article in your trilogy and I can hardy restrain my admiration. This is brilliant. Very clearly written, easy to understand therefore, and packed with good points.
I could comment on each thought-provoking point until Judgement Day, but I won't — I'll spare you the tedium of having to read my platitudes.
I have flirted with Islam myself, as I have flirted with Hinduism and Buddhism, but in the end I returned to Christianity. This is because a still, small voice told me that the religion one is born into is the religion one should follow. Karma brought one to this religion, whatever it is, and therefore it must suffice.
I am one of those people who is constantly castigated for NOT saying my own religion is superior to all others. It is superior only for ME. Not necessarily for Ali or Krishna or Cheng.
I really did give Islam a try. I read the Quran daily and kept to the Five Pillars. But three things deterred me personally from embracing the faith: (1)Its relatively unsophisticated philosophical basis, compared to Hinduism and Buddhism, and its accent on ritual and dogma; (2) the constant references to Hell in the Quran, together with its intimidatory tone (far more references to Hell than to Heaven, and far more emphasis on punishment and eternal damnation than anything you can find in the other major religions); (3) its insistence that Christ is simply a prophet, on a par with Mohammed and with the avatars of the past — such as Krishna, Buddha and Mahavira.
As a Christian I believe in the uniqueness of Christ. To me, he represents the Logos: the principle of order in the universe. And his mother Mary is a symbol of Magna Mater, the Great Mother or the Female Principle.
Of course, Vedanta looks at all these things in another way. All is One, Brahman, and we are all dream shadows in the universal mind. Such an idea is truly enthralling, and I certainly do not reject it as a humble Christian.
I hope you don't mind me returning to your site. If ever I become an embarrassment, please tell me to go.
Thanks, Xanadu, and you and your sister will always be welcome.
I did edit the Whither Islam article because there was so much more I'd wanted to say, please look at it again. All the best, and to my Muslim readers too.
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