Posts Tagged ‘peace’

09
Feb
2016

I know how to heal the world. I’ve known for 40 years.

categories: Social Transformation, Society & Culture, Spirituality & Religion
I know how to heal the world. I’ve known for 40 years. It’s simple but I don’t know if we’ll do it. I don’t know if it’s possible since it seems we prefer being sick, wounded, hungry and angry. I’m not giving up though.

Here’s a bit of backstory.

Rama_Sita_and_Lakshman_at_the_Rishi_Bharadwaj_ashram_dispersed_Ramayana_manuscript_ca._1780-1

Forty years ago, I was living in an ashram in India. One morning around 5:30, I walked out of the kitchen where I had been cleaning and cutting fruits and vegetables for the communal lunch. The sun was just rising above mountain ridge across the valley. Entering the main courtyard, I decided to sit for a while on a concrete planter that enclosed several coconut trees. I fell very silent.

We might normally associate silence with not talking, or the absence of noise or the atmosphere in a forest. It’s all these but it’s also more. Silence is a syrup—a very delicate syrup—that mysteriously yet palpably flows through all living things everywhere, through all of existence. It’s a quantum level sap that gives life to all things everywhere. We might call it prana (breath) or shakti (primordial life force). (more…)

16
Sep
2014

President Obama’s Magic Show

categories: Politics & Government, Society & Culture

In the same way we need to dig for the truth of our own self through self-inquiry and other means, we need to dig for the truth behind political speeches and media headlines through investigative journalism.

It is my view that most, nearly but not quite all, politicians and bureaucrats do not tell the truth.

I do not believe anything they say. I see them as Penn & Teller wannabees, or better-dressed versions of the street-wise David Blaine, wonderful magicians whose sleight of hand prowess and psychological misdirection fool us not once, not twice—but every single time!

I watched President Obama give his speech about going to war with ISIL (or ISIS or Islamic State) in order to degrade and destroy them. (more…)

12
Sep
2014

9/11 is Groundhog Day

categories: Social Transformation

Three days after 9/11, I wrote an 8,000 word article entitled “A Call for Peace.” More than a decade later, I feel my words are as relevant and timely as then — maybe more so. I am posting an edited version of that original piece, as the entire article is too long for blog posting. I have not changed a word. Much in the world has darkened in these past few years; my sentiments remain true for me, my heart is the same, my call for peace as necessary.

Since the shattering morning of September 11th, we have all tried in our own ways to understand: How could this happen here? Who did this? What do we do?

I would like to speak to these questions, even with the knowledge that my words can neither encompass nor illuminate the whole truth of recent events. My prayer and intent is that these words may contribute in some measure to a healing of wounded hearts, to a search for truth, and, most of all, to a resolve for nonviolent action. (more…)

27
Jul
2014

An Invocation

categories: Art, Music & Literature, Spirituality & Religion

Dedicated to the People of the Earth

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 Where there is suffering and pain,

May there be healing and ease.

Where there is anger and oppression,

May there be forgiveness and freedom.

Where there is hatred and violence,

May there be peace and compassion.

Where there is poverty and sorrow,

May there be abundance and joy.

Where there is ignorance,

May there be wisdom.

Where there is fear,

May there be love.

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